03 November 2023

Technology that can make life easier

Over the last few decades, it has become apparent that modern technology is at the forefront of most people’s lives. With technology being incorporated into our everyday routine, it can be hard to imagine what life was like without it.

As we get older, different types of technology can make life just that little bit easier. In this article, we have looked at some of the best types of technology that can keep you safe and help with everyday activities.

Mobile phone apps

Mobile phone apps offer many benefits to older people, enhancing their daily lives in numerous ways. Firstly, health and well-being apps provide easy access to fitness routines, medication reminders, and health monitoring tools, empowering older people to manage their health independently from their mobile devices.

Social networking apps bridge generational gaps, connecting people with friends and family, thereby reducing isolation and fostering a sense of community.

Additionally, entertainment apps offer a plethora of options, from audiobooks to games, catering to every type of interest and providing a source of leisure. Utility apps simplify tasks such as banking, food shopping, and communication, streamlining daily activities.

Mobile phone apps are invaluable tools, promoting independence, connectivity, and overall well-being among older people. Below, we have highlighted some of the apps best suited to the older generation.

READ MORE: How to stay safe on the internet

Medication reminder apps

As we grow older, we can often be faced with having to take regular medication, and this can often get confusing due to there being different doses and knowing when they need to be taken.

One way a smartphone can help is to set medication reminders for each type you have to take. When set, you will get a notification telling you it is time to take your medication and what type, which can be an incredibly useful tool when taking multiple types.

READ MORE: How to manage persistent pain

Apps to help with sight

Smartphones can be an excellent tool as we age and can assist with everyday tasks that we once found easy. For example, if you struggle with your eyesight, voice assistants can be extremely helpful when it comes to reading out text messages and emails, but there is also a particular app which can make seeing things a little easier.

If you have trouble reading labels, telling colours apart, or need help with anything you can't see, Be My Eyes connects you with volunteers who can help. These volunteers use video calls to assist you in real time, and it’s like having a friend on the phone to help with being able to help with reading things. The app is easy to use, and the volunteers, called "sighted helpers," are there to lend a hand and make life easier for you, making it a fantastic way to connect with others and get help when needed.

Smartwatches

Smartwatches offer numerous advantages for older individuals, enhancing both convenience and well-being. With these devices being more than timekeepers, they often include features like health tracking, allowing seniors to monitor their physical activity, heart rate and even receive medication reminders.

Additionally, emergency response features, such as fall detection and SOS calling, provide a sense of security, alerting loved ones or emergency services in case of accidents. These types of technology emerge as valuable companions for older adults, combining health monitoring, safety features, and communication tools in a user-friendly and accessible device.

Fall detection

Many smartwatches, such as the Apple Watch, have a fall-detection option that can be turned on so that if anyone falls, it can automatically call your emergency contact or emergency services for help.

READ MORE: What is a mobility aid?

Health trackers

Many choose to purchase a smartwatch mainly due to the health tracking aspect, where you can track workouts. However, there are many other ways smartwatches can help to assist your health in some beneficial ways. With heart rate trackers, you can easily monitor your heart rate, obtain on-demand blood oxygen readings and much more.

Food Delivery

As we get older, we may find it hard to do the things we once did with ease, such as doing our food shop. However, with technology, you no longer need to trek to the shop; you can order everything you need from the supermarket using a phone or computer and have it delivered straight to your door. Whether you feel like you can do it yourself, need help from a family member to do this, it is a great way to take off the pressure of leaving the house and can save time.

Home safety

One of the main technological advances is how far home security and safety have come within the last decade. These types of technologies are beneficial for the older generation and can give you peace of mind.

Smart doorbell

A smart doorbell is an invaluable technology for older individuals by addressing specific needs and concerns associated with home security and convenience. The ability to see and communicate with visitors at the door through a smartphone or tablet relieves the need to approach the door physically, as many of them are wirelessly connected, enhancing safety and minimising the risk of unexpected situations. The built-in cameras and motion sensors provide an extra layer of security, allowing older residents to monitor their surroundings in real-time, even when they are not physically at the door.

Home mobility devices

One of the most incredible technological advances for the older generation is how far home mobility has come. This has brought a way for people facing mobility issues to continue to live as they did before but with an extra helping hand.

Stairlifts are incredibly useful for those who want to keep their independence and come a long way since they were first invented. They are essential for those who struggle to get from one floor to the other in their home. This takes all the pressure off having to manoeuvre the stairs and brings a new feeling of independence.

For more information on the stairlifts we offer, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and for more guides, please take a look at the rest of our blog.