The latest technology is often times associated with tech-savvy youth, but senior citizens can benefit greatly from a range of gadgets, apps and other consumer electronic devices too. In fact, there is a growing market for these kinds of technological advances that can improve the quality of life for older individuals.
Evermind
Many adults are understandably concerned about the wellbeing of their senior parents, but logistics prevent them from checking on their parents every hour to ensure they are still doing fine. A far less invasive option is the system offered by Evermind. The device plugs into a power outlet and acts as a pass-through with its own outlet. The Evermind then tracks when the connected device turns on or off, serving as a 'check-in' to know everything is okay, even when you cannot stop by or call. Common usage cases may include the coffee machine and the living room television.
Key Features:
- No home Internet connection needed
- Each Evermind kit contains three sensors
- Text or email notifications
- Evermind website for greater insight into activity patterns
Cost:
- The Evermind kit itself is $199.00 and monthly service is $29.00 with no long-term contract.
Jitterbug5
Modern smartphones can be overwhelming for older people who aren't as comfortable or familiar with technology. At the same time, cellphones can provide an invaluable lifeline of communication between loved ones. Bridging the gap is the senior-oriented Jitterbug5 mobile phone from GreatCall. It is a simple flip phone with some key usability and safety features.
Key Features:
- Larger buttons with larger numbers, as well as a simplified user interface with larger fonts and easier navigation
- Dedicated 5Star button for quick access to emergency help with an NAED Certified 4Star Agent
- Enhanced speaker for clearer conversations
- A battery that lasts up to 25 days
Cost:
The Jitterbug5 is $99.00 and cellphone plans, including the 5Star Service, start at $14.99/month.
Liftware
Conditions like arthritis and Parkinson's Disease can leave many older individuals with shakier hands. This can result in some difficulty and frustration eating the foods that they love. The Liftware spoon aims to steady those tremors, helping seniors spill less of their food and more easily enjoy their meals.
Key Features:
- Built-in sensors detect hand tremors and stabilize accordingly
- 70% tremor cancellation in clinical trials
- Attachments will expand beyond the spoon to include other utensils
- Rechargeable battery last several days on a single charge
Cost:
The Liftware Stabilizer with the everyday spoon attachment sells for $295.00.
MedMinder
Remembering to take daily medications can be quite the chore, especially when there are multiple doses that are due throughout the day. The pill dispensers from MedMinder offer a more technologically-advanced alternative to standard pill dispensers. They feature a total of 28 compartments for a 7-day period and they are designed to provide up to three stages of patient reminders.
Key Features:
- The corresponding compartment flashes when the medication it contains is due to be taken
- If the cup is not removed, the pill dispenser will emit an auditory prompt
- Optional automatic phone calls, text messages and emails for further patient reminders
- No need for a computer or local Internet access to configure
Cost:
The Maya Pill Dispenser from MedMinder is $39.99 per month, while the locking Jon Pill Dispenser is $59.99 per month.
Pix-Star
Grandparents love nothing more than to look at the latest photos of their beloved grandchildren and other family members. Regular printed photos can be troublesome to send when loved ones are in different parts of the country or world. A simplified digital photo frame is the one offered by Pix-Star. It is a social photo frame that connects to Facebook and Instagram accounts to instantly display the latest pictures.
Key Features:
- Complete remote management via the Internet
- Connects to multiple social media accounts like Facebook and Instagram
- Grandparents can leave comments directly from the touchscreen
- Supports video, as well as pictures
Cost:
The frame runs about $160 at Amazon.
Life Alert
Best known for its famous "I've fallen and I can't get up" TV commercials, Life Alert is one of the most popular senior medical alert systems on the market today. Users simply press on the button in the event of a fall, fire, poisoning, home invasion or other emergency situation. Emergency help can then be dispatched as quickly as possible, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Key Features:
- Protection for medical emergencies, fire protection and other events
- Waterproof and wireless pendant communicates with the home base unit
- Operators can dispatch paramedics, the fire department, friends and relatives, or the police department
- Integrated fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide protection service
Cost:
Monthly monitoring packages start at $29.95 and range up to $59.95. Initial equipment and installation costs range from $95.00 to $295.00.
HeartWise
Heart disease and hypertension are two of the most common concerns among the aging population. It is important to keep track of all those readings in order to maintain the best health possible. A great app for the iPhone is the HeartWise Blood Pressure Tracker by SwEng LLC. The valuable statistics and charts serve as invaluable information for users and health professionals alike.
Key Features:
- Records systolic/diastolic blood pressure, resting heart rate and weight
- Calculates mean arterial pressure, pulse pressure and body mass index
- Generates clear charts for easy data visualization
- Data can be exported in spreadsheet format or as plain text
Cost:
The HeartWise app is $0.99 via the iTunes App Store.
EyeReader
Reading the fine print on restaurant menus, ingredient labels and daily newspapers can be challenging for those with vision difficulties. The EyeReader app for iOS makes reading much easier by acting as a digital magnifier.
Key Features:
- Magnifies text from the iPhone camera onto the smartphone's display
- Utilizes the LED light for reading in low light conditions
- Save pictures of the screen by tapping on the display twice
- Zoom function for adjusting the level of magnification
Cost:
The EyeReader app costs $1.99.
Technology for Better Health and Greater Independence
Whether the senior is living in their own home, at a full-time nursing home or at an assisted living facility, he or she can benefit greatly by the various products and apps developed for the consumer market. These products can improve quality of life, provide a much-needed sense of safety, and empower the elderly to live more independently.
