Many of us avoid technology as we get older, but there are many gadgets and apps that can be incredibly useful for those with senior health conditions. This post lists a few ways in which technology can help treat senior health conditions.
Overcoming mobility issues
There are so many ways in which technology can help when it comes to mobility issues. If you have trouble walking, it could be worth considering some of the following tech.
The first is of course mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs. If walking everywhere has become a tiring, challenging and slow process, it could be time to start using one of these devices. You could find that getting around becomes a lot less exhausting and a lot faster. Mobility scooters tend to be better suited for outdoor use, while electric wheelchairs can be used indoors or outdoors. There are so many different models on the market.
It’s often worth reading electric wheelchair reviews and talking to experts to help you find the right one.
Another form of technology that can help with mobility issues is smart technology or IoT technology. This allows you to control various aspects of your home such as heating, lighting or electrical sockets from your phone. This can allow you to stay comfortable and control your energy usage without having to constantly get up to manually adjust thermostats or flick switches.
Assisting poor hand function
A lot of people lose strength and dexterity in their hands as they get older as a result of conditions like arthritis or MS. It could be worth investing in gadgets that help with common fiddly tasks using one’s hands.
For example, there are gadgets that can help to open jars. These are ideal for those that have a weakened grip (in fact, they can be useful for anyone who has ever had trouble opening a jar!). You can also buy key turner aids that help turn the key for you. Such gadgets can be found for sale online.
Restoring hearing
A lot of people experience hearing loss in older age. Fortunately, this can often be treated by getting prescribed a hearing aid. These devices help to amplify sounds so that you can more easily tune into conversations or listen to the TV without turning the volume all the way up.
You can get prescribed a hearing aid by first undertaking a hearing test with the help of an audiologist. Once you know the extent of your hearing loss, an audiologist will be able to help you choose the right hearing aid for you. There are many different styles to choose from including devices that sit in the ear and devices that sit behind the ear.
Restoring heart function
Those with heart problems can also benefit from modern technology, Pacemakers are sometimes fitted into people who experience heart failure – these devices send out electrical signals that help to keep the heart beating at a normal rate.
Pacemakers can be temporary or permanent. A doctor will be able to recommend whether or not you need one. Installing a pacemaker will require surgery and it’s important that you weigh up the risks.
Setting reminders
For those with memory loss, gadgets can be used to set reminders. These are typically known as memory aid gadgets and come in lots of different forms.
Memo reminders are one example. They can be placed around the house and can play audio reminders at certain times of the day or when you enter certain areas of the home (such as telling you ‘don’t forget your keys’ when you’re about to leave the front door). Such messages can be recorded by loved ones and personalised.
Pill alarms can meanwhile remind you of when you have to take certain medication. This can prevent medication being missed or being taken at the wrong time. You can also buy pill dispensers that not only provide reminders of which medication to take but dispense the appropriate pill for you.
Many modern ovens also come with alarm settings. These can help to stop food from being overcooked. You can similarly buy washing machines that bleep at you once the cycle is complete and fridges that beep when the door is left open.
While such gadgets are primarily aimed at those with dementia, anyone can take advantage of them. Keeping track of lots of pills can be challenging even for people without memory loss – if you’ve got multiple health conditions and have to take lots of different pills, you could find that a pill alarm or pill dispenser makes the process easier.
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