Use Hi-tech Gadgets after Retirement

Growing old is a natural biological process and when you are in the threshold of

becoming a senior citizen there are several issues that can bother you. You may

have just retired from service, and could have opted to live in any of the senior

citizen homes located in your neighbourhood as your children are away in the

US, employed with some leading software company. It is natural for your

children to be concerned about you, and they may want to use technology and

the gadgets it has given us to make life a lot easier for you.

The number of old people using the Internet has increased and technology is

certainly lending a helping hand to seniors today. Seniors are no longer content

with changing channels on TV or tinkering with the DVD player, they are intent

on using the Smartphone, other mobile gadgets and digital devices. This helps

the seniors to remain connected with their peers, as well as their children who

live thousands of miles away. Here are some gadgets that seniors have found to

be very handy to use:

Health Tracking Devices/Software

One common problem most seniors face is to do with the personal health

condition. For people who already own a PC, laptop or iPad there is a wide

range of software and several apps that they can download. This is to monitor

the health, set alerts and reminders for taking medicine, and some specialized

software that can track nutritional needs based on the condition of the body.

This way they can take charge of their wellness and do away with the need to

depend on others. Caregivers too rely on this kind of software to carry out their

daily tasks in helping patients. Apps like Pill Reminder, Blood Pressure Monitor,

My Plan Diary are some that are quite popular.

Hearing Aids

The common hearing aid, which used to be bulky and unwieldy, has now got a

new avatar and has been miniaturized with refined transmission capabilities.

People with hearing challenges need no longer worry about wearing bulky and

very obvious devices. Bluetooth technology is being used increasingly in the

modern day hearing aids. Today’s hearing aids are so tiny and transparent,

making them almost invisible, and the wearer is relieved beyond words.

GPS or Global Positioning Systems

You can rule out the possibility of getting lost when you are outside, and all by

yourself. People suffering from dementia, and those who are forgetful and

wander away, can now be tracked and traced easily. Thanks to GPS or Global

Positioning System that alerts the caregivers or the kith and kin. These devices

are easy to attach on your wrists, or can be attached to your clothing, and can

even be installed in your Smartphone,

Wireless Home Monitoring

Children can now monitor their parents or other close relatives from wherever

they are located. There are several smart home monitoring devices that help

avert disasters that can be caused by some unforeseen emergency situation.

Sudden emergencies like an accidental fall or unusual behaviour are detected

immediately. What’s more is that even vital signs can be monitored and

variations are promptly detected without any intrusion on the privacy of the

senior.

Assistive Devices at Home

Seniors can now remain totally independent and safe. Today there are

appliances for dispensing medication, user friendly phone diallers, automatic

systems for shutting off stoves, LED lighting, etc. Homes can be temperature-

controlled at the push of a button with the help of smart devices. All the lights

in the house can be pre-programmed to switch on and switch off at specific

times of the day or night. Homes can also be secured with the latest security

and alarm devices, offering seniors total peace when they are living on their

own. They can reach their family doctor immediately through app whenever

there is a medical emergency.

Smartphones

Smartphones have become so common today that they have almost lost the

initial interest and awe they created when they were launched. However, today,

there are senior friendly Smartphones that have large buttons, and legible text

that is easy to read. Photo speed dialling and voice recognition are other

features that seniors love. Most seniors find a Smartphone to be an invaluable

companion that helps them stay connected with family and friends. There are

several useful apps that can be downloaded onto a Smartphone, and caregivers

and doctors can be reached at the mere push of a button.

Author bio

Ananya Shelters through its signature project Ananya’s Nana Nani Homes

envisages an adorable residence for the retired with best ever modern day

amenities and dedicated residential services to make life after 50s stress free,

self-reliant and enlivening.