Seniors may not have thought that they could age in place. This means that they can stay in their homes. There was a common assumption that seniors would either move in with their families or go to an assisted living facility or nursing home. This assumption is no longer valid. Seniors and their families are increasingly realizing the advantages of living in a place that allows them to age in peace. People can still receive assistance through programs. Home care They can access services and products, but they will remain in a familiar environment. Even though technology has made much of this possible, it was a decade ago. You are a senior citizen who wants to age in your own home while remaining independent or helping someone you love to plan their future. Understanding the technology available Can help you determine the best strategy.
The benefits of aging in place
It’s no surprise that Americans are choosing to stay in their homes.
First, it’s possible to stay in a familiar and comfortable place. Moving can cause stress for your mental and physical health. It can be more confusing for older people and can lead to depression.
Even if you have some assistance, you can still feel independent and empowered when you are in your own home. It’s vital for maintaining dignity as you age and maintaining a high quality of life.
It can make financial sense. It can be costly to live in assisted living or nursing homes. Some programs can pay for some in-home care. This is almost always less than the out-of-home options.
You might want your grandchildren or family members to visit you more often than just calling you at home.
How technology can help
Family members who are aging parents or loved ones worry about their ability to be alone or disconnected from the rest of the world. These risks can be avoided with technology.
During the pandemic, many people were separated from their elderly relatives. They worked to help them use technology such as video chat platforms. It was a way to socially reconnect, catch up, and avoid isolation even with physical distance.
Technology can also make life easier and simpler for older people. It can also provide peace of mind for their loved ones.
A smartphone can be a great asset even for seniors. A mobile device can be used to access news, email, or apps that will help you keep track of your health and remind you when you need to take medication.
The use of technology among older adults is associated with better self-reporting health, higher subjective well-being, lower levels of depression, and even fewer chronic diseases. The Department of Psychology at Michigan State University discovered these benefits.
We will be discussing some of the technology that can help with aging in place.
Mobile apps
A growing number of mobile apps are designed for seniors.
These include:
AARP Now: This app is free and provides old news. It helps seniors find AARP discounts and offers and lists local events. You can use the app to set up reminders about local events and deals and digital access to your AARP Membership through the platform.
Magnifying Glass + Light: This free app lets you use your flashlight and camera to read the small print. You can adjust brightness and zoom the app.
Life360: This app is a great way to ensure that your loved ones are safe and sound at all times. You can send notifications to your loved ones with GPS tracking, so you can see their location at all times. You can also share your location with senior loved ones so that they know where you are.
Pacer: This is an app that tracks your steps and coordinates with your phone. Seniors can join in with their friends to find new walks and challenge themselves, which keeps them engaged and healthy.
There are many apps that offer excellent features for seniors. We know that seniors need to keep their brains engaged and active. This can be done online or via apps.
Safety technology
Although many of these things are about enjoyment and entertainment, there are many safety options.
Fall detection: This is an essential skill for anyone looking to age in place, maintain independence and do so safely. There are many types of fall detection available, including the Walabot Home. The Walabot Home is an automated fall detection system that targets the bathroom. This is where most falls occur. The Walabot does not require a bracelet or necklace to activate. It’s activated automatically, so you don’t have to remember to press a button. The device can learn the location of the bathroom in a house and monitor it continuously with radio frequency sensors. An emergency contact is notified if someone falls using a two-way voice and text message. Standing up can disable the alarm.
Medical alert technology In the past, some people found wearing a necklace or bracelet with a medical alert button embarrassing and cumbersome. Many companies now make wearables that look just like any other smartphone. They are discreet and provide safety and security, but they do not distract from the environment.
Seniors need to be careful with medication management. Mixing up medicines, taking the wrong medications at bad times, or increasing the doses too often can pose a serious problem and even cause death. This can be avoided with technology tools such as electronic, automated medication dispensers.
Fire prevention: A stovetop sensor in a kitchen can turn off the appliance to stop a fire. Some brands monitor motion and unattended pots, while others are activated by smoke. The Safe T Sensor can be used for microwaves. It stops power at the first sign that there is smoke.
Remote monitoring: These tech tools include wireless sensors that can attach to chairs, wheelchairs, doors, and windows.
Home automation
Home automation is excellent not only for seniors but also for everyone. You can use home automation in the following ways:
Keypad locks and deadbolts are a great way to eliminate the hassle of trying to find keys and turn deadbolt levers.
You can change the temperature of your room by speaking into the thermostat.
Appliance monitoring can help seniors remember to shut off appliances such as the oven or coffee pot and lock doors automatically.
Alexa, a smart home hub like Alexa, is great for seniors as they can do many things around the house and not have to get up. They can use them to call Uber. If someone has limited mobility or is wheelchair-dependent, these devices help them be more independent.
LifePod is a relatively new option. The LifePod is voice-assisted technology. It allows users to interact with the device just like Alexa. Users can also check in at pre-programmed intervals. The LifePod could also be used to remind you when to take your medication.
A Ring doorbell or similar video doorbell system can be used to help seniors identify visitors. It could be set up by you if you are a loved one to monitor who is coming and going to your house. You can see everything, even when your loved one is leaving or returning home. A clever video doorbell is an excellent option for those with mobility problems.
Bright lighting can be used to reduce the chance of a home falling. You can program lights to turn on at specific times of the day or use them with a motion detector to illuminate the room whenever someone enters it.
Amazon Echo is a screen that fits anywhere, so you can visit your loved one and have two-way video chats.
There is a lot of pressure for society to reconsider what it means to age with the American population increasing in number. Many of us want to remain as independent as possible for as long as possible.
This means that companies will continue to introduce technology and gadgets that support this desire. You will feel more connected to your loved ones if you make use of technology. This will help you feel more confident about your independence.