Senior Friendly Technology

Technology has been evolving quicker and quicker as of late. There are seemingly endless numbers of new products in the market that can make life easier for everyone, especially seniors. It may be overwhelming to look at a rapidly changing market, but we’ve compiled a list of seven products or services that you may want to try.

 Devices and Services

• Fitness trackers are used for tracking steps, calories, workouts, and even heart rate, these devices are excellent motivators for anyone interested in their physical well-being, or someone with a health condition that they need to keep better track of. Plus, if you’re willing to spend a little extra, some fitness trackers can detect falls and alert someone for you.
• Smartphones are amazing tools that have wide-ranging capabilities. Many seniors use them to stay connected to friends and family, play games, get on social networks, or even to bank online. There are smartphones made specifically for seniors with great accessibility options and a straightforward operating system.
• Amazon Echo is particularly popular among seniors because “Alexa” can give you daily reminders, tell you the time and weather, play music, and you can even listen to your preferred news source through it. This is especially common among the low-vision community because you can stay connected without having to use a phone or computer.
• Amazon Echo Show/Facebook Portal are devices that are specifically designed for video calls. You can “drop in” on anyone easily. Amazon Echo has other functions and can work as a smart home hub for things like lights, temperature, and even share news.
• Smart home devices such as light bulbs and outlets can be controlled by an app on your phone, and you can set timers for your smart home objects or turn them on or off remotely. This may seem small, but if you have a lamp in a hard-to-reach space, these devices will keep you from hazards such as falling.
• Hearing aids have gotten smaller and more high-tech over the years. Newer models have Bluetooth compatibility, which means you can connect it to your smartphone to be even more in tune with your phone calls and other audio.
• Grocery delivery is growing more popular since the COVID-19 pandemic and it is easy to see why. If you are not feeling well, are in pain, or do not feel comfortable driving, grocery delivery is a great way to get what you need without going out. Grocery stores like Walmart, Publix, and Aldi have these options, others use a service called “Instacart.” You can access these from a smartphone, tablet, or a desktop computer.

Tech Tips:

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s for setting up a new technology or asking a specific question, seeking help from others can be a great way to learn how to use your device.
• Read about an item before you purchase it. Research is important because you want to make sure your device is compatible with your setup. Some things that you may want to look for are operating system requirements, Wi-Fi connectivity, and if you need a second device, such as a smartphone, to set it up.
• Take your time. Like learning any new skill, this is something that will take time. You will develop habits and routines with your new devices but remember to take your time reading the options offered to you, so you know what you’re selecting. Double-check who is asking for your personal information, such as your email address, passwords, or payment information.
• Don’t be afraid to push buttons to see what’s possible, just remember to take your time. Usually, you can always go back and start over, but sometimes you can’t. However, don’t be afraid to poke around and see what options you have to make your life easier.
• Tech Help: Senior Planet, from AARP, offers free classes and one-on-one tech help for seniors. This can be a great resource, even if you just like to learn about what’s popular. The one-on-one tech help can be hugely beneficial to you if you don’t have access to anything like that from your local library or senior community center.

Learning to use these devices can help to make your life easier, but it can also be a great mental exercise. It is said that learning something new and practicing it can help slow cognitive decline. Technology can be a real asset if you allow it to be. You certainly don’t need any of the above to live your best life, but who knows, one of these things might surprise you.

At King'sBridge Retirement Community, we offer professional IT Support for whatever your needs may be. You can read about it on our website. We are a community dedicated to providing high quality service to our residents and their families in Northeast Atlanta. Contact us to learn more about our community.

‍