Tech Savvy Seniors: Exploring the Latest Smart Technology

As technology continues rapidly advancing, the benefits aren’t only for the “younger generations.” People of all generations, ages, income levels and life circumstances gain value with technology. In fact, new technological advancements can help us as we reach out goal of aging with success. From how we turn on our lights to what we wear on our wrist, technology can improve safety, reduce stress, promote connection and increase our overall quality of life, at any age.

In this post, we’ll explore 5 areas of smart technology to help optimize our daily lives as we age. Many of these technologies are tailored specifically for seniors, making them great options for a parent, loved ones and us.

1. Smart Technology: Home Devices

One of the greatest technological advancements in recent years have included development of smart home devices including:

• Smart Thermostats
• Smart Lighting Systems
• Voice-Activated Assistants
• Smart Security Cameras
• Smart Fall Detection Systems
• Smart Motion Sensors
• Smart Locks
• These smart home devices help simplify tasks, enhance safety and improve quality of life, which means more independence and comfort in your own home.

2. Smart Technology: Telehealth Services

Telehealth grew by leaps and bounds during the pandemic, and it’s here to stay. Even in a post-COVID world (as much as is possible), virtual health visits have their place. Many patients struggle to find reliable transportation for a doctor’s appointment, for example. In this case, a telehealth visit may be the perfect option. If the doctor can provide appropriate care (counseling, for example, or medication check-ins), telehealth can be a much more accessible option. A patient can have a medication check-in and have medication delivered right to their doorstep, eliminating multiple phone calls and car trips.

Many seniors find it challenging to keep up with medical visits and appointments. Technology can help reduce barriers and saves time and money. Be sure to speak with your care providers about whether telehealth is a good option for each visit. Some medical appointments require in-person attendance, while others can be managed virtually. Speak with your provider about options!

3. Smart Technology: Communication Apps

Staying connected with family and friends is vital to the health and wellbeing of everyone, seniors included. Connection can be tricky, however, with distance, busy schedules, transportation issues and mobility limitations. Communication apps can help bride the gap. From video chats to texting apps, the following is a list of popular smart apps for increasing connection and communication.

• FaceTime (iPhone/Apple)
• Signal
• WhatsApp
• Telegram
• Google Meet
• Facebook Messenger
• Zoom

There are plenty more options if these don’t fit the bill. This is one of the fastest growing areas of technology, likely because connection is such a key part of our health and wellness.

4. Smart Technology: Robotic Assistants

One of the most exciting and revolutionary areas of technology is the development of robots to assist seniors with daily tasks. There are robots, for example, that can help wash your hair. Robots from Panasonic can put shampoo on your head, adds warm water and massages the scalp. The Robot for Interactive Body Assistance (RIBA) is another example. This robot helps lift people from beds and wheelchairs and transfer them to new positions. Researchers have even developed a robot to provide social interaction. Pepper has been used in care communities in the UK and Japan and has been shown to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation within the community.

This is one area of technology that promises to give people more help and independence with less fear of burdening family or friends, which is a fear many seniors have as they age.

5. Smart Technology: Medication Management Systems

Many seniors have complex medicine regimes, which can be difficult to manage alone. Medication management systems use technology to organize medication schedules, provide dosage instructions and send medication reminders. Some systems will even interface with your pharmacy system for automatic refills and delivery services. These perks help ensure seniors don’t miss a medication dose or forget to refill a prescription.  Medication management systems can ensure medication is taken at the right time, in the proper dose, on a consistent schedule, which can be challenging for all of us to remember and execute!

These technologies are just the tip of the iceberg. Every day, and with each new year, more sophisticated technologies are created to help seniors live independently, with ease and comfort. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect new, exciting advancements to enrich our lives for years and decades to come.