Aging.com | Best Resources for Seniors
WHAT IS MODERN TECHNOLOGY AND HOW IS IT CHANGING?
Technological advances are about much more than the new electric car from Tesla or autonomous vehicles by Mercedes. It is much more than just advanced wrist jewelry from Apple and fitness trackers that can tell you what you ate two weeks ago.
For senior people, technological change can mean the difference between dependency and independence. Forget your Ubers and your social media; forget about Ultra HD TVs, virtual reality gadgets, and other ever-changing technology, as a senior, all these things mean nothing if you are going to be confined to a nursing home with no freedom to enjoy it all.
The kind of modern technological advancements that seniors need may not hit the headlines like the new rocket by SpaceX, but that does not mean that they are any less significant. To the seniors who need these gadgets, advanced wearable tech is fast becoming an integral part of their safety, health, and happiness.
This video gives you a good idea of just how far these technologies have come in the healthcare sector:
Although we haven’t seen the best yet, some incredible technological advancements promise to greatly improve the lives of those who choose to embrace these new ways. The best part is that some of these gadgets will be easy enough to use that even the most technologically challenged seniors can figure them out quickly and make good use of them.
WHAT IS MODERN TECHNOLOGY AND HOW IS IT CHANGING?
Modern technology is all about efficiency and speed; it is about ensuring face-to-face communication, connecting you to your healthcare provider, and empowering you by giving you more access and control to the kind of care you get as well as service you receive.
Think about it this way: how often do you go online to look up information on…everything, really? Millennials do that every day and would almost never buy into any kind of service without reading the reviews and comments online first.
It is one way to determine whether or not a provider is to be trusted as well as see just how beneficial whatever service they are looking into will be to their day to day lives.
The same should be for your health and care as a senior. Technological advancements such as the Internet and computers have opened up a whole new world for you to learn and choose what is best for your health and happiness.
As this video shows:
By 2020, these ever-changing technology innovations will ensure the kind of care you receive will be faster, better, efficient, and more effective—even offering social change. But that does not mean that you have to wait for years to arrive before you can start enjoying these benefits. There are wearables right now that are built specifically for the seniors who need them.
Gadgets That Can Tell Your:
Blood pressure
Sugar levels
Gather data that can be interpreted by your caregivers for better care
Suggest dietary needs
Sound off an alarm in case of sudden immobility on your part indicating falls or loss of consciousness
The kinds of things these wearable gadgets can do are unimaginable. With that in mind, here is some wearable tech for seniors that you should try today if you want to lead a better and more medically secure life.
WEARABLE TECH FOR SENIORS
With about 13 percent of the population in the U.S. is made up of seniors (43 million plus individuals), it is not difficult to see why this demographic is a commanding force within the wearable tech market.
As this Tweet would suggest:
The next hot market for wearable tech: seniors, to help them stay safe, healthy. http://t.co/xAWzswKFvz @FastCompany via @sallyabrahms
— Candy Sagon (@CandySagon) October 19, 2014
Seniors are the next big thing as far as the wearable tech market is concerned and with good reason. The gadgets being produced today can help seniors stay safe, healthy, and even in contact with their beloved family members.
As a senior, it makes sense for you to try and find out which one of these new technologies—among the thousands of available options—is the best wearable tech that suits you and your particular health needs. Here is a quick list of some of the best wearables on the market today that could just be perfect for you:
Wearables to Keep You Safe
If there is one thing that wearable tech has done for the aging community as a whole is that it has brought much-needed peace of mind to both the seniors who use them and their family members. Accidents such as falls and loss of consciousness are some of the leading risks that seniors have to live with every day.
Now imagine what would happen to seniors who live at home on their own and have no one to check up on them regularly? Even if they did have someone to check on them, what are the chances that someone will be within their line of sight 24/7?
Wearable tech such as Lively’s Safety Watch is an excellent example of just how far technology has come to make life easier for seniors.
Lively’s Safety Watch:
Uses a hub connected to several sensors around the home to always keep you in range
These sensors record whether or not you have taken your medication
Show whether or not you are moving around normally
Ensures that you do not miss your meals
If any of these things is amiss, the watch will remind you and alert family members or caregivers of the noted item should things not go back to normal. The hub doesn’t require an Internet connection nor does it connect to a phone line. The tech is smart enough to record your data over time and learn what is ‘normal’ for you and use that as a point of reference.
Fall Prevention
Falls happen to be a leading hazard in the aging community with at least one out of every six seniors reporting a fall every day. Thanks to technology now, there is something you can wear that will keep you from impacting the ground and breaking a hip as you fall.
These wearable airbags such as ActiveProtective are worn as belts that deploy when they detect a fall. Although this product hasn’t reached mass production yet, it is just an example of how technology is going to make the lives of seniors easier and safer in the very near future.
There is so much more going on in the tech world that is geared towards making the care of seniors much easier and efficient. Things like:
Walk-in bathtubs
Elevator chairs
Adjustable toilet seats
Electric wheelchairs
Are all examples of everything that technology has helped achieve in this field. The benefits are numerous and absolutely welcome for those seniors who do not mind learning a little bit about tech they can use.
THE BENEFITS OF TECHNOLOGY TO AN AGING SOCIETY
The benefits of technology on any senior’s life will depend entirely on how much of that technology the senior embraces. If you are open to trying out new things, you will find that you have a lot to gain from this advancement and future tech.
Some of the Main Benefits of Technology to the Aging Community Include:
Improve Your Levels of Safety: Now you can get help with the push of a button.
Help with Exercise Options: Thanks to exercise DVDs and online trainers, now you can get your exercise done from the comfort of your living room.
Connectivity: Things like Skype calls and Facebook have made it easier for seniors to keep in touch with loved ones who are far away.
Health Management: Thanks to wearable tech, your doctor can now keep closer track of your health through the data recorded by your devices.
Medication Management: There are apps now that ensure you do not take the wrong kind of medication. These apps also keep track of your pills and send you reminders if you forget.
Smart Homes Increase Your Security: Although still not as widespread, there is technology that will ensure most homes are voice controlled to minimize the number of times seniors have to walk up and down the stairs to answer or lock the door. This technology also ensures that the home is always connected to a command center that can send help whenever the resident needs it (all voice activated).
All of these benefits go to show that technology is something to be embraced by people of all ages. While the younger generation may be engrossed in their virtual reality headsets and other forms of entertainment options available thanks to technological advancements, seniors who embrace this march forward can use the same advancements to improve the quality of their own lives.
Although compared to what else is going on out there in the technological world (self-driving cars and smart homes) most of the options listed here might seem rudimentary, but as time goes by, the advancements will keep coming and your life as an aging member of the society will only keep getting better and easier.
It is safe to say that the future holds wonderful things for seniors who are not technologically averse and are willing to give the new tech a try.
Sources:
https://www.citybaseapartments.com/blog/how-technology-is-changing-the-way-we-see-the-world/
https://undsci.berkeley.edu/article/modern_science
https://www.iofficecorp.com/blog/4-ways-technology-has-changed-the-modern-workplace
https://pidatacenters.com/modern-technology-is-changing-the-way-our-brains-work/
https://spotlightenglish.com/listen/technology-changing-modern-communication
You Might Also Like
Best TV Listening Devices
Best TV Listening Devices
Learn more about how TV listening devices can enhance sound quality for those who experience hearing impairment.
read more
AudioRange SPK-1000FM Wireless TV Speaker
AudioRange SPK-1000FM Wireless TV Speaker
Hearing loss is a natural part of the aging process. But it doesn’t mean you have to give up or miss out on your favorite TV shows or programs. If you find yourself continuing to turn up the volume on the television or are frustrated because you can’t hear it, you may...
read more
For the seniors who need these gadgets, advanced wearable technology is fast becoming an integral part of their safety, health, and happiness.
You May Also Like
AudioRange Review
Aging.com Logo
Resources | About Us | Contact Us
RELATED POSTS
Preventing Falls in Older Adults
Preventing Falls in Older Adults
July 9, 2017
Exercising for Life
Exercising for Life
July 9, 2017
Fact Sheet: Falls
Fact Sheet: Falls
September 14, 2017
Independent Living is the Top Choice for Seniors Today
Independent Living is the Top Choice for Seniors Today
November 2, 2017
SEARCH …
RECENT ARTICLES
AudioRange vs. TV Ears Wireless TV Headphones
AudioRange Review
Best Hearing Amplifiers
Best TV Listening Devices
AudioRange SPK-1000FM Wireless TV Speaker
Best Wireless TV Speakers with Transmitter
AudioRange ITE-1000 Wireless TV Headphones Review
Best Wireless TV Headphones for Seniors
TV Ears Review
AudioRange OTE-1000 Wireless TV Headphones Review
AudioRange ITE 1000
Aging.com
Caregiving
Lifestyle
Money and Planning
Health and Wellbeing
Reviews
About Us
Contact Us
SEARCH …
Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress
Over the years, technology has revolutionized our world and daily lives. Additionally, technology for seniors has created amazing tools and resources, putting useful information at our fingertips.
Modern technology has paved the way for multi-functional devices like the smartwatch and the smartphone. Computers are increasingly faster, more portable, and higher-powered than ever before. With all of these revolutions, technology has also made our lives easier, faster, better, and more fun.
Those struggling with hearing loss can now benefit from hearing aids, or TV Listening Devices that allow them to comfortably listen to their favorite programs with ease.
Especially for seniors, these devices are providing the freedom to age in place, to live independently, and to continue moving through everyday life with peace of mind. It opens up new opportunities by helping with safety, mobility and connectivity. Medical advancements have made it so you can stay proactive with conditions like diabetes and arthritis. With new medical alert devices, seniors can also get help at the push of a button and keep in touch with loved ones no matter where they are in the world.
Since there are so many new technologies to keep track of, it can seem overwhelming to adapt. However, all of these new technologies are designed to make your life easier. Even though it may not feel intuitive, learning how to use smart phones, smartwatches and voice assistants just takes a little bit of instruction and practice.
When it comes to the way we communicate overall, modern technology has had a powerful influence.
Digital technology has changed what people term as “media.” The influence of new technology on media is apparent since a media company isn’t necessarily a news platform anymore. A media company is now any company that helps pass information across the globe, including social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
The amount of active web users globally is now near 3.2 billion people. That is almost half of the world’s population. Every day, two million smartphones are sold around the world, and the amount of information we share shared on social media networks is phenomenal.
how technology has changed living for seniors
Social media isn’t the only big statement digital technology has made. Neither is social media the only way technology has had an impact in everyone’s life.
Before mobile technology, you had to search through a dictionary to understand the meaning of a word. Now you can look words up in a dictionary app or quickly search the Internet. Beyond words, you can search for practically anything on the Internet using search engines like Google and Bing.
There is no denying that the future of technology will continue to revolutionize our lives. In a few years, driverless cars may be the norm for everyone, and robots will be commonplace in factories. Future technology is sure to transform our lives in unbelievable ways, but here we highlight the many common ways technology is changing our lives today.
How has technology helped communication? The advancement of technology has made communication unbelievably fast and convenient. It’s incredible to look back and see how much easier communication has gotten over the years. Communication tools offer one of the most significant examples of how quickly technology has evolved.
In the past, writing a letter, sending faxes, or finding a wired telephone was the best way to communicate remotely with someone. To connect with someone in society today, you have many more efficient options at your fingertips. You can send them a message on social media, text them, video chat, email, or put a call through.
These new methods can help you keep in touch with loved ones, especially if you’re aging in place or living alone. Video chat helps caregivers check on seniors who may not need continual check-ups in person. Social media is a great way to keep in touch in general, allowing you to see what your loved ones are doing through the photos and updates they post.
technology has changed how we communicate
Social Media
Who hasn’t heard of Facebook, Twitter, or Skype? They’ve become household names. Even if you don’t use these platforms, they’re a part of everyday life and not going away anytime soon. Regardless of your location, messages via social media get delivered on these platforms at the same rate and speed whether the recipient is right beside you or on the other side of the globe. You can also send voice messages through these platforms, and it is delivered in nanoseconds.
Messaging Apps
The way we use mobile phones has changed dramatically as well. In addition to social media platforms, there are numerous other applications specifically designed for communication. If social media isn’t for you, WhatsApp and other messaging apps enable you to quickly message family and friends and even make calls over Wi-Fi.
You can email through your phone or send SMS text messages through your mobile provider, but many smartphones have their own messaging platforms built directly into the phone. On Apple iPhones, iMessage allows you communicate with anyone else who has an iPhone for free using WiFi or cellular data. iMessage has gotten increasingly sophisticated over the years. Sending photos, videos and emojis are just the basics with what you can do, and the platform has now expanded to include gaming, voice notes, and various app integrations to send information more quickly.
Messaging Apps can be a great option if you have friends in other countries or if you don’t have a phone plan.
The Evolution Of Medical Alert System Technology
Within the last decade, medical emergency response systems have seen some impressive advancements, both in terms of technology and in safety measures that have made seniors feel safer than ever before. One of the earliest and most important advancements has been the introduction of mobile medical alert systems. These systems allow users the freedom to leave their homes and live their normal lives, while still having the peace of mind that emergency help is available in case of an emergency. Several devices, such as the Medical Guardian Mobile 2.0, allow users to set up a network of emergency contacts who can also view their whereabouts and be notified in case of an emergency.
Recent advancements in medical alert technology also include a built-in fall detection feature. With this feature, special sensors in your medical alert pendant automatically detect when a fall occurs and send an alert to your monitoring call center. With new GPS and cellular technology, the operator can then determine where you fell, regardless of whether you can communicate your whereabouts or know the address. This technology allows the operators to then send emergency medical assistance to you more quickly, thus providing a great sense of security for yourself and your loved ones.
Hearing Aids Improve Quality Of Life
The use of hearing aids allows people to maintain a happy, healthy life by reducing the strain caused by reduced hearing ability. According to a study facilitated by the Better Hearing Institute, eight out of 10 hearing aid users report being satisfied with the changes that their hearing aids have made in their lives. Hearing aids allow users to engage in common daily activities that would otherwise be far more difficult – or even impossible– such as talking, watching TV and listening to music. Hearing aids can also help you have a better quality of life by assisting you in:
Identifying speech and language in voices
Being alert to what’s happening around you
Avoiding the need for assistance from others at all times
Having a sense of control over your life
Smartwatches
Communication has even evolved beyond mobile devices and personal computers. We can now send messages through tablets, voice assistants, smartwatches, and more. The smartwatch is a relatively new technology that captures almost all the capabilities of smartphones in a convenient touch-screen watch. You can receive notifications, track your activity, set alarms, and even call and text directly through these wearable devices.
Senior Man using MobileHelp Smart Watch Menu
Smartwatches can also serve as a way to communicate with emergency responders. Medical alert companies like MobileHelp and Medical Guardian have partnered with smartwatch developers or created proprietary technologies to provide seniors the safety of a medical alert right on their wrist. These watches include many of the same features as a typical smartwatch, such as activity tracking and personal messaging.
Even the makers of popular smartwatches on the market outside of the medical alert industry providing people the ability to communicate quickly in the case of an emergency. The Apple Watch Series 4 and its subsequent versions have built-in fall detection, which will automatically alert emergency assistance. In addition to its automatic response capabilities, Apple Watch technology also allows users to initiate an emergency call from any location worldwide manually. Apple’s Medical ID Health app can provide emergency responders access to your medical conditions and designated emergency contacts.
Technology allows us to communicate instantly with people in our neighborhoods or around the globe. This innovation not only keeps us connected but can help us live safer and healthier lives.
No more do you have to enter a bank to withdraw money or transfer it to someone. Many banks have already made transactions possible online and accessible to people everywhere. Companies like PayPal and Venmo have created platforms where people can send and receive money from any location using the Internet.
Paying bills has also become simplified thanks to technology. You can automatically schedule payments when they are due rather than having to remember to mail a check. With your cell phone and a banking app, you can manage all of your necessary bill payments online.
Setting up automated payments through a banking app is especially helpful for seniors who may have memory problems. Caregivers or loved ones can help set up recurring bill payments so there’s never a question if a bill will be paid on time or not.
Technology has changed money
It’s even simple to pay for things using only your smartphone. With Apple Pay and Google Wallet, you don’t need to carry cash when you go shopping. These apps securely link your bank account to your mobile phone. The same machines you use to swipe your credit card at the store now allow mobile payments from your phone.
Keeping up with all of these innovations may seem like a hassle, but these technologies can simplify your life to help you worry about fewer things. With all of the payment capabilities available these days, you could leave home without your wallet and be just fine.
Technology has changed how we watch television today. Cable companies are continuously rolling out new features allowing viewers to pause and rewind live TV and record their favorite programs to watch later.
With your mobile devices, you can watch, or “stream” the tv shows you want, when you want, and how you want. Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video all offer access to cable TV shows and original content for a low monthly price. Disney is also getting into the streaming game, with the recent announcement of their new streaming service Disney+. Streaming is just another way to watch your favorite shows, but it uses the Internet instead of cable. It can be a more cost-effective way to watch television. Unlike traditional cable tv packages, you don’t have to pay for large cable bundles with channels you don’t use. Streaming services offer movies and TV shows that are grouped by genre, making it easy to find your favorites.
With streaming, you can watch on the go – all you need is an Internet connection. Many of the streaming services we listed above have mobile applications that allow you to download content directly to your device. This option allows you to watch even if you go somewhere without Internet access.
tech has changed the way we watch tv
More and more TVs these days are even designed for streaming. “Smart TVs” have Wi-Fi capability, which allows them to connect to streaming services using the Internet. Smart TVs will enable you to access more programs and even save money. With a Smart TV, you can access both streaming services and cable channels. To save money, you can also opt-out of cable altogether. It all depends on your budget and what you enjoy watching.
New TVs are also capable of displaying picture quality far beyond what you’ve experienced in the past. A standard definition TV displays 720 horizontal pixels. Today, it’s more common for TVs to have 4k resolution, which is 4,000 horizontal pixels. That means TVs today show a picture with nearly 6x more definition than standard-definition TVs making for a much better viewing experience and can make your favorite shows and movies that much more enjoyable.
Seniors who suffer from hearing loss can benefit from using a TV Listening Device that provides superior sound quality, enhancing the overall TV viewing experience.
Paper books aren’t going anywhere. However, e-reader devices have made reading easier when you’re on the go. An e-reader device like a Kindle or Nook can hold thousands of books without taking up space in your home. It’s a great way to have multiple options on hand if you’re going on a trip or vacation.
Audio books are an especially great way to enjoy classic and new books alike. Though you’re not reading, you’re still able to consume a great story through an audiobook. For aging seniors, audio books are great when it becomes more challenging to read the small type in books.
technology has changed how we read
Music
When it comes to music, technology has also helped consolidate the devices we use. We can access our music no matter where we are. In the same vein as books, vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, and other physical albums will always have their place. They serve a unique purpose in enjoying music. However, just as it’s possible to stream movies and TV shows, you can also stream your favorite songs and albums.
Platforms like Spotify and Apple Music have made it possible to access millions of artists all at a monthly fee. While it isn’t the same as owning your favorite album, streaming allows you the opportunity to listen to music easily. The number of devices with music streaming capabilities continues to grow. You can use your smartphone, computer, car, portable speakers, and even TVs to listen to your favorite songs.
No products found.
Do'stlaringiz bilan baham: |