How Seniors Can Utilize Technology for Their Health and Well-Being
by Katybeth Dee
Many seniors find that as they get older, they require more attention when it comes to their health and well-being. Falls, injuries, diseases, and impairments can pop up as we age, and they can lead to serious issues if they aren’t tended to right away. Fortunately, there are many different apps, devices, and gadgets that can help older adults stay on top of their health, but sometimes technology can be intimidating for seniors, or it may seem out of reach financially.
The good news is that there are many simple ways you can utilize tech in your daily life to make things easier as well as to boost your physical and mental health. From tablets that will hold games for your mental agility to a new smartphone that can help you remember to take your medication on time, there is a wealth of technologies that can keep you safe and healthy from day to day. However, finding the right ones for your specific needs doesn’t have to be a challenge; here are a few tips on how to get started with new technologies.
Keep Up with Your Healthcare Benefits
It’s essential to keep up with your healthcare benefits and ensure you have access to everything you need throughout the year. With Medicare, it can be tricky to keep track of important dates or to figure out the details of the various plans they offer, but with a tablet or smartphone, you can head to a website like Aetna and find everything you need. Look for a plan like the Advantage, which will help pay for extras like prescription drugs and vision coverage. Keep in mind that open enrollment dates are October 15 to December 7.
Track Your Health
Because there may be many changes in your health from week to week or month to month, it’s important to think about how technology can help you keep track of everything. With fitness tracker apps downloaded on your smartphone, you can do everything from monitor your heart rate to track your steps in a given day, which will help you reach your fitness goals.
If you need a new phone with plenty of memory and a strong chipset for all those apps, consider upgrading to a model that fits your budget and data plan, like the Samsung Galaxy S10. This superfast smartphone comes with a long battery life and reinforced Gorilla Glass on both sides, meaning you’ll have peace of mind whether it’s in your pocket or your purse. If you’re an Apple user, however, the iPhone 11 Pro Max also has a long battery life and comes with a large screen, so you can easily see everything your apps have to offer. Look for a service provider that will give you money toward a new phone or upgraded plan.
Get a Smart Assistant
These days, technology has advanced to the point that we can now have our very own assistants at home to help with looking up wellness information, playing music to work out to, and even reminding us about important dates or doctor’s appointments. There are many different types of smart assistants out there, as well as Bluetooth speakers that can help you keep them hooked up anywhere around your home. Do some research to find the best one for your needs and budget.
Using technology to stay on top of your health and well-being doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. So, do some research to find the best tech for your needs, and compare prices online before making a final decision so you can ensure that you get the best deal. With a little preparation, you can easily utilize tech in your daily life.
Article by Katybeth Dee