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With the rapid improvement in technology, it could be challenging for the elderly to keep up the pace. Most seniors are apprehensive about technology, so it’s important to always show them how it makes life better. Point out the health advantages, and mental health benefits, and allow them to explore it for themselves. In this article, you will learn about four broad tech categories and how they have made an impact on good senior living management over the years.

#1 Smart Home Devices for Aging in Place
 

A report published by AARP 2021 Home and Community Preferences Survey claims that nearly 75% of adults above the age of 50 prefer to remain in their homes as long as possible. This report begs the need for smart home devices and technologies.

Smart home devices can help older adults achieve daily tasks with the help of tech. It ranges from smart door locks, cameras, lightning, and other “smart-looking tech.” 

Below are some of the most common features of smart home devices for the elderly:

• Wi-Fi or wired internet: This helps seniors operate a smart device or any home appliance that requires a connection to the internet.

• Remote access: Most smart home devices allow remote access, making them easy to use from any location.

• Bluetooth connection-enabled: Functions similar to the Wifi, but for shorter ranges and doesn’t foster an internet connection.

• Voice activation technology: This helps seniors or caregivers to operate smart home devices by speaking.

• Smart displays: You can get to control some appliances by adjusting settings visible on the screens.

 
#2 Memory Enhancement Devices
 

Seniors can now use devices to easily remember words or information. Some of the most common memory enhancement devices are:

• Electric reminders or alarms: Examples of these are electronic reminder apps, alarm clocks, or prompts to remind them of specific tasks. Depending on how the device’s level of advancement, it could also include features like a medical alert system with on-call emergency operators.

• Digital memory games: Digital games of Sudoku, Jigsaw puzzles, Chess, and more could keep their brains active. It does that by stimulating cognitive function and improving memory retention through interactive challenges.

• GPS trackers with location reminders: GPS trackers with location-based reminders can alert elderly people when they are near a specific location they love. It could help them remember activities that happened in some of their favorite places.

 
#3 Wearable Health Technologies
 

Wearables like smartwatches are among the most common technological devices among seniors. They’re not a top pick only because of aesthetics; they also offer health monitoring metrics on a large screen. If the senior has uses for this tech, they can get help from someone with advanced experience in senior living management, a typical caregiver, friends, or family. 

Health wearables can monitor these major vitals:

• Heart rate: The heart rate helps seniors and caregivers stay aware of their fitness level and their overall heart health. A healthy resting heart rate for most seniors should be at least 70 bpm or less.

• Respiratory rate: Age could affect a person’s respiratory rate, making it an important metric for seniors to measure. For seniors, a good respiratory rate is between 12 to 18 breaths per minute if they live independently. Those who are in long-term care should have an average of 16 to 25 breaths per minute.

• Oxygen saturation (Sp02): Oxygen saturation gives a value for the measure of hemoglobin bound to molecular oxygen at any given point. A good oxygen saturation level for seniors is one closer to 95%.

 
#4 Telehealth and Remote Care Services
 

Technology has allowed for virtual consultations and remote monitoring. Some telemedicine platforms include medication reminders and alerts to help seniors stay on track with medication. This approach to treatment and caregiving is really helpful for seniors living alone and who find it difficult to maintain a consistent medication calendar.

Technology Has A Significant Impact on Senior Living
 

Technology hasn’t only made life easier for the tech-savvy generations, but also significantly brings ease to older generations. It gives them a chance to get more done without overwhelming efforts. Even though tech advancements bring ease to seniors, it’s still important to allow them to experience connection outside tech, in nature, or societal gatherings.