Most every senior you talk to about enjoying their golden years says the same thing: they want to stay in their home for as long as possible. This is usually code for “forever.”

We totally get it. As we’ve gotten older, we also have come to understand the desire to age in place, in the comfort of our own home.

Unfortunately, for some, this isn’t easy. But with help from home care aides and modern technology, more seniors than ever are able to stay safe and healthy, while aging in place.

6 Ways Technology Can Help Seniors Stay Safe, Happy, and Healthy at Home

Technology has become a key player in our seniors’ ability to stay at home despite certain health problems or physical ailments. How so? Here are just six ways we’ve seen technology aid local seniors.

1. Overall Health Management Is Simplified

It’s amazing how with just the touch of a button we can see how healthy we are. This is what the latest health apps are able to do for us!

It’s easy to download health apps onto a smartphone or tablet. These apps can help us monitor sleep, mindfulness/meditation sessions, and exercise progress.

Other health apps allow seniors to monitor:

• Blood pressure
• Blood sugar levels
• Heart rate
• Pulse.

These apps alert us to red flags so we can make a doctor’s appointment when necessary to nip a potentially serious problem in the bud.

2. Medication Management Is so Much Easier with Technology

Medication management is difficult for nearly anyone of any age. It can become especially difficult, and even dangerous, if a senior is experiencing cognitive issues, like early dementia or Alzheimer’s.

But technology has an answer for this! Seniors and their caretakers can use apps to track their medications. They’ll be alerted when it’s time to take their medication and when they need to have a prescription refilled.

A 2017 study found these types of apps were helpful to seniors as long as:

• They were taught how to use them properly
• The app had good visibility (good light contrast and large fonts).

More and more companies are taking these things into consideration and making adjustments to their apps to make them more user-friendly to seniors.

3. Stay Fit with Fitness and Nutrition Apps

A good amount of exercise, as well as a healthy diet, will keep seniors healthy and strong enough to successfully age in place.

Apps can help ensure they’re getting enough nutrients and getting plenty of movement to keep them strong. They help seniors set goals and track their progress, which can be really motivating.

4. Seniors Can Get a Great Brain Workout with Game Apps

Brain health is just as important as physical health, and the best way any of us keep our brains healthy is by keeping them active. There are so many ways to exercise our brain.

We recommend:

• Learning a language
• Learning an instrument
• Playing puzzle games

There are some interesting apps which seniors can try which will help give their brain a healthy daily workout. Or, if they prefer, seniors can simply download some puzzle games onto their iPad and spend some time playing Sudoku or doing crosswords each day.

5. Technology Makes It Easier to Connect with Friends and Family

One of the best things about technology is it makes it easier to connect with those we love, no matter how far away we are.

Seniors are at risk of developing depression due to loneliness. But with regular interaction with friends and family, the risk is lowered significantly.

6. It Can Help Seniors Stay Safe Within Their Home

Home monitoring systems can be linked to electronic devices.

Adding this type of security to the home of our loved ones is one way we can keep them safe and make sure they have all they need, even when we’re not there.

Aging in Place Can Be Done Safely with Modern Technology

So much is being accomplished because of modern technology. And this includes keeping our seniors safe and sound, all in the comfort of their own home.

If you or a loved one is unsure of how technology can help, we urge you to take some time to acquaint yourself with some of the available apps out there. It will take a little practice, but before you know it you and your loved ones will be proficient tech users. It’s a small price to pay to keep our loved ones safely and happily aging in place.