According to the US Census Bureau, the aging population is set to double by 2050. Despite the challenges of aging, however, seniors remain a fiercely independent demographic. In fact, many are opting to age in place. Did you know that the fastest growing metro area in the United States is The Villages in Florida? The growth of this retirement hub is powered entirely by seniors 65 years of age and older. So, how feasible is aging in place? In this article, we explore 6 gadgets that facilitate independent elderly living in Staten Island.
Electric Lid Opener
Picture this: An elderly woman with arthritis is cooking supper and needs to open a jar. However, the jar is impossible to pry open. She looks around, but there isn’t anyone at home to help her. At this point, her chances of opening the jar without assistance are slim. The solution? The Hamilton Beach Open Ease Automatic Jar Opener. This tool utilizes a push button, so a strong grip isn’t necessary. It’s also compact and opens a wide variety of glass jars with lids 1″ – 4″ in diameter.
Anti-Scald Device
The risks of scalding increases with age. In particular, seniors who suffer from neurocognitive disorders have slower reaction times. Since skin also becomes thinner and more fragile as time progresses, steps must be taken to protect seniors. In that light, installing the Shower Anti-Scald Device is a viable safety precaution. The manufacturer also offers a similar device for kitchen sinks. These nifty devices shut off the water when the temperature reaches 117 degrees.
TV Headphones
Many seniors enjoy watching TV in the comfort of their own homes. However, other seniors are not so fortunate. These elderly men and women often have hearing loss and must turn up the TV to full volume to enjoy a show. Despite this, however, the increased volume doesn’t necessarily provide clarity of hearing. With the Wireless Digital TV-Audio Listening System, hard-of-hearing seniors can enjoy watching TV again. The built-in microphone is a plus, as it amplifies conversations, allowing seniors to enjoy a fuller social life.
Toilet Night Light
Many seniors experience nocturia, the need to urinate frequently at night. As we age, our bladder muscles deteriorate in strength, so it’s not unusual to hear the call of nature more frequently. With a Motion Activated Toilet Seat Light, the toilet, as well as the surrounding area, is lit with a soft light. This device uses dual sensors. The light only turns on when the motion detector discerns movements within 5 feet. Meanwhile, a convenient auto feature turns off the light when no motion is detected.
Miracle Reader
According to the National Eye Institute, seniors 65 years and older experience low vision at higher rates than their younger peers. The Miracle Reader is a small device similar in size to a computer mouse. Seniors can place it on top of any publication they choose. The print then appears as magnified characters on the television screen. This device may prove invaluable in helping seniors overcome the challenges of limited vision.
MedMinder
Seniors often forget to take their daily medications. Many suffer from mild to severe memory loss, so a mnemonic device is crucial in preventing under or overdosing.
MedMinder is a product that fulfills this need. It will send auditory or visual alerts to patients who need reminders. If the senior fails to take the medication at the prescribed time, a text, email, or phone message will be sent to his/her caregiver. Some models will lock all compartments except the one holding the pills for the day. No cell phone, internet, or WiFi is needed for MedMinder to work. The necessary operational components are built into the pill minder. Currently, there are four MedMinder models, and you must pay a monthly subscription fee to access your preferred device and its attendant services.
To learn more about devices that make life easier for your loved ones, check out this article, “Product Watch: 3 Devices For Seniors and Their Caregivers.”
David York Supports Independent Elderly Living
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