Technology has become an amazing and convenient tool for everyone, including older adults. In addition to making activities like online banking or shopping much easier, technology can improve your wellbeing in various ways including reshaping how you connect with your loved ones, finding accessible ECG and heart health monitoring solutions, meditation aids, and so much more.
To get you started, here are 4 ways technology can support your wellbeing and enrich your life.
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Connect with your Loved Ones
Smart Displays such as the Google Nest Hub or Echo Show allow you to connect to family and friends through video by using voice-commands. These devices are great for individuals with limited vision or reduced finger dexterity.
Facebook Portal TV has a Smart Assistant (Alexa) built-in, and you can video-call your loved ones through WhatsApp or Facebook messenger. Additionally, Facebook Portal TV offers a great way to connect you with your grandchildren through the Story Time app. The app allows you to narrate children’s stories in the video calls with fun augmented reality costumes projected on the screen for stories like Little Red Riding Hood, Goldilocks and more.
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Stay on top of your Physical Wellbeing
Wearable devices such as the FitBit can track exercise, activity, sleep and even monitor heart rate. With the app, you can see an overview of your data and track any changes over time.
Improving your sleep hygiene can also improve your health. Wearable tech like FitBit and Apple watches are equipped with sleep sensors. Under mattress sensors from Withings can be slipped right under the mattress to monitor sleep cycles, heart rate, and snoring. These devices analyze your patterns and provide feedback on how to get a better night’s rest.
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Exercise your Brain
Brain-healthy games come in various forms, from online board games to games on your phone or consoles. These games are designed to stimulate thinking, and evidence shows that brain games can play an important role in maintaining overall brain health.1
There are numerous apps available that work on most smartphones or tablets, such as Lumosity, Word with Friends, Scrabble GO, Candy Crush. Some of these games can be played with other family members to make the experience more fun and strengthen bonds.
Consoles like the Nintendo Switch also offer great games for brain health. This popular system features simple yet mentally engaging games like 1-2 Switch and Mario Party that include speed-based tasks and problem-solving activities.
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Keep a Health Diary and Send Reminders
Many smart devices help track habits and routines and send notifications as needed. For example, the Meal Reminder app can help keep you on schedule by sending reminders for daily meals. Pill Reminder and Medication Trackers by Medisafe can help you keep track of your medication and dosage. Most journal-keeping and reminder apps are available through smartphones or tablets.
Additionally, wellness monitoring systems such as Assured Living can remotely connect you with your caregiver. If there is a change in your activity level, notifications will be sent to your caregiver to take appropriate action that keeps both of you safe and healthy.
Continue Your Tech Learning
These are a few ways that technology can positively impact your wellbeing. Tech is always innovating and improving in many ways, including in its ability to enrich your life. There are many ways you can continue to learn about tech and stay up to date on all the ways it can help.
As you continue to learn, it is important to find a safe space in your family or community home where you can experience new devices and learn about their intended use. Your friends or family can take part in your development and recognize that, with appropriate tools and continuous support, you can have a successful and fulfilling time online.
Written by Sara Aghvami, Director of Best Buy Health
