In the 21st century, just about everything is high-tech, streamlined and sophisticated. For nearly every problem, there is an app or device to solve it. And while this is a fabulous thing in most cases, those who didn’t grow up in a world that revolves around screens might find mastering all of these different solutions difficult. Finding tech solutions that help seniors solve problems and stay connected while at the same time are easy to navigate can be a challenge.
Using apps and other tech devices to stay connected helps seniors and their loved ones navigate the challenges of senior living and provides an opportunity for loved ones to step in and help, even at a distance. Check out some of the awesome senior-friendly technology that can help families to stay connected.
Invest in a smart home device
These handy little units are far from new on the market, but with the constantly evolving upgrades they are truly becoming an unparalleled asset for seniors. The real benefit for seniors is that they are ever-present and can be voice activated, meaning they don’t require intricate command sequences to accomplish tasks in the same way that might be an obstacle while using a smartphone. Video equipped models provide everything from voice-controlled command over household functions and appliances to touch screen access to entertainment to video chats with anyone on your contact list right on the screen. Music, movies, games and other useful tools are available by using that simple verbal greeting. These devices each have their specific perks, but for communicating and staying connected to senior loved ones, the idea of having this kind of smart device in the home is just, well, smart.
Try an easy to use GPS tracker
GPS tracking apps can truly help family members and loved ones stay connected in real time. These apps share locations, status updates and messages between linked members. Users can even set alerts to notify them when your senior leaves home or arrives at a specific destination.GPS apps are highly effective in easing the worries over the safety of each user and the easy to access private group communication and maps makes staying connected simple, even when users are far apart.
Get on the road again with ridesharing services
Ridesharing apps are highly useful in helping seniors stay mobile while maintaining their safety by letting someone else do the driving. This is the less popular advantage offered by these great platforms. Services to help transport seniors to healthcare appointments safely, attend social outings or go grocery shopping by allowing third parties – either family or caretakers – to book rides has made these services even more important as an asset to keep seniors on the move and connected.
Start an at home watch party
Streaming services for entertainment are certainly not a new concept, but thinking about them in a way that keeps seniors connected to family members might be. By taking the time to set up a profile for a senior loved one and adding programs that they might be interested in watching to their “playlist,” family members can create a better user experience and connect with seniors over the programs they are watching together. Choosing programs for family members to watch together even when they are physically watching them apart creates new things to talk about and experiences to share, making the process of finding something new to watch easier and more fulfilling for senior loved ones.
Play games
There are a million apps for simple games to be played on smartphones. But choosing games like Words with Friends, or other interactive and competitive games that can be played at great distances and are simple to understand can be a fantastic way to stay connected with senior loved ones. These kinds of games provide a perfect way to interact on a regular basis with senior loved ones and can be fun for everyone involved.
Staying connected to seniors, especially when they are physically at a distance, can be challenging. Through strategic use of senior-friendly technology, however, families and loved ones can stay connected, communicating and interacting in meaningful ways.
