Available from Amazon, Google and Apple, smart assistants let you control other devices in your apartment, such as smart plugs that can dim a bedside light or act as a TV remote. You can use voice-activated assistants to play music, find weather forecasts and even answer questions. Smart assistants help you make lists, remind you of appointments and act as alarm clocks. These devices increase your independence, and you can speak to them from anywhere in your apartment without the need to get up and move around.
How often have you spent half an hour searching for car keys only to find you've left them at the door? A key finder is a simple electronic tag that can help you find car or house keys, no matter where you've left them. Using a combination of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and even GPS, these trackers help you locate a missing remote or discover where you left your wallet or spectacle case. Most Wi-Fi and Bluetooth trackers can work with a smart assistant or via a downloaded app on your computer, tablet or phone.
One of the challenges of aging is that the muscles in your hands and other joints gradually lose their strength. This can make it harder to open things like jars, cans, faucets and even door handles, especially if you have joint-related diseases. Depending on preference, choose between a manual jar opener that increases leverage and a battery-operated jar opener that does all the work. Opening cans is another challenge for seniors that's easily resolved using an electric can opener. There are also universal gripping and turning aids to help with turning faucets, doorknobs and keys.
Keeping fit is an important facet of assisted living. The CDC says older adults who exercise moderately every day reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer while improving bone health, balance and coordination. A fitness or activity tracker can help by measuring the amount of exercise you get every day. While many smartwatches can track your activity, dedicated fitness trackers may cost less and provide better information to monitor the amount of exercise and activity you get. It's always best to speak to a health professional regarding exercise so you know how much is sufficient to keep fit.
Who hasn’t forgotten to take their pills or, even worse, taken them twice in one day? With age, many seniors have one or two conditions that require them to take several pills every day. An automatic pill dispenser takes the worry out of taking pills. You can program the dispenser to alert you when it's time to take your medication. They're an immense help if you have a complicated medication regimen, as they dispense the pills you need at the required times.
If you suffer from certain conditions, a home monitoring medical device lets you check your condition without visiting the clinic or doctor. For example, these devices let you track hypertension and related conditions using an automatic blood pressure monitoring device. If you have diabetes and want something easier than the finger prick test, a continuous glucose monitor can warn of sudden changes in your glucose levels. Many smartwatches incorporate fall detectors that can message preset emergency numbers or family members if you fall. You can also buy medical alert watches that constantly measure heart rate, blood pressure and blood oxygen levels as well as provide pill and medication reminders.
It's surprising how easy it is to get lost, whether going for a walk in the country or trying to navigate a large shopping mall. A GPS tracker can help loved ones keep track of you, especially if you've walked or driven to an unusual location. They're particularly useful if you or your loved one is in the early stages of memory loss. There are several types, including watches, innovative GPS-enabled soles that fit inside your shoe and several types of smart tags. While not expensive, most types require a monthly paid subscription.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, age-related hearing loss is common, affecting 1 in 3 adults older than 65. Most seniors with hearing loss have difficulty hearing dialog on the TV and particularly movie soundtracks. A set of wireless headphones can make a huge difference. You can adjust the volume to suit, and you'll hear more because ambient noise won't be as distracting. Some types include noise-canceling features that cut out extraneous noise. Most are Bluetooth, but some models use Wi-Fi. You have a wide choice, including conventional headphones and earbuds.
