Getting older is something we all have to go through eventually, but the knowledge that we’re not alone doesn’t necessarily make new challenges any easier to face. With our bodies changing rapidly and our lifestyles slowing down, there are lots of new things we need to adjust to as we age.
Through the good and the bad of this journey, we all need a little helping hand sometimes, and there’s nothing wrong with asking for help.
Sometimes, the very best help we can get comes in the form of different tools and devices that make us safer, more comfortable, and happier throughout the process of aging. Here are 10 things to consider investing in to make your life a little easier in your senior years.
Medical Alert System
Taking care of your health and safety is always crucial, and as you age and become more susceptible to falls and injuries, adding an extra layer of precaution is never a bad idea. Medical alert systems exist to act as an emergency response system in case you fall and hurt yourself.
These devices are especially important for those aging in place and living alone, as you’ll have an immediate response from emergency services if and when you need them. These devices can also help you manage chronic medication as an added bonus, and some systems have an on-the-go function for when you’re out of the house.
Hearing Aids
Growing hard of hearing is a common challenge faced by seniors, and nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about. However, simply going on with your life as if nothing is wrong will not only be frustrating for you but those around you too.
Head to your doctor and get your hearing checked, and ask for the best hearing aids if this is something you feel like you’re struggling with. Technological advancements have made these devices phenomenal in improving your hearing and making your social life easier and more comfortable.
Motion Sensor Lights
Another way to help prevent injuries is to install motion sensor lights in your home, especially between your bedroom and bathroom. Waking in the middle of the night, groggy and disoriented could lead to slips and falls in the dark on the way to the toilet.
Motion sensor lights will save you the trouble of fumbling for light switches at 3 AM but will allow you to see where you’re going and make your way there and back safely without bumping into, or tripping over anything on the way.
Bed Rails
If you have a tendency to move around a lot in your sleep, you might be at risk of falling out of your bed at night and injuring yourself at a time when you might be alone and without assistance.
Installing a bed rail will not only help prevent this, but can make getting in and out of bed easier as it provides something to hold on to as you lift yourself up and onto the bed, or something to steady you and push off as you’re getting up.
Fitness Watches
Fitness tracking devices are popular amongst young, active people, but this tech has benefits for older adults too. Fitness watches can monitor your heart health, track your steps and provide you with insight into your sleep habits and the quality of your sleep.
As you age, being more aware of your health is more important than ever, and this is a great way to get an overview of these important facets of health. Use your stats to set goals for yourself for longer and deeper sleep and more steps in each day.
Meal Delivery Services
Going out to shop for groceries and cooking and preparing three meals each day can become more tiring and difficult the older you get. Meal delivery services can deliver fresh groceries, or even ready-made and frozen meals straight to your door. This makes following a healthy, balanced diet much easier and less time-consuming.
Different companies offer different types of services, and it’s easy to find a service that will suit your needs and budget perfectly. Simply look online for meal delivery services for seniors, or anyone in your family who needs a helping hand!
Smart Home System
In 2022, we should all be taking advantage of the amazing benefits of technology. Smart home systems are improving each and every year, providing more and more services and tools that make all of our lives easier and more comfortable.
From staying on top of events and reminders to helping you in the kitchen, a smart system is incredibly powerful. Smart devices can even help you monitor your health and when paired with a fitness watch, you’ll be able to look out for and prevent the early warning signs of heart problems by staying active and monitoring your heart health.
Anti-Slip Rug Grips
A common cause of falls and injuries in elderly adults is tripping over rugs in their homes. Certain types of rugs tend to lift up at the corners or even move around on tiled floors, making it easy to trip over them and hurt yourself.
You can purchase anti-slip grips to place under rugs like these which will hold the rugs in place and prevent them from lifting up and creating falling hazards in your home.
Non-Slip Bathmat
Slipping in the bathroom is another common issue in people of all ages and this is the type of injury that can be easily prevented.
Non-slip mats can be placed both in a shower or bathtub, making it easier to grip and stay balanced even when your feet are wet, and the shower or tub is slippery.
Smart Vacuum Cleaner
An amazing addition to your smart device collection is a robot vacuum cleaner. Keeping your home clean is important, but vigorous chores like vacuuming and mopping the floors can be exhausting and even dangerous for older adults.
A smart vacuum cleaner will keep your floors clean and dust-free without any effort from you, and can even automatically detect where and when they need to move to do a clean-up
