The population of older adults is increasing year by year. According to AARP, the number of older adults will more than double by 2050, and will comprise 20% of the total global population.
At first, this might sound scary. Old age has long been associated with ill health and chronic disease. But thanks to the incredible advancements in technology, the healthcare industry has improved massively over the last few decades. We are now living longer and healthier lives.
Research and clinic trials have helped us to identify the causes of many diseases and target specific cells or tissues to tackle these diseases. Medical conditions that were once untreatable are now fully curable and chronic health conditions can now be managed with new medications and therapies.
Because lifespan is extending and the older population is increasing, there is a huge demand for age-related tools and equipment. Technology companies are taking full advantage of this and are working hard to develop devices that are targeted toward seniors.
The younger generation has embraced technology with open arms. There has already been increased interest in technology amongst the older population too.
The pandemic has encouraged many seniors to embrace technology and has shown them how great tech devices can be to improve their quality of life. They used video calling to stay in touch with their families and relied on the internet for updates about the pandemic rules and restrictions.
Technologies that are targeted toward the older population are termed ‘active aging devices’. They are developed with seniors in mind to make daily living easier and safer. According to the Consumer Technology Association, the active aging devices industry is set to be worth almost 30 billion USD by 2025.
If you have an older parent or relative, you might be wondering what technologies you can get to improve their quality of life and make things easier for them. By providing smart technologies and sophisticated devices, you can promote independence and encourage your loved one to continue doing the things that they love, despite getting older.
Here are some great pieces of technology that you can get for your elderly relative to help them feel comfortable, confident, and independent as they age.
Hearing Devices
Age-related deafness affects millions of older adults across the world. It results from the slow degeneration of the structures within the ear and worsens over time.
Those with age-related hearing loss will lose certain parts of their hearing. The most common initial sign is the loss of the ability to perceive high-frequency sounds. They might struggle to hear the birds chirping by the window in the morning and often struggle to distinguish between similar-sounding consonants, such as d, f, and s.
If your older parent is suffering from age-related hearing loss, you might feel helpless. Although there is nothing that you can do to reverse the hearing loss, there is a lot that you can do to help your loved one hear more clearly.
There are now plenty of assisted listening devices (ALDs) that you can get to improve your loved one’s hearing. Search around for the best hearing aids and amplifiers, or speak to a doctor to get some guidance on the best devices for your parent.
ALDs have come a long way in the last few years and they are becoming more and more advanced. They are one of the best ways to improve your relative’s quality of life if they are struggling to hear properly on their own.
Smart Technology
There is a wide range of smart devices that you can get for the home nowadays and they are the perfect solution for any older adult who lives on their own and needs a little bit of extra help. Smart technology can help your parent do the daily chores, switch on and off their other devices, and stay safe while at home.
For many older adults, independence is vital. Being able to do their daily tasks without needing additional support from other adults boosts their confidence and elevates their mood.
However, for some seniors, being independent can be difficult. If they struggle with mobility, balance, or strength, even the most basic daily activities can be a challenge. Washing, dressing, eating, toileting, and transportation can quickly become stressful and intimidating.
Smart technologies can resolve safety concerns and reduce stress for older adults. If they are struggling to move around their home or stay upright while completing various tasks, smart devices can take over these tasks.
Some of the best smart devices to consider getting for your older parent are:
- Robotic vacuum cleaner
- Voice-activated light switches and televisions
- Motion sensor lighting
- Video doorbell
- Thermostat
- Home security system
- Automatic garage door
- Cordless phones that are voice-activated
Remote Monitoring Devices
Remote monitors can be used to track your parent’s health and physical activity on a continuous basis throughout the day.
If your loved one suffers from a long-term health condition, remote monitors can gather ongoing data and send it directly to your phone. You can monitor their condition and raise the alarm with your doctor if you see anything concerning in their health data.
Popular health-related wearables can collect data remotely about your relative’s heart rate, breathing rate, oxygen saturation levels, and blood glucose levels. If one of these vital signs falls below the normal range, the device will send an alert to your phone immediately.
Most remote monitoring devices use Bluetooth or WiFi to collect continual information about your relative’s movement inside and outside the home. You can check in on them from any location to make sure they are safe and sound.
If you notice that they haven’t moved from the same spot in the garden for a few hours, you might suspect that they have fallen over. You can pop round to their house to check that they are okay and help them if needed. The quicker your parent gets help when they have fallen over, the better the outcome.
Remote monitors are also designed to improve safety. Smart alarms can be activated if your loved one is in danger and connects them directly with emergency services.