In 2018, there’s been a lot of buzz surrounding the Internet of Things (IoT), but why?
Well, the connective ability of devices is quickly proving to enhance the quality of life for people of all ages. From improved smart home security to smart medical devices that allow people live longer, healthier lives, it seems there’s nothing the IoT can’t accomplish.
Although many age groups benefit from smart technology, individuals 65-years-old and up are experiencing seemingly countless benefits from communicative devices. Seniors deserve to age with dignity, and smart devices for health-conscious senior citizens are enabling this group to live satisfying, full lives.
1) Wearables
Whether you’re completely healthy or have a history of one or more cardiac ailments, you can benefit from a wearable. These types of devices often look like sleek watches, but they do much more than tell the time. When you wear such a device, a heart monitor tracks your beats and can alert doctors when there’s an emergency.
Of course, some wearables even double as an alert system, like the CarePredict Tempo. This device has a large call button that can be used to summon assistance when required. The CarePredict Tempo also monitors your daily activities, such as sleep.
Caregivers are huge fans of the Tempo because it can sense activities of daily living and alert them when a daily routine changes unexpectedly or isn’t finished.
Reemo is another popular wearable that was designed specifically with seniors in mind. The watch runs on Samsung and monitors heart rate and location. A special button also connects the wearer to 911 in the event of emergency.
2) Home Assistants
A home assistant is generally a smart speaker that you can communicate with.
For example, you can tell Google Home to play back entertainment, schedule your day or play a specific song. Amazon Echo makes calls for you, sends and reads texts and can order items for you directly from Amazon.
To benefit from a home assistant, all you need to do is purchase the technology and connect it to your home internet. Then, you can use various voice commands to experience the many benefits of having your own personal assistant.
For people 65-years-old and older, it’s nice to program your home assistant so it can communicate with various smart devices around your house. You may want to use a home assistant to turn lights on or off, change the TV channel, control the temperature of your home or open and close your blinds.
3) Medication Tools
Regardless of your age, you need to be able to take your medications as prescribed. Luckily, there’s many solutions on the market that can help seniors manage their meds and age in place.
Once you’re no longer on a set schedule, it’s easy to lose track of the day and time. With the MedCenter System, you can rest assured that you’ll always know the date so you can stay on top of your medication regimens.
You can also load the device with 31 days worth of medication to ensure you’ll be on track for your monthly meds. When your medication is due, one of four daily alarms will alert you to ensure you receive your dose on time.
If you don’t get to your medication, a friendly reminder will chime “Please take your morning pills …” After you take the dose and acknowledge the alert, the alarm clock will reset and prepare to warn you when your next daily dose is due.
Another popular system, MedMinder, is available as a monthly subscription. A caregiver can quickly load the tray’s 28 individual cells by lifting the front cover.
After the medications are in place, the caregiver can program the system to remind seniors to take their medications as outlined by a healthcare provider. When a dose is due, an alarm sounds and a blinking tray light illuminates the required dose.
4) Unmatched Beds
Why is sleep so important?
Well, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, “Sleep plays a vital role in good health and well-being throughout your life. Getting enough quality sleep at the right times can help protect your mental health, physical health, quality of life and safety.”
As you sleep, your body works to support healthy brain function and even attempts to better your physical health. If you want to think, act and learn better, you might want to start with improving your mattress.
The Amerisleep Adjustable Bed is continually recognized as one of the best smart beds for seniors. With adjustable feet and head positions, you can make sure your body is in the most rejuvenating position before you close your eyes.
By eliminating the stress you normally experience on pressure points, you can feel relieved and relax like never before. With a simple touch remote, the bed lets you access many features, from a full-body massage to a under-bed lighting.
Another innovation that’s unique to this bed is its Wallhugger technology.
When other adjustable beds move, they push you farther away from your wall. Thanks to state-of-the-art technology, the Amerisleep bed lifts while it simultaneously glides back, so you will be able to reach your nightstand and any other things you might need while in your bed.
5) Smart Food and Drink Devices
In addition to sleeping well, you need to hydrate and eat well to experience optimal health. 75 percent of Americans and chronically dehydrated. To ensure you’re consuming your daily recommended ounces, you need something like the Hidrate Spark.
Chic water bottles are all the rage right now. Having a bottle with a sleek design is key because it can then accompany you everywhere, from meetings to the gym. The Hidrate Spark is a slim Bluetooth water bottle that looks good while automatically tracking your fluid intake.
The bottle is lightweight, at only 0.46 pounds empty, and holds 24 ounces of water. The design includes a smooth, grippy texture that decreases the chance it’ll drop out of your hands. It’s constructed with BPA-free Tritan plastic, too, so you can feel good about what you’re drinking from.
Before you start sipping, you should connect the device to its application. As soon as it’s synced, your water bottle will start to track every ounce you drink. The device will also start to glow to gently remind you when you need to drink water. You can even opt to have push notifications sent to your phone so you can make sure you drink when suggested.
6) Hygienic Tools (Trash Compactor)
Germs love warm, damp places, like the inside of your trash can, and food scraps and other trash often contain bacteria. In the right situation, parasites can even flourish in trash cans. Whether you know it or not, tetanus, salmonellosis, hepatitis A, hookworm and more can develop in and around your trashcan.
To live more hygienically, you can invest in the JosephJoseph Titan smart trash compactor. This device’s patented, hygienic compaction system makes sure your can’s liner is the only element in contact with your trash. This way, your hands, and the outside of the bin, stay clean.
There’s even a special guide in the bin that helps you avoid ripping your trash liners. Last, but not least, the system’s odor filter effectively eliminates unpleasant odors from your garbage.
7) Vital Collection and Blood Glucose Meters
Pulse rate, respiration rate, blood pressure and temperature are some of the most important measures to understand one’s essential body functions.
For pulse rate and respiration rate, many smart wearables will do. But what about blood pressure? The Omron Evolv is a wireless monitor that lets you measure, record and share your blood pressure data using a simple app.
For temperature, the Smart Stick Thermometer stands out in its class.
All you need to do is connect the system directly to your phone for an accurate, easy temperature read. Individuals who have to monitor their glucose can also use the iHealth Smart directly with their smartphones.
The iHealth Smart collects blood like almost every other monitor, but its results are very different. With your phone, you can access a digital logbook, color-coded summaries, reminders and charts/graphs that help you understand your overall glucose levels.
Smart Devices for the Health-Conscious
To reach your full potential, you need to prioritize your health.
In a complex, ever-changing world, it can be hard to understand how you can be well. Fortunately, with smart devices, it’s now easier than ever before to carry out the tasks you need to succeed and improve your well-being.
Too Much Tech?
Of course, tech does come with its downsides. Devices don’t always function properly, and they can be confusing. For this reason and many more, you can benefit from having a membership with a technical support company.
If you’re someone who needs help regularly with your devices and your internet, you need to be connected with a 24/7 award-winning support line. No matter the time of day, HelpCloud has agents online who can use remote access software to troubleshoot your issues and fix your problems as fast as possible.
From the comfort of your own home, a professional will get on the line with you to help resolve your problem and teach you how it can be avoided again in the future.
