
One of the greatest risks to the health of senior citizens is loneliness and isolation. This often occurs as a result of the effects of aging — hearing loss, mobility loss, etc. They start being left out of conversations, and family members may even be less likely to visit. But with proper technological assistance, the seniors in your life can re-engage.
Hearing
While many elderly senior citizens wear hearing aids, these assistive devices may not be enough. For example, some seniors can hear enough to have a conversation but can struggle to catch dialogue on a television show. Products designed to give seniors citizens a personal boost of sound make it easy for them to enjoy a television program without setting the TV audio so loud that it’s disturbing to others in the vicinity. Hearing loss is a common challenge as we age. About 20% of Americans live with some degree of hearing loss. Hearing aids can’t bring back your normal hearing, but can improve it by amplifying soft sounds, helping you to hear sounds you might have had trouble hearing.
Mobility
A mobility aid can be as involved as a motorized scooter or as simple as a cane. However, each of these tools serves a single purpose: Avoiding a fall. One simple slip when carrying groceries or even using the bathroom can lead to a catastrophic injury to your loved one. Oftentimes, getting your loved one to use a mobility aid can be a challenge. They may not want to use a walker or a cane. To encourage the use of these types of devices, it can help to remind your loved one that such a device serves as a visual barrier to those around them. They’re less likely to be bumped by a shopping cart at the grocery store with the walker serving as a barrier between them and the general public.
Travel
For the elderly trying to live independently, there is a risk of wandering or getting lost. To keep tabs on a senior who may have trouble remembering directions, tools such as the MobileHelp GPS personal emergency response tool can provide peace of mind. Even if your loved one is unable to ask a question or communicate their challenge, they can be found and assisted. The system can be used in the home as a medical alert system, worn as a pendant, carried in a pocket on a walk or placed inside a purse for a drive.
Many seniors may feel that advancing technology is leaving them behind. However, technology can them get ahead. Many tech companies are focusing on the needs of the elderly and building ways to make their lives easier.
Homecare is another great way to help your aging loved one retain their independence while making sure that their needs are met. See how we can help.
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