Today, wellness isn’t just about taking your vitamins and hitting the treadmill – there are a wide variety of technological tools that you can use to improve and maintain your health. And these apps and devices aren’t just for young, tech-savvy people.
Our senior population is growing, and new technology can help seniors drastically increase their quality of life. Seniors who want to be proactive about their physical and mental health may benefit from using fitness trackers, motion sensors, and other devices. You certainly don’t have to be a tech whiz to give them a try! Here are a few ways that seniors can take advantage of wellness-oriented technology to take control of their health.
Review Your Medicare Plan
The Medicare Open Enrollment period has ended for this year, but it’s important for seniors to review their health insurance coverage before it’s time to enroll again. Since many seniors deal with chronic medical conditions, knowing that their insurance policy covers all of their needs at an affordable price is essential.
Seniors who have qualifying situations don’t have to wait until the next Open Enrollment Period and can instead sign up for Medicare during the Special Enrollment Period. For instance, if you’re about to turn 65, you have seven months (beginning with three months before you turn 65 and ending on the third month after you turn 65) to sign up for Medicare. Be sure to research your Medicare options carefully and compare plans before you choose one that you can afford and that suits your healthcare needs.
Tracking Vitals With Wearables
Wearable fitness trackers are not just for dedicated athletes! Yes, many people use them to track their workouts, but these devices can be used for many purposes. Even seniors who are not able to exercise as often as they would like may want to see if wearables can help them accurately monitor their vitals. According to Techwalla, some wearables specifically designed for seniors can even alert family members of falls and connect with emergency response systems.
All wearable fitness trackers will monitor the wearer’s heart rate, and many will also keep track of your sleep cycle, too. This data can be valuable for doctors, and if you are experiencing concerning symptoms and abnormal vital signs, medical professionals might be interested in the metrics stored on your wearable.
Stay in Touch With Skype
According tothe AARP, seniors who report struggling with loneliness are also at a higher risk of disease. Emotional and physical health are strongly connected, and making an effort to stay in touch with loved ones can make a huge difference.
Seniors who relocate in their retirement years may not feel the same sense of community they enjoyed in their hometowns, but technology makes it easier to chat with friends and family who they don’t see very often. That’s where Skype comes in. It’s simple to use, can be downloaded onto a phone, tablet, or computer, and allows you to see your loved ones’ faces and hear their voices, no matter how far apart you are.
Remote Monitoring for Safety
There are many reasons why seniors would prefer to live in their own homes rather than move into assisted living facilities, even if they are managing medical conditions. Technology is making it safer for them to do so.
Remote monitoring systems, which involve motion sensors placed around the home that can send data to a trusted relative, make it possible for seniors to live comfortably at home and enjoy peace of mind, knowing that their loved ones will be updated in case of an emergency. A remote monitoring system can ensure a good balance between independence and necessary assistance.
The market for senior wellness is expanding, and in the coming years, seniors will be able to utilize countless devices and apps to manage their health. For seniors who want to maintain their independence, keep track of their vitals, and fully enjoy their golden years, the right wellness technology can be life-changing.