Quality of life is something that naturally starts to dwindle as we age. Our vision starts to go, we can’t move as fast and as well as we used to, and our bodies often feel like they have a mind of their own.
Technology has made life much easier for seniors over the years, however. There is also a lot of attention being put on making the world more accessible for people entering old age, especially when considering the current demographic shift. Let’s take a look at some great products that can improve senior wellbeing.
Alert Systems
Having a sophisticated alert system should be a priority for any senior, but especially for those who are losing their mobility or have life-threatening conditions. Whether it’s for you or for someone you love, knowing that they can reach assistance whenever they want will give you some peace of mind.
Wearables are also an increasingly common option you can go for. These are becoming more sophisticated by the minute, and wearables can be used to monitor anyone’s vital signs at a distance. They can be useful for people living in rural areas, or simply for people who want to be able to keep an eye on a relative’s condition.
You also have wearables that will deliver care automatically to patients. There are many wearable devices for diabetics that will automatically dispense insulin in addition to providing real-time readings. Some will even replicate the activity of a healthy pancreas and modulate insulin levels accordingly.
An Electric Wheelchair
An electric wheelchair could be one of the best gifts you give to yourself or a senior relative. You don’t have to go with bulky old school models either. Technology has advanced in this area as well, and units are becoming more lightweight and portable than ever. However, you still have bigger models if you want more comfort or something more robust that can go longer distances.
It’s important, however, that you find a trustworthy company before you buy an electric wheelchair. This will ensure that you get good aftersales care. Going with a reputable and long-standing company will also make sure that they will be there to honor your warranty if need be.
Grab Bars
Grab bars may be subtle, but they play such an essential role and could literally save your life. Grab bars will help you get in and out of your bath easier, or get up from the toilet easily. Grab bars will allow you to be more autonomous as well and not constantly require assistance every time you go to the bathroom.
A Heavy Duty Bath Mat
Speaking of the bathroom, you also have to make sure that you have a solid bath mat. The National Institute on Aging found that one-third of all seniors aged 65 and over end up slipping and falling every year and that in 80% of cases, those occur in the bathroom.
Most of these accidents could be easily prevented by using a good bath mat, like the Gorilla Grip Mat for instance. This mat sticks to non-tiled surfaces like no other is easy to clean, and won’t allow mold to build up.
Walk-In Bathtub
If you want to take things one step further, you could also invest in a walk in the bathtub. Some can also be accessed with a wheelchair. These are much easier to get in than your average bathtub, and many will have a seat as well to keep you comfortable. While they can get pricey, they’re a smart investment when considering the number of injuries they can prevent.
Smart Vacuum Cleaner
Everyone deserves to live in a clean house, and that includes seniors. Unfortunately, vacuuming yourself can be difficult or not even be an option depending on your situation. This is why you should consider getting a smart vacuum cleaner to facilitate things. While you will still need to give your floors a nice cleaning from time to time, this will make the workload much lighter.
Bedding Products
Your bed needs to promote healthy sleep, but be accessible as well. A massaging bed could be a great option if you’re constantly dealing with muscle issues. You could also get an adjustable bed. These aren’t reserved for hospitals only and are more affordable than ever.
You also have to make sure that you pick the right mattress for you. You shouldn’t go with fads either. While memory foam mattresses might be a great choice for some, they aren’t for everyone. They may not be the best option for people dealing with night sweats for instance, as they don’t do a very great job at controlling temperature.
Latex mattresses may be a better choice in these cases. They feel a lot like memory foam mattresses but are slightly firmer. This makes them a great option for people who deal with back issues and need some extra support.
In addition to a good mattress, you also have people suffering from incontinence that might need some extra protection. You can find waterproof bed covers and sheets that will take care of that and will feel just as comfortable as any bed sheet or cover on the market.
Automatic Pill Dispenser
Remembering when to take medication and which one can be difficult for seniors. Not only do we start losing memory as we age, but the sheer number of medications the average senior has to take in this country can be dizzying.
An automatic pill dispenser could be the perfect solution. Top of the line dispensers will not only dispense the pills for you, but send you alerts either by phone, email, or text if you haven’t taken medication. Alerts can also be sent to other caregivers to notify them that you may have missed a dose. They will also send an alarm when you forgot to take a pill or remind you if you already took a certain medication.
These are only some of the products that could make the life of you or someone you love much easier. Consider them all, and see which ones could benefit you the most in your day to day activities.
