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Many companies have created specific apps and devices to improve the quality of life for seniors living on their own. These products can help you or an aging loved one to stay self-reliant while still being healthy and safe.

Since it’s important for aging adults to find ways to stay physically active, many seniors have introduced health tracking technology into their daily routines. Popular activity trackers like the Fitbit® allow you to set daily activity goals and track your steps or distance walked. These devices are simple to understand and operate, and can help seniors be more aware of their daily physical activity.

Additional advances in technology can allow seniors to live independently with the help of monitoring equipment. These devices can monitor vital signs, track medication doses, and even sense motion, such as falls. Emergency technology can help both seniors and their loved ones feel comfortable that they are safe when living alone. Helpful emergency technology includes:

• Emergency alert devices: Many companies make small, wearable alert devices that allow the wearer to contact emergency services if needed. These devices offer a way to alert someone if you experience a fall or other emergency, and often have GPS tracking and hands-free voice communication features.
• Vital sign monitors: Wearable sensors allow doctors to remotely monitor the vital signs of at-risk patients. These devices collect real-time heart rate, blood pressure, and even sleep pattern data to be accessed by a physician when needed.
• Household monitoring devices: There are household devices that allow you to remotely monitor a loved one’s daily routine. This gives long-distance caregivers the peace of mind to check on a senior who may be living alone. Monitoring devices allow caregivers to check on a loved one’s safety, medication compliance, and overall wellbeing.

Seniors can also use technology in the health information industry. Many medical offices now offer online portals to book appointments, examine test results, and access your medical records. Seniors can also research non-emergent health concerns from their home computers. While accessing this information should not replace speaking with a doctor, internet research can be a great first step in answering health-related questions. These online platforms offer seniors the convenience of researching health information without making frequent visits to the doctor.

By utilizing the latest technology, seniors can more easily live healthy and independent lives. Talk to your loved ones about how to implement technology into their daily routines to bring a greater degree of safety, understanding, and peace of mind.

This article first appeared in the April 2017 edition of the HealthPerks newsletter.