The Best Technology and Devices for Seniors

While smartphone use among seniors has risen from 18 to 42 percent since 2013, their adoption rate still trails in comparison to younger generations. This slower adoption to smartphones and their accompanying technology is not for lack features designed specifically to make technology more user-friendly for older generations. For example, the iPhone 6s Plus offers accessibility features such as enlarged font to make text messages and emails easier to view, talk to text features to avoid frustrations with small keys on the touch screen and typos and video chat, via Facetime, to make staying connected to family convenient, fun and more importantly, easy. Along with the iPhone 6s Plus, there are several other companies creating software and hardware that are not only senior-friendly, but can make day-to-day life easier as well.

Medication Assistance

On average, those 65 years and older take four different prescription medications each day. CareZone is a free app that allows the user to set a vibrating alert when it's time to take medications. Another feature, is the ability to share medication and other important information. The coolest feature, however, is the photo transcription feature. The user simply snaps a picture of their pill bottle, uploads it into the app and the details of the prescription are transcribed and added to the user's current medications list.

S.O.S. Safety Devices

Personal emergency response systems (PERS) are not only sophisticated, but also an ideal way for seniors to maintain their independence and still give peace-of-mind to their loved ones. More advanced companies like MobileHelp now have mobile alerting capabilities within their pendants or wristbands to work anywhere, not just in their home, including fall detection. With fall detection, the PERS senses the event and alters the affiliated response center even if the user hasn't pressed the button.

Health and Activity Trackers

There are several devices on the market aimed at helping people lead healthier, more active lives. Fitbit is one of the most user-friendly devices while still remaining innovative in their product lineup. The Fitbit Ultra Wireless Activity Tracker keeps real-time activity data displays making it easier to reach health and fitness goals. Apart from simply tracking steps, it also tracks activity level, calories burned, stairs climbed, distance traveled and even sleep quality. Additionally, partnered with the Fitbit Aria Wi-Fi Smart Scale, the duo allows for comprehensive health monitoring with weight, BMI and body fat percentage data being tracked and recorded within the same Fitbit mobile app and online web portal.

Mental Agility Games

Mentally agility is important for our older generation and games, like the ones found on Luminosity, offer a variety of brain exercises to increase cognitive thinking and keep aging minds as focused and keen as it was in their younger years. It gives them the ability to exercise their mind at their convenience, even on the go, and make it daily practice, which will increase it's benefits tenfold.

While, yes, the older generation is adopting the progression of technology and smart phones as quickly as the younger generations, they are adopting all the same. And, as companies continue to expand their product and service portfolios to be user-friendly and even aimed toward older generations, the percentage of usage will continue to grow.