Top Mobile Apps to Help Seniors

According to the 2020 census, approximately 16% of the population was over the age of  65- and that percentage is steadily increasing. Aging comes with a variety of health challenges including limited physical fitness and memory lapses. Unfortunately, these challenges can impact a senior’s ability to live alone. However, with advancements in technology, seniors are living independently much longer.

If you or a loved one needs in-home senior care in or near Colorado Springs, let Gentle Shepherd Home Care help. We offer many in-home elderly care services.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the apps that can help you or your senior loved one remain independent.

How Technology Can Help Seniors

Below, we’ll take a closer look at some ways that technology can benefit seniors.

Brain-Stimulation Apps

One of the most common challenges that comes with aging is the decline of memory and other mental faculties. This can impact their ability to engage in their typical activities of daily living. Brain stimulation apps can help elderly loved ones maintain their cognition and memory.

Medication Reminder Apps

Many seniors take medications, whether prescribed or OTC supplements to keep them in good health. Unfortunately, memory lapses can mean that they forget to take their medications or take them more than they should. A medication reminder app can remind them to take their medications and allow them to see when they should take their next dose.

Online Health Resources

While you can’t trust everything you find online, there are a lot of helpful online medical resources that can augment information being given by medical providers. This information can keep seniors on track to stay healthy.

Online Grocery/Meal Delivery

Many times, seniors have limited mobility, which means they are not able to get to the grocery store on their own. Shopping online can be tedious, especially if they are not familiar with technology. Setting them up with an online grocery/meal delivery service ensures they have what they need when they need it.

Location Sharing/Smart Tracking

If your loved one has the tendency to wander off, set their phone up with location sharing or have them wear a GPS-enabled tracker. This will give you the peace of mind that you can find them if something happens.

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality can be especially helpful for seniors who are unable to get out and engage in activities they enjoy. This technology can help elderly loved ones feel happy/fulfilled and, in most cases, the virtual activity is almost as stimulating as the real thing.

Social Media

Social media has been given a bad rep, but it’s still a great way for people to maintain connections with friends and family. This can help prevent loneliness and depression.

Fitness Apps  

Physical activity has a significant impact on overall health and well-being. There are lots of fitness apps available that can help seniors with low-intensity exercises to keep them physically active.

Wearable Fitness Devices

Wearable fitness devices are more than just trendy- they can help seniors live happier and healthier lives. Most include additional features such as blood oxygen level detection, heart rate sensor, fall detection, temperature sensor, and more. There is also typically an option to allow healthcare providers to access the information, which can be beneficial.

Tech Can be Helpful in Many Ways

Today’s technology can help reduce the impact of, and even eliminate, the limitations that are common with aging. These 9 things can help ensure your loved one lives a long, happy, and active life.

If you or your loved one needs some extra support, Gentle Shepherd Home Care in Colorado Springs can help.