By Harry Cline
Technology Provides a Boost to Senior Health Planning
Technology brings a number of benefits to society, yet one group who may occasionally feel left out of those advantages are seniors. UPI explains that seniors make up 13.3 percent of the population, and they should not be forgotten as technology advances. Thankfully, seniors can find that technology is a great resource for maintaining wellness and monitoring health.
Inclusive Activism shares some tips on how to maximize technology in your golden years.
Organization through Apps
The first uses that might come to mind for apps are entertainment and diversion. However, there are now apps that allow seniors to organize all aspects of their medical care. For example, the Institute on Aging offers a Senior Care Manager app that includes features like medication management, journal, calendar, and to-do lists. For seniors who don’t want an all-in-one option, there are other, more specific health-oriented apps, such as Stress Check Pro, a stress checker, and Pillboxie, a medication organizer.
Social Connection
Mental health is an often overlooked health concern. Seniors can easily begin to feel isolated from their friends and family as they become less mobile. Technology now gives them options for staying connected to their loved ones, even at a distance. They can use apps like Facetime or Skype to instantly see their family’s faces, and social media apps allow them to keep in touch with old friends.
Managing Medicare Open Enrollment
Technology allows seniors to research important medical programs like Medicare – and to complete their open enrollment smoothly and efficiently. The Medicare Open Enrollment period is from October 15th through December 7th. If you need more information about this complicated process, there are a wealth of resources at the Medicare website, and seniors can check their available plans and make enrollment decisions online, and MoneyTalksNews points out seniors can also use a new app to explore their basic benefits.
As you review plans, you may want to consider a Medicare Advantage Plan. These plans typically cost a bit more and are offered through private insurance companies. As the name implies, Medicare Advantage Plans cover all the normal Medicare services as well as additional benefits. What additional benefits are included will depend on which private plan is chosen, but it often covers benefits like prescription drugs, dental, vision, hearing, and preventative care, which means seniors frequently save money overall.
Seniors often discover access to a high-quality smartphone makes a big difference in navigating their Medicare options. Older phones aren’t always powerful enough to handle complex apps, and the last thing anyone wants is to experience dropped service or a weak battery in the midst of Medicare enrollment. Seniors with older phones can find providers who allow trade-ins on new, more powerful phones, cutting the expense of a new phone and locking in reliable service. When purchasing a new phone, make sure to pick up a protective case to prevent damage from scratches and scuffs.
Remote Medical Monitoring
The internet of things (IoT) is enabling an increasing number of “smart” devices, including medical devices. These devices are able to record valuable health data and store it, or even provide it remotely to doctors or caregivers.
As people age, they may need to keep track of an increasing number of health patterns or indicators. IoT can make this much less burdensome, since seniors can now record vitals, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels, and have these remotely transmitted to their health professionals.
Ensuring Safe Care
The National Council on Aging reports that approximately 1 in 10 Americans over the age of 60 have experienced some form of elder abuse, and only 1 in 14 cases are reported to authorities. Thankfully, technology is now enabling family members to keep a closer eye on their loved ones.
Internet-enabled cameras allow family members and caretakers to make sure the seniors under their care are not suffering abuse. If a senior has progressing dementia or Alzheimer’s, cameras also allow caregivers to more closely track their movements.
Technology is mainstream these days, and it’s increasingly accessible to seniors. What’s more, it can make life better for older adults. Through apps, IoT, and various devices, seniors can enjoy healthier, happier lives.