How Seniors Can Use Technology to Maintain Health and Happiness
Many people think that enjoying good health in their senior years is an elusive dream. While you may not be able to stave off normal age-related changes, you can take steps to prevent illness and injury from robbing you of a happy retirement. Today, technology plays a key role in helping seniors maintain their general health and live independently for as long as possible. Here’s what you need to know about senior health and how the latest tech trends can benefit you.
Stay Active with Fitness Videos and Apps
Exercise is vital to senior well-being. According to Aaptiv, engaging in regular physical activity will do a lot to reduce your risk of various health problems, from depression to heart disease. There are many ways that technology can help you maintain a healthy fitness routine. For example, you can discover new exercises using senior-friendly exercise videos and fitness apps. From aerobic workouts to strength and flexibility training, the wealth of online fitness content is nearly unlimited.
A streaming stick can be a great accessory to your toolkit of fitness tech. Streaming devices allow you to watch videos and stream music on your TV, so you can jump into your workouts without hassling with a computer or smartphone. You’ll be able to access high-definition content whenever you’re ready to get moving.
Combat Loneliness with Chat Services and Social Media
Did you know that loneliness can be damaging to your mental and physical health? Seniors who are socially isolated are more likely to struggle with mental health problems and chronic physical conditions. Fortunately, technology can help seniors stay connected with their friends and family and prevent some of the effects of isolation. Video chat services like Zoom, Skype, and Google Hangouts let you talk to your loved ones from anywhere. If your smartphone is too small and you need a tablet or a laptop for better viewing, look for discounts and promotions and top-rated devices that can help you stay connected comfortably.
Stay Safe with Home Monitoring and Medical Alert Systems
Technology also exists to keep us safe. Seniors who live alone can enjoy greater peace of mind by installing monitoring systems and medical alert devices in their homes. Monitoring systems can do a variety of things, from tracking levels of carbon monoxide in your home to turning off the stove automatically when you walk away. Likewise, a medical alert system can get you help quickly if you experience an accident in the home.
Review Your Medicare Coverage Online
Enrolling in the right Medicare plan is crucial to staying on top of your healthcare needs. This is another area where tech can help you out! Seniors can use the internet to review their Medicare coverage and find plans that will better fit their lifestyle and health demands. For example, certain Medicare plans include dental, hearing, and vision coverage, as well as access to senior-friendly fitness programs. These services are an important part of preventive care and can help you avoid common age-related issues.
Remember that the Medicare Open Enrollment period started October 15th and runs until December 7th. This is your chance to adjust your coverage based on your healthcare needs. During this period, you can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan or vice versa. You can also switch between Medicare Advantage plans and prescription drug plans.
Reviewing your existing coverage and learning about the other plans available to you can be complicated. Instead of sorting through piles of paperwork and advertising material, use online tools to find and compare plans available and estimate your healthcare costs on different plans.
Maintaining your health during your senior years doesn’t have to be a complicated process. Take advantage of software, tech gadgets, and online tools to stay on top of your wellness routine. If you don’t consider yourself tech-savvy, don’t worry! Today’s user-friendly apps and devices are designed to help anyone take control of their health.