Great Ways Seniors Can Use Technology to Maintain Health and Wellness
Seniors often have very specific needs when it comes to their health and well-being. Using technology can make it easier to keep track of health-related issues and maintain overall wellness. The Stroke Recovery Foundation wants to help you thrive, so let’s take a look at various aspects of your health and how technology can play a role in helping you stay healthy.
Senior Healthcare Needs
As the Pasadena Health Center explains, some of the health-related issues that seniors may experience are arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, and heart disease and stroke. When it comes to diseases like Alzheimer’s and some types of cancer, age can be an influencing factor, so it’s no surprise that older adults may face this obstacle as well.
Apart from getting the appropriate treatment where necessary, you can cultivate helpful habits that will keep you in good health. These include basics like nutritious eating and keeping as physically active as you can. If you’re a smoker, it’s definitely time to put away the cigarettes. As an older adult, it’s also important to make sure your immunizations are current.
In order to make sure your health is at its best, you’ll need to see your doctor regularly, too. According to Home Care Assistance, this would include annual check-ups, visits after an injury, or if you notice a change in your body.
Technology Options for Seniors
With all the things seniors have to pay attention to when it comes to maintaining good health, it’s fortunate that there’s technology in place to help. As overwhelming as the world of technology may be for some seniors, the good news is there are countless online tools that make navigating the various aspects of your health quite easy.
YOUR MEDICARE
The Medicare Open Enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7. Since this is the time when you’ll be able to switch from one type of plan to another, any changes in your healthcare needs will be an important deciding factor.
You should pay close attention to what the different parts of Medicare coverage entail. For example, while Part A deals with hospital stays and hospice care, Part B is more focused on doctor’s visits and outpatient services.
The process is a little complicated, but there is now a Plan Finder tool on the Medicare website that can help you easily compare your options. The government also released “What’s covered,” a mobile phone app that can help you determine what your plan does and doesn’t cover. Once you use these tools, your path forward will be much clearer.
WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY
Wearable technology like smartwatches can help you keep track of your fitness level. You’ll be able to tell if you’re doing things more slowly. Depending on the model, these devices are also able to detect your heartbeat as well as if you are having trouble with sleep apnea. Another great tool is the LadyBoss Pocket Personal Trainer, an app which personally coaches your fitness and diet choices.
Other devices that can be beneficial are medication reminders and pill dispensers that will ensure that you are taking your prescribed medication as scheduled. This is very important!
Using a health management device can help you monitor your blood pressure, blood glucose and pulse regularly with the option to send reports to your doctor, so you or your caregiver partner are aware of what’s happening with you.
Technology can help you and your doctor stay on top of changes in your health, including your diet and exercise habits. If you’re unsure where to start, the above resources can be a good introduction to using technology to better your health and wellness.
Katybeth Dee was inspired to co-create Self Exam after her sister was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 23. She hopes to use the site to spread awareness on preventing illness, as well as lend support to those currently facing their own medical battles. She lives in California with her golden retriever, Luna.
Look to the Stroke Recovery Foundation for more tips and information on staying healthy throughout your senior years.
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Bob Mandell
Founder and Managing Director
