Tech Items for Seniors to Help Independent Living.

I caught some of the 'Today Show' this morning and they had a gentleman on who writes for 'Senior Savvy', a site which provides a variety of information for older adults. He was showing some items that may help us children feel better about having our elderly parents stay independent longer. You can watch the video on the above 'Today Show' link or go to the 'Senior Savvy' link to read the article.

Either way:

* there are a couple of in-home alert devices - pendant/telephone systems (great system - mom had one and worked wonderfully),
* a mobile system that works anywhere (has a GPS in the mechanism so when someone wearing it has an issue, after pushing the button the operator can track the person's position to send help),
* a system which monitors the everyday lifestyle pattern of the person (no cameras) and sends reminders if that person forgets to do something one day, like take medication or eat - the system can notify a caretaker,

* a senior-friendly touch-screen computer to help the older person set up reminders, receive messages and photos, etc,
* medication management pill dispenser which lights up the section of the pills that are to be taken and sends reminders and beeps if forgotten (wish I knew about this one for mom),
* a basic pair of walking shoes with a GPS locator in them - you set up a parameter and when the person walks outside of it, it notifies the caretaker via email or text with the exact location of the person,
* a lightweight walking cane that pivots on a 3 point base for better stability (again - wish I knew about this one).

(all pictures from 'senior savyy' website)



Definitely a site to check out - there are plenty of items and a variety of links to explore.