New Age Products Help All Facets of Independent Senior Living

An increase of couples opting for nuclear family lifestyle versus the joint family system, where three generations lived under one roof, the percentage of older people wanting to be active longer and age at home instead of an old age home or assisted living, is on an increase.

Technology is part of this senior demographic providing more and more services to older adults. With the help of these gadgets and services, everyday living does become more manageable and daily chores become less of a struggle. Entertainment is another huge factor, as older adults tend to isolate and not want to leave home until necessary, products to cope with common problems like loneliness and social isolation along with poor health are a great way to ward off these problems.

Products that engage in healthy behaviors like initiating conversation and help  older adults stay in touch with family or loved ones, including nudges to take medication and stay connected with the outside world. Keeping them busy makes them forget about their pain and what they can’t do.

Of the innumerable products available in the two billion dollar industry, the ones I feel are the best gifts for older adults can be classified into; products that aid their everyday routine and products that entertain.

Products to aid everyday routines:

General

-Personal Alert System (a wearable electronic device designed to summon help in an emergency)

-Pill organizer with reminder alarm: Keeping track of medications and when to  take them gets increasingly difficult as people age.

– Pill crusher, for the big size pills, makes it easier for swallowing. 

– Automatic pill dispenser keeps track of what pills to take at what time.

-Bending down to tie shoelaces or pull on a pair of socks gets harder with age; dressing yourself with a sock aid, helps prevent over-extension from bending down.

-The long-handled shoehorn, allows you to slip on any pair of shoes without straining to squeeze your foot into them.

-Torch (light in weight, bright in light)

-Back scratcher

-Tangle free comb

– Stick

– Glasses chain especially for reading.

– Mask chain a must have through the pandemic.

– Belt clip to hold keys, cardholder or cell phone holder.

– A foldable walking stick, be sure to check the sturdiness.

 Kitchen;

-Smoke alarms

-All-in-one Bottle Can Lid Twist Gripper Ideal for Seniors Arthritis Suffers and Weak Hands.

-Ice pack of two to three different sizes

-Non-skid oven mittens

-Foldable stool

Bathroom

-Toilet seat raiser

-Grab bars or rails for the bathroom near the toilet and shower. 

-Bath tub/ shower chair, important to choose a sturdy one as it also doubles up as hand support.  

-The most basic bathing aid is an anti-slip mat. 

– A foot cleaning brush with a long handle to clean between those piggies aka toes The long handle lets you scrub without bending down and straining your muscles.

-A long handle back scrubber or loofa to clean between your shoulder blades and other hard to reach places.

– A toilet footstool, It works simply by adjusting toilet posture.

For Entertainment:

-Brain games: Puzzles and games that engage the brain are available dime a dozen, choose whatever you enjoy, compete with the computer or borrow in-house games. The list is never ending. 

-Smart phones to get on to social media platforms connect with friends and family for free. It’s Technology at its best.

-If you have a card-playing group, playing card holders allow you to keep your hands free especially for those who suffer from joint pain and arthritis to. 

What older adults want above any other gift you might provide, a side kick for happier aging;

• Relationships. 
• Community. 
• Food. 
• Routine. 
• Respect. 
• Physical Activity.
• Comfort.