Using Technology to Improve Senior Health
As we age, health becomes an increased focus in our lives. From conditions like diabetes to weakened immunity, seniors face potential age-related diseases, illnesses, injuries, and the risk of COVID-19 infection. You can’t improve your health overnight, but physical and mental benefits can happen over time. With proper diet, planning, and a little help from technology, seniors can maintain optimal health during COVID-19 lockdown and get the most out of their retirement years.
Staying Healthy
Adults over the age of 65 years can subscribe to private insurance plans to help cover the costs of their health care. Falling under Part C, these plans pick up where Medicare leaves off, assisting seniors in covering increasingly high costs of medical care. Depending upon which option a senior selects, benefits might cover prescriptions, dental and vision care, senior health and wellness programs, and even the installation of bathroom grab bars in your home.
If you or a loved one are enrolled in Medicare or Medicare Advantage, it’s crucial to compare benefits to ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck. Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period lasts from October 15th to December 7th. You can make changes to your choices during that time, and for your convenience, you can even examine your options and enroll right from your phone!
Tech for Your Health – A Computer in Your Pocket
Smartphones aren’t usually associated with increased health, but when seniors put the right tech to good use, even a phone can improve long-term wellness. However, your phone needs to be current to run everything properly, and if you’ve used the same phone for a while, it might be time to upgrade to a newer device. You might upgrade to one of the newest models, which often have an ultra-clear display and an extended battery that doesn’t require frequent recharging.
Before upgrading, make sure the new phone works with your data plan and monthly budget. If your plan has expired, some providers offer money toward a new phone purchase, so you can stretch your dollars as far as possible.
Apps for Health and Happiness
In addition to allowing you to check into insurance, your phone will enable you to use the numerous apps that raise the quality of life for seniors. For instance, Fox Hill notes there are free and low-cost apps for a wide variety of things, from tracking your walking habits to finding your vehicle in a big parking lot. They can remind you to take medications, help you check your blood pressure, or check in with friends across the country, face-to-face!
Snoozy Stuff
Sleep is essential for senior health, and if you aren’t getting enough sleep, it can make you feel groggy, grouchy, and can even be damaging to your mind and body. If you aren’t getting sufficient slumber, Eight Sleep suggests looking at tech tools to help with that, too. From smart mattresses to special alarm clocks, you can avoid counting sheep and look forward to feeling bright and alert.
You Are What You Eat
You can protect your wellness and longevity with another core daily habit: eating right. From apps that help with checking nutritional value, to smart scales that help you monitor portion sizes, to even a food “sniffer” that ensures what you pull out of the fridge is still fresh, you can keep your eating on track with gadgets and gizmos that are fun, technologically advanced, and super simple to use.
It can feel daunting when you first try to take control of your health, but in the era of coronavirus, it’s never been more important. There aren’t miracle cures, but you can feel better with patience and long-term dedication. To take the stress out of managing your health, take advantage of modern technologies like smartphones, health-related apps, and fun gadgets. And of course, reach out to your doctor if you have questions or concerns. With some effort, it’s possible to reclaim your health and improve your mental and physical well-being.