One of the benefits of growing older is the wisdom we gain with each year that passes. However, there are definitely some detractors, also. We may lose some physical strength, our senses may start to dull, and we may need to adjust our lifestyle to accommodate these changes. Luckily, there are some really cool gadgets that can help seniors in their daily lives assist in many of those activities. (And full disclosure, I am not sponsored by or endorsing any of the items mentioned.)
Jar Opener
Amazon – Uinxan Jar Opener – about $27
Amazon – Otstar Jar Opener – about $7
As we lose strength in our hands, it is harder to open jars and bottles. There are a variety of gadgets that can help us open bottles, cans, and jars.
Bag Carrier
Wal Mart – Mammoth Grip Grocery Bag Carrier Handle Holder – about $20 for a 2-pack
I hate making two or three trips to carry in bags of groceries into the house. And it hurts to line them up on my forearms. A holder such as this one enables me to carry in many more bags at a time. Or it’s also handy for carry in dry cleaning.
360 Degree Swivel Cushion
Amazon – HealthSmart 360 Degree Swivel Seat Cushion – about $25
One of the most challenging things for a senior is getting out of the car – especially if you are in the back seat. A swivel cushion helps position your body to exit a car easily.
Under Bed Light with Motion Sensor
Amazon – Maticod Motion Sensor Light – about $12
Seniors need to be mindful of the dangers of falling. And getting up in the middle of the night can present many challenges. You want to balance the benefits of sleeping in a dark room, with the need for light when you get up in the middle of the night. This underbed light has a motion sensor so it only goes on when you put your feet on the floor. There is also an adjustable timer you can set for different durations of the light – from 38-75-150-300 seconds. Or you could set it to always be on.
Wireless TV speaker
Sharper Image – about $125
This wireless remote speaker has been a godsend to me. I have some hearing loss, and I am convinced they make TVs with the speaker going out the back into the wall! This plugs into your cable box or TV, then the speaker can be placed next to your chair.
A lot of seniors will tell you they have everything they need, and they don’t need any more stuff in their lives, so it makes it very hard when you are trying to think of a gift for your favorite senior. I think the secret is to be a little bit more creative or try to personalize the gift. So, when your loved one’s birthday, or special occasion comes around – what do you give them?
Electronic Photo Frame
Pix-star – about $140
You email photos to the website connected to this frame. Then the frame plays a type of “picture slide show.” This brand plays 50 photos at a time.
Calendar
Shutterfly – about $40 for a 12×12 version
A lot of seniors continue to like to use a paper calendar, and these photo calendars can be customized with photos of your family.
Tell Me Your Story Book
Amazon – about $12
or
I’ve talked about these Tell Me Your Story books before. The questions they ask guide you through recounting the interesting and important stories about your history and the history of your family.
Time – The gift of time
There is probably nothing more of value to a senior – and especially a senior who lives alone -than the gift of spending time with a senior. Of course, connecting with family is special, but spending time with friends is also wonderful. And if it can’t be in person, a phone call is lovely also. It’s important that seniors, also, put an effort into keeping in touch with family and friends. Research has proven that strong social connections actually lead to a longer life.
Grace – The gift of grace
As you age, your “hard drive” gets full (!!) and you sometimes you may not remember who you told what, or if you told a story before to someone or not. Your senior loved one may tell you stories of their past, or even present, multiple times. One of the greatest gifts you can give them is to extend them a bit of grace, and don’t complain that you have already heard that story. You need to realize that one day, you, too, will be telling the same story twice to your children!