By Andrea Needham
According to CNN Business, about one-third of America’s senior population doesn’t use the internet. From income restrictions to health conditions that make using a smartphone, tablet, or laptop difficult or even possible, seniors may choose to stay away from technology for a variety of reasons. However, Caring Senior Service says that technology can improve the lives of seniors—especially when it comes to boosting their physical and mental health.
If you or your senior loved one is looking to experiment with technology for the first time, it may be worth investing in a few easy-to-use devices. Tech gadgets are available to fit any budget—and you can save even more on your purchase if you look for coupons and promo codes before you shop. To explore some of the best senior-friendly tech gadgets, United We Age invites you to read on!
Automatic Pill Dispensers
If you or the senior in your life takes prescription medications but struggles to remember when it’s time for each dose, an automatic pill dispenser can make life a whole lot easier. These budget-friendly devices alert users whenever it’s time to take a medication, and they automatically dispense pills as well. According to TechRadar, several affordable pill dispensers include the following:
● TabTime Super 8. Available for $25.90 on Amazon, this product lets you set as many as eight medication alerts per day.
● LiveFine Automatic Pill Dispenser. Available for $89, this device allows you to load and store 28 days of medications at a time.
Tablets and Laptops
If you’re looking to purchase a tablet or laptop that allows you to connect to the internet, send and receive emails, listen to music, and/or play online games, it’s important to determine whether a tablet or laptop will be the right choice for you. Laptops are best for tasks that require typing and printing, while tablets are most convenient for reading and streaming video content. If you’re new to using technology, however, the most important thing is that your device is easy-to-use and requires little maintenance.
When shopping around for an affordable tablet or laptop, remember to search for different methods of saving on your purchase. Tablets and laptops aren’t the most budget-friendly tech devices, but you’ll save on your purchase if you take the time to search for coupons, promo codes, and online deals.
Hands-Free Vacuums
Approximately 40 percent of U.S. seniors suffer from at least one disability or impairment that affects their ability to move around and lift objects as comfortably as they once could. As such, a hands-free vacuum (also known as a robot vacuum) can make it easier for seniors to keep a clean home—especially if their mobility impairment keeps them from cleaning the home. Plus, robot vacuums are easy to clean, use, and store away when not in use.
While some hands-free vacuum cleaners sell for $900 or more, many affordable options are available for less than $300. For instance, several affordable products include the:
● Eufy RoboVac 11S Max.
● Eufy 11S.
● Eufy 30C.
● Samsung POWERbot R7040.
Since costs vary widely by retailer, remember to take your time as you shop around for the best deal. Typically, you’ll find great tech deals on Amazon or Overstock.com, or at Walmart, Home Depot, and Best Buy.
Wearable Health and Fitness Trackers
Like automatic pill dispensers, wearable health trackers help to keep seniors healthy—as these easy-to-use devices encourage regular physical activity while also monitoring metrics like heart rate, sleep quality, and daily steps. Plus, many fitness trackers feature several days of battery life, water-resistant capabilities, and large display screens—making them easy to maintain and use. These products can even be tailored to one’s personal aesthetic through different strap styles and watch faces.
While prices vary, many fitness trackers are available for less than $100. Several top-rated options for seniors include the Fitbit Charge 3 Fitness Activity Tracker, Garmin vívofit Fitness Band, and the Realalt 3DTriSport 3D Pedometer.
When determining whether to purchase any of these easy-to-use tech gadgets for yourself or the senior loved one in your life, remember to shop around and compare prices before making a purchase. If you shop online and look for promo codes, you may find that you can afford these senior-friendly tech gadgets much more easily—even if you live on a limited income.