Gadgets for the Elderly

at 11:55AM, 1:55PM, and 3:55PM

As we age, and the execution of things we once took for granted becomes more difficult, the desire to maintain our independence becomes very important. Needing assistance from others in order to perform simple, everyday actions is not something we look forward to. Luckily, there are people looking for new ways to extend our independence indefinitely. Joy Loverde is here today to discuss some “Golden Gadgets,” everyday items with senior-sensitive enhancements that can sustain self-reliance in the later stages of life.

“Golden Gadgets” are devices that facilitate the operation of seemingly simple tasks that are commonly taken for granted when we are younger. Due to reduced or limited dexterity or eyesight, things like replacing hearing aid batteries or dialing the phone may get progressively harder as we age. These devices can even restore our ability to perform those common tasks that may have become difficult in recent years, such as writing by hand, cutting a sheet of paper or unlocking the front door.

This is not to say that these products work toward keeping seniors away from other people. One device in particular works to help seniors stay better connected with their friends and loved ones. The Amplified Photo Phone has a very large number pad to assist those with vision problems, as well as a very loud ring and flashing red light if you are hard of hearing. If you have trouble remembering certain numbers, you can program contact info into the speed dial, which can store numbers next to a picture of the person you mean to call.

Personal communication through handwriting is also very important for maintaining independence. The Ring Pen and Neo Bird Pen assist those with difficulty grasping a normal pen by easing the strain on the hands and using the weight of the wrist, hand, and forearm to guide the pen along the page. With the help of these inventive writing utensils, you can continue to personally express yourself rather than relying on someone else to write your checks and letters.

The Golden Gadgets can even help out in the kitchen! If you have trouble grasping and controlling normal utensils, there are spoons, forks, and knives available with enlarged handles for easy gripping. They can also be bent depending on which hand you wish to use them with. If you suffer from more severe arthritis, the Universal Elastic Cuff is available. You can slide regular utensils into this handy sleeve and guide them normally, thereby eliminating the need to grasp anything too tightly.

These are just a few of the many objects out there designed to assist the visually, aurally, and physically impaired, and with an increasing number of people reaching an age where they may begin to require a little help once in awhile, there are sure to be many more on the way.