Senior Health Care: How to Maintain Wellness With Technology

As we age, our health concerns often grow. It becomes increasingly important to stay on top of any physical or mental health concerns. And though no one can stave off illness and disease altogether, it can be easier to maintain wellness with preventive care and the assistance of technology. Read on for some ways technology can be an ally in your pursuit of good health.

Tech Tips to Maintain Health and Wellness

Evaluate Your Health Care Coverage

Every year, review your current health care needs and your coverage to determine whether you need to change your plan. The time to make changes to your coverage is during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, which runs annually from October 15 to December 7.

During this time, you can switch between plans to ensure your changing needs are met. For instance, you can get prescription drug coverage, dental care, and assistance with vision care through many Medicare Advantage plans or join a stand-alone prescription drug plan (Part D).

Medicare Advantage plans, which are offered by private insurance companies contracted with Medicare, provide at least the same level of coverage that Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) provide.

Exercise Both Physically and Mentally

Exercise helps older adults maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints and improves their ability to stay strong enough to live independently. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, certain exercises can also reduce the risk of falling by building balance and core strength. Additionally, regular physical activity can lower the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, colon cancer, diabetes, and several other conditions.

Seniors can use technology to monitor their activity level, as well as check heart rate and other vital functions. For instance, the Vital Band is more than a fitness tracker. It was designed specifically for older adults and features automatic fall detection, emergency voice call out, heart and respiration rate monitoring, step counting, and calorie tracking.

Exercising the mind is as essential as exercising the body. As we get older, it's critical to continue to challenge ourselves mentally every day. Logic puzzles and trivia games are all fun and useful ideas. Apps can also help. Whether you use a tablet or a phone, you can find game apps that you'll enjoy and will keep your brain engaged. Jigsaw Puzzle Pop, Cognifit, and Sudoku are just a few favorites.

Consider an Electronic Companion

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), more than 6.5 million Americans age 65 and older are dealing with depression. For seniors, depression and other health issues are often caused by isolation.

Even if you live on your own, you don't need to be without companionship. These days, technology can assist with solitude. ElliQ is a smart robot and personal voice assistant for older people. Like other voice assistants, it can manage your calendar, send reminder alerts, play music or videos, and provide the latest news. However, it also intends to be a social companion for seniors. It can also tell jokes, play games, and suggest activities. Plus, it features video calls and messaging, photo sharing, and other cognitive stimulation. 

For seniors who want the companionship of a pet without the responsibility of feeding and walking it, Joy for All companion pets are an option. These interactive cats and pups bring happiness to people of all ages.

Seniors can enjoy richer, fuller lives these days, thanks to various advancements in technology. Think about what options will be most meaningful to you or your loved one. With the right health care plan, regular physical activity, and tech tools, seniors can improve their quality of life and maintain wellness throughout their golden years.

About the Author: Andrea Needham

Andrea Needham is the creator and editor at Elders Day. A lifelong writer, she created her website to share information and resources with other seniors who love living it up as they age. Andrea believes our golden years don’t have to be a time to slow down, and she looks forward to sharing the many health-boosting, fulfilling activities and experiences that are perfect for aging adults.