Gadgets for Seniors Who Want to Remain Independent

Our elderly parents and loved ones want to stay independent for as long as possible. And who can blame them? Luckily, these days there are a plethora of gadgets for seniors that can help them with everyday tasks in their home.

Gadgets for the Elderly

There are so many useful gadgets for the elderly, it was tough to pick favorites. When you are looking for gadgets for your elderly loved ones, stop and consider what is challenging for the senior in your life. If they struggle with grip strength, they may need tools to open jars. If they can’t easily reach their feet, they may need a device to help put their socks on. Since a Google search will bring up lists like “107 Gadgets for the Elderly!” it is helpful to know what you need before you start looking so you don’t become overwhelmed.

This article will not be linking to sales pages or recommending any specific brands, but rather letting you know what types of gadgets are out there.

Electronic Gadgets for the Elderly

Many senior citizens prefer to avoid technology or claim it will be too confusing to learn, so they don’t want to try new things. But there are so many tech gadgets for the elderly that if you can gently coax them into trying them out, they will probably discover they love them. Some of these gadgets include:

• An Amazon Echo Show or similar internet-connected device with a screen can be so helpful for the elderly. It can show the time and date in large, easy-to-read letters and numbers. It can answer questions like, “Alexa, what’s the weather?” or set daily reminders for pills. It also has features that allow you to call or video chat with your loved ones.

• Television remotes with large and simplified buttons – power on and off, channel and volume up and down, and large numbers. The remotes that come with TVs these days practically require a degree in engineering to understand, so these remotes are not only easier to see, but also easier to use.

• You can find phones (remember landlines?) and cell phones specifically designed for the elderly. They often have large buttons or can easily be programmed with frequently called numbers. You can even find phones that block telemarketers and suspected scammers.

Kitchen Gadgets for the Elderly

Making meals and functioning in the kitchen are very important when it comes to maintaining independence. There are many kitchen gadgets that can make cooking easier for senior citizens.

• Jar openers are a great, useful kitchen tool.

• Hands-free can openers are also helpful. Really any gadget that helps with poor grip strength.

• A stool or grabber to reach items on high shelves.

• You can even find lightweight pots and pans and “arthritis-friendly” kettles and coffee pots designed so they don’t need to be picked up and poured.

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Gadgets for the Elderly to Make Life Easier

Really everything on this list will make life easier for the elderly (and the friends and family who may worry about them) but here are some more items that didn’t quite fit anywhere else.

• Shoe horns and tools that help you put on socks when you can’t bend over to reach your feet.

• Button hooks and dressing sticks to help with clothing in the morning even when mobility is a challenge.

• A power lift recliner is perfect when it’s tough to stand up after sitting for a long time or “accidentally” taking a nap.

Finally, let’s wrap up with some fun gadgets for seniors, like a cane with a built-in chair so you can be the cool, enviable person who doesn’t have to stand while you wait in the long line. You can also get playing cardholders, a great gift for the grandmother who keeps beating everyone at the bridge. There are so many gadgets designed with seniors in mind, you are sure to find exactly what you and your loved ones need.