Senior Care: Use Technology to Maintain Health & Wellness During COVID

Blog written by: Beverly Nelson of Stand Up for Caregivers

Photo via Pexels

As we age, we often face various age-related diseases and conditions. Unfortunately, any underlying conditions could put you at risk for COVID-19. However, just because you may be more susceptible to these issues doesn’t mean you are destined for poor health or that you will contract coronavirus.

By maintaining social distancing first and foremost, you’re giving yourself a better chance to stay healthy. In addition to that, if you incorporate regular exercise, a proper diet, and the assistance of technology, you can strive and even achieve health and wellness throughout your golden years.

Use your smartphone to your advantage

You can find dozens of helpful apps that promote health and wellness. Before you begin downloading apps, however, be sure your phone has the capability to run them. If your smartphone is older and if your data plan has expired, search for providers that offer money toward the purchase of a new smartphone that fits your needs and lifestyle. You can also often find deals on unlimited plans if you sign up for a reasonable contract. Helpful apps include:

●       Fitness tracking apps – It’s important for people of all ages to exercise regularly. Even moderate exercise appears to increase longevity and improve health in seniors. With that in mind, add more movement to your day. There are plenty of options, whether you prefer to use a treadmill or elliptical at home or walk around your neighborhood. My Fitness Pal and Map My Walk are some of the popular fitness tracking apps that are both useful and simple.

●       Brain training apps – The Lumosity app features memory games, brain twisters, and puzzles that can give your brain a workout. These brain games can help improve your concentration, memory, and other cognitive skills. Plus, these can be great ways to pass the time if you’re spending more time at home.

●       Emergency alert apps – Fall detection and medical alert apps are vital for seniors. These types of apps can literally save your life as falls are a cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for seniors.

Consider Other Technology

There are several other ways tech can enhance your health. If you’re not inclined to use your phone for tracking purposes, a great alternative is to invest in a wearable. There are a variety of options available, with some models perfect for seniors.

If a wearable isn’t your speed and you want something a little closer to home, consider a streaming device like an Amazon Firestick or Roku. These nifty gadgets can plug right into your TV and give you instant access to a wealth of fitness programming. Best of all, switching to streaming can mean big savings on your home entertainment.

Looking to reconnect with old friends and can’t find them through social media? You can use a site like ClassFinder.com to search for long-ago classmates in your area. For example, if you’re looking for friends in Hyattsville, simply search for your school and graduation year.

Take a good look at your healthcare needs

Lastly, with all this time at home, you now have the perfect opportunity to review your insurance coverage. Exclusive of the pandemic, people are living longer, obesity rates are rising, and Alzheimer's cases are increasing quickly, leaving many seniors concerned about healthcare. Do you know what your insurance covers? It's important to become familiar with your coverage before you actually need to use it extensively.

Aging can come with a host of health concerns even beyond the pandemic. However, with the aid of technology, you can track or boost your fitness, train your brain, manage your healthcare, and a whole lot more. While nothing can guarantee longevity, technology can help you stay as healthy and fit as possible as you get older.