Tools for Aging Independently

As we get older, we might need tools to help us stay independent and capable to take care of ourselves. Here is a starting place to explore what is available to help with problems that arise as we get older.

The links are to show examples of the items and are not a recommendation for a particular tool or technology. If you would like more information about anything, please reach out to TechOWL.

Communicating

• Tools include: personal amplifiers,  captioned telephone, vibrating notification, signalers, tv ears, personal microphones, talkers, communication board
• Apps for tablet or smartphone include:
  • Ava 
  • MyEar
  • Tunity 
  • Glide
  • MarcoPolo

Controlling

• Tools include: voice assistants, switches, bells, personal alarms, video doorbell, key turner, motion activated trashcan, keyless entry 
• Apps for tablet or smartphone include:
  • SOS
  • Alexa
  • Google Home 
  • Apple Home Control
  • built-in alarm (Settings installed on all tablets and smart phones)

Moving

• Tools include: stair lifts, non-slip stair treads, stair markers, stair aid, resistance bands, pedal exerciser, reachers, seating assistance, standing assistance, transport lift, standing aid, gait belts, hurry cane, walking pole fall detector
• Apps for tablet or smartphone include:
  • Yoga for Seniors & Adults
  • Tai Chi for Seniors Pro
  • FitBit

Relaxing

• Tools include: personal amplifiers, audiobooks
• Apps for tablet or smartphone include:
  • Podcasts   (generally come preinstalled on phone or tablet)
  • Calm
  • Pandora 
  • Overdrive: ebooks & audiobooks 

Seeing

• • Tools include: magnifier, talking clock, screen magnifier;
  • Apps for tablet or smartphone include:
    • Vani
    • Google Keyboard
    • BeMyEyes
    • Claro Mag X
    • Google Maps 

Socializing

• Tools include: digital photo albums,  adapted garden tools, cardholders
• Apps for tablet or smartphone include:
  • Senior People Meet 
  • Lumosity
  • WordBrain 
  • Elevate

Taking Care of Myself

• Tools include: hygiene comfort wipe, stabilizers, bath sponge, lotion applicators, vacuum Robot, furniture lifter, washing brush, kitchen utensils, pop containers, jar opener, stick blender, sock aid, shoe horns, adaptive clothing, eating utensils, daily water reminder, utensil grip, bed handle, adapted fire alarm, smoke detector,  motion sensor lighting, wearable alert, pill pack, pill minder
• Apps for tablet or smartphone include:
  • Care.com
  • TaskRabbit
  • GrubHub
  • Seamless
  • Instacart
  • Life Alert
  • NOAA Weather Radar
  • CVS Med Remind
  • MedWatcher
  • Medisafe
  • CareZone
  • Uber
  • Lyft
  • Find My Car
  • Curb

Thinking

• Tools include: reader pen, trackers, care collaboration tool, reminding buddy, simplified computer,  daily activity assistant
• Apps for tablet or smartphone include:
  • AARP Now
  • Calendar (Downloaded on all devices)
  • Buy Me A Pie
  • My Fridge Food Recipies
  • CanPlan
  • Step By Step Sequencing
  • Reminder

Working

• Tools include: blood pressure monitor, AlzBetter, motion sensor alert, call system
• Apps for tablet or smartphone include:
  • Senior Assist Free
  • Carify for Caregivers