World Senior Citizen's day takes place on the 21st of August.
This day gives us the opportunity to think about the problems and circumstances that affect the elderly, which unfortunately include issues such as potential abuse and possible health decline – but on a more positive note, it allows us to reflect on the enrichment the elderly bring to our lives.
For generations, they have bought life, love and hope to others, and on this day we could use it to show our appreciation for all that our elderly relatives and friends do for us.
Your appreciation may be, perhaps, the babysitting they provide so you can have that glorious lie in, Grandma’s famous recipe that they know off by heart and you have spent months or years trying to perfect, or even the long chats you have with them as they provide a listening ear.
Whatever the reason, make this day count.
Coinciding with this international day, and being a place where we provide digital training, got us thinking about the assistive technology that is available that could once set up, and help the elderly with everyday tasks.
Smart home technology has existed for a while and can make lives easier, safer and more comfortable. If you haven’t thought about it for your elderly relatives, now may be a good time to have a look into it. This technology can be used to control a whole range of home features and can make independent living more manageable.
Some mobile phone apps can be controlled using voice and can adjust anything from blinds to lights! You could even have a smart thermostat installed to keep the temperature of elderly relatives’ rooms exactly how they like it.
Here are some examples you might want to take a look at:
- Samsung SmartThings- Smart Home - Home Monitoring, SmartThings | Samsung US
- Amazon Alexa App- Amazon Alexa on the App Store (apple.com)
- Google Assistant- Google Assistant, your own personal Google
- Apple HomeKit- iOS - Home - Apple
This post has been written as part of our Restart Scheme.