Digital Tools & Resources: Improving Senior Health

We live in an era of near-constant technological advancement. Digital tools continue to be developed that aim to improve our daily lives by keeping us active and healthy, simplifying tasks, and providing information.

Many of these tools and resources are available in the palm of your hand - with just the swipe of a finger. These tools and apps are especially useful in the realm of senior health. From tools that can monitor a user’s heart rate to apps that can remind a user to take medication, digital resources can help you maintain, and improve, your overall health.

Brickmont Assisted Living, with assisted living and memory care communities through Georgia, wants to share some digital tools and senior health resources that can help improve your everyday life.

Resources for Those 55 and Older

The following resources can be accessed from a smartphone, computer, or tablet. Each one aims to offer information regarding senior health, education, and convenience for those 55 years and older.

• AARP (American Association of Retired Person) - According to their website, “AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age.” Though an AARP Membership can offer additional benefits and discounts, AARP provides information regarding local events, news, and other information focused on senior health.
  
  
• The National Council on Aging - Established in 1950, the National Council on Aging was the nation’s first charitable organization that provided a national voice and acted as an advocate for seniors. The National Council on Aging offers fantastic digital tools, information, and resources that benefit those 60 years or older.
  
  
• SeniorDiscounts.com - There are various restaurants, stores, and businesses that offer discounts exclusively for those 55-plus. SeniorDiscounts.com is a great resource to help you find these discounts (with over 250,000 active listings at any given time!).
  
  
• SeniorNet - This website is dedicated to providing information and education to older adults regarding computers and other new technologies.
  
  
• National Association of Area Agencies on Aging - The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (also known as N4A) is a national organization that focuses on providing information regarding specific programs and services in one’s area. This organization is a built network of over 620 organizations across the United States that can put you in contact with agencies in your area and provide you with valuable information.

Smartphone Applications

Smartphones offer the ability to access countless digital tools, apps, and resources all in the palm of your hand. There are millions of apps at your disposal; some can stimulate the brain and encourage interactivity, while others can promote safety.

• GoodRx - GoodRx is an app that was developed to help individuals save on prescription costs. Though this service can be utilized on a computer, smartphone access is typically more convenient. Oftentimes, maintaining senior health includes the use of multiple medications and supplements. This app aims to get you the best price for the medicine you need!
  
  
• AARP Now -Did you that AARP also has an app that you can download to your smartphone or tablet? AARP Now brings news alerts, information, and other tools in the palm of your hand for easy access and convenience. 
  
  
• Medisafe Medication Reminder - This app is a useful tool that does more than remind you when to take certain medications. It can create a comprehensive database that can warn you about dangerous drug interactions, and sends a prompt if you are running low on a certain medicine and reminds you to refill the prescription.
  
  Medisafe also has a feature that allows the user to add a Medfriend or family member. This feature gives a trusted friend or family member pertinent information regarding your medication. If the user forgets to take their medicine and ignores or doesn’t see the Medisafe warnings, their Medfriend or family member will be alerted. This ensures the safety of the user should the missed dose be due to a health or emergency situation.

From entertainment and engaging activities to important information and senior health-related news, smartphone apps and digital tools have various purposes and uses.

If you found this blog informative, we encourage you to visit our Brickmont Assisted Living blog to discover more articles regarding senior health and technology.