Normandy Living

View Original

5 Tech Gadgets Seniors Love this Holiday Season

Wondering what to get your favorite senior (or yourself!) this holiday season? Tech gadgets are in high demand. They’re loads of fun, and they can help seniors connect with friends and loved ones, too! Here are five tech gadgets seniors love this holiday season. 

1. A Tablet Designed for Seniors

Many seniors would love to be able to stream music or video chat with loved ones but don’t want to bother with complicated gadgets. That’s why a tablet designed specifically for seniors is a perfect choice.

These tablets are made to be simple and user friendly so seniors can easily video chat, play games, stream music, or watch a reel of favorite family photos. And they’re preprogrammed so there’s no hassle involved with setting them up. 

2. A Watch That Calls for Help 

Pendants that alert emergency responders to falls are helpful, but they’re also embarrassing. And if seniors are too embarrassed to wear them, they won’t have what they need if a fall occurs. 

Fortunately, companies have taken note and designed watches that perform the same function. They look just like smartwatches, so there’s no need to be embarrassed. And they have other helpful features, too! For example, they monitor vital signs, track sleep and activity, and remind you to take your medication. Handy!

3. An Echo Dot

Seniors are often intrigued by voice assistants but have concerns about privacy or find them too complicated to be helpful. The Echo Dot, however, is a good device for seniors to learn on.

The physical buttons on the Echo Dot make it easy to control the device and turn on the privacy mode. That way, seniors can be sure the device isn’t listening when they aren’t using it. And they’ll be able to enjoy everything the Echo Dot can do, including checking weather,  listening to music, or finding a good spot for brunch. 

4. High-Tech Pets

Pets are wonderful sources of companionship. They provide comfort, and petting them helps lower stress levels. But what about seniors who can’t take care of a pet? That’s where high-tech robotic pets come in.

Now, seniors can have an interactive dog, cat, or bird without having to clean cages, scoop litter boxes, fill up food bowls, or worry about vet bills. These pets are made to be realistic, have heartbeats, and respond to touch and sound, making them excellent companions for seniors who would love a pet but can’t have a real one. 

5.  A Virtual Reality Headset

Virtual reality headsets allow seniors to feel like they’re traveling the world from the comfort of their favorite recliner. Your gift allows them to feel like they’re in the audience of a broadway show, going on a safari, or touring a famous museum. 

And best of all, there are VR headsets designed specifically for seniors, with easy-to-use interfaces. Some even help with therapy, because it’s a whole lot more fun to work your sore arm or recover after a stroke when therapy feels like a game instead. 
Are you thinking of giving tech gadgets to senior loved ones this holiday season but worried how they will respond? Read our post on introducing new technology for helpful tips on choosing devices the seniors in your life will love. Happy gifting!