Innovative Technology made for Seniors

Technology is being updated at an unprecedented pace. The abundance of new technology makes it hard to keep track of things that could potentially benefit your life. It also may feel intimidating, like you aren’t technologically savvy enough to keep up with it—and as a senior, It may also feel as if the new technology doesn’t really apply to your life.

However, unknown to most, there is actually emerging technology that is specifically made to benefit seniors and their lifestyles. From helpful robots that remind you to take your pills, robotic dogs that cuddle with you, to Virtual Reality that helps stroke patients get back to their previous lifestyle–technology is not lost on the older generation. Keep reading if you want to hear more about new technology that could positively impact your life, or if you are just curious about the innovative, fresh products that are hitting the markets for seniors. 

ElliQ

Do you live alone and often wish you had someone to talk to? Well, ElliQ might be able to help with that. Created with empathy, ElliQ is a mini, voice-operated robot that helps seniors cope with living alone. ElliQ encourages independence, healthy living, and engagement. It’s features include encouraging you to try out new activities, playing music, meditating with you, reminding you to exercise or open that book you’ve been wanting to read, reminding you when to take your pills, and much more. Currently, you can get on a waitlist to try out ElliQ, there are no repercussions, and it’s completely free as it’s a developing technology. 

Joy for All 

It can be a lot of work to care for a pet, they can be costly and require you to be physically active. Depending on your situation, these demands may be too much for a senior. Joy For All is a company that created a furry companion keeping seniors in mind. Joy For All has robotic animals, both dogs and cats, that provide the comfort of a pet without the financial and physical burden of having one. They have soft fur, heartbeats, and the same mannerisms as real dogs and cats. They require your attention and love as they are touch and voice activated. It may seem a little peculiar, but the positive reviews on Joy for All pets show that they have brought joy and comfort to many seniors.

Stroke Recovery and Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality is a technology that creates immersive, simulated experiences through a headset. It makes people feel as if they are taken out of reality and placed within a digital world. Conventionally, VR has mainly been used for games, but now engineers are creating simulated experiences for patients in stroke rehabilitation. Virtual Reality allows patients to work on simulated real-life activities such as going to the grocery store, washing dishes, and practicing functions that aren’t otherwise practical in a hospital setting. This use of VR technology is associated with higher outcomes of the patient using their limbs again because the simulated experiences produce task-oriented training of their limbs. This helps patients form neural connections that allow them to perform tasks previously done before their stroke. With Virtual Reality now being used for restorative purposes in patients, it’s exciting to see what other new technologies will arise to help people with health concerns.

Seniors are not being left out in the evolving tech industry, there are and will be many more products that help seniors live a happier, easier lifestyle. Keep on the lookout for new technologies that could benefit your life!

— Madison Calhoon