Tech Devices for Seniors to Stay Healthy and Connected

Approximate Cost: $65 per month subscription

A simple, easy-to-use tablet created for seniors.

Tablets have become essential tech devices for seniors. Not only do they come in handy for video chatting with family and friends, but they are also useful for reading books, playing games, watching videos or catching up on the news.

The GrandPad is a tablet designed with seniors in mind. It has a secure and private network feature that allows you and your family members to communicate, share photos and make video calls without the fear of security breach or falling victim to fraudsters. The GrandPad comes with an artificial intelligence (AI) feature, known as the Grandie virtual companion, which can answer questions on a range of topics, tell jokes, find recipes or just chat.  

Approximate Cost: $130

Pets without the mess

Loneliness and isolation is a problem for aging adults. Having a pet can help. According to a University of California-Davis study, a pet can help improve a person's mental and physical health.³ However, some seniors may not have an actual cat or dog because of restrictions where they live or medical conditions that make it hard for them to care for it.

That's where Joy for All Companion Pets come in. These robotic pets, created by Ageless Innovation, bark, purr and respond to touch and voice, yet don't require the care and feeding of a real animal. The company even makes robotic birds that can attach to a walker. Batteries are included in all Joy for All Companion Pets, and they are ready to activate upon opening the box. 

Approximate Cost: $200 plus $45 per month subscription

Advances in technology have made it easier for seniors to get help in a medical emergency through the use of medical alert devices. One such device is Medical Guardian's MGMove smartwatch, which enables seniors to call for help by simply pressing a button. Similar to other smartwatches, the MGMove boasts features including messaging loved ones, scheduling reminders, step counting, and weather forecasts. 

The cost to buy the MGMove smartwatch is $199.95, but then you'll also have to pay a monthly subscription which ranges in cost from $38.95 to $42.95 depending if you pay the bill monthly, quarterly or annually. Optional features are additional costs, like OnGuard alerts for $2.99 per month, and fall detection for $10 per month. 

Approximate Cost: $100

Smart speakers like Amazon Echo are great for seniors because they offer hands-free convenience, accessibility and safety features. With simple voice commands to Alexa—which is the name of Echo's voice service — this speaker can do everything from turning on the lights, playing music, or reminding you when it's time to take your medication. Sometimes, you can use the smart speaker to call for help in emergencies. Certain speakers have displays for viewing time, weather, and rotating pictures of family and friends. 

The Amazon Echo connects to your Wi-Fi and allows you to control the privacy settings. You can also get compatible devices to help you turn on the lights or change the temperature on your thermostat with a voice command. Google makes a similar product called the Google Nest. 

Approximate Cost: $120 with monthly subscription plans starting at $19.99 

Modern smartphones offer many benefits that can enhance seniors' daily lives. Some, like the Jitterbug Smart4 phone, have larger, easier-to-read screens, simplified interface and voice-assistance technology. This smartphone has emergency features to contact family or emergency services quickly. 

Other common Jitterbug Smart4 features for seniors include: 

• Health monitoring tools, like heart rate and step counters, which support wellness 

• Hearing aid compatibility and adjustable settings for those with sensory limitations 

• Apps that provide medication reminders 

• Cognitive games to help improve memory, attention and problem-solving skills