Top Tech to Help Seniors Stay Up-to-Date on Their Health
February 15, 2020
Author: Katybeth Dee of Self Exam
Photo by Nicole De Khors from Burst
It is important for seniors to stay up-to-date on their health and health care, whether it’s getting enough exercise, eating the right nutritious foods, or adjusting their healthcare plans. In our rural mountain community, snowy conditions and few public transportation options can make that a challenge. But these activities don’t have to be hard or boring. Instead, use the technology within your own home. Laptops, fitness trackers, tablets, and the internet can help simplify your daily wellness routines. This list of tech tips will help you save money and time while boosting your health and fitness.
Use the Internet to Apply for or Update Your Medicare
The internet is the best and easiest way to apply for or update your Medicare coverage. If you’re over 65 (or turning 65 in the next 3 months) and not already getting benefits from Social Security, you need to sign up to get Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). You won’t get Medicare automatically. If you already have Medicare coverage and need to make changes, the Medicare Open Enrollment period is from October 15 to December 7 and during these months, you can drop your coverage, add a different coverage, or switch between coverages. After determining what you need, you can sign up for Medicare through Social Security and determine what plan is best for you through the Medicare Plan Finder. To prepare for the process, it is best to have your most recent medical bills with you as well as creating a list of your current medications and what doctors and specialists you actively see. Also, be aware of what kind of Medicare Advantage plans are available where you live.
Track Your Fitness with a Fitness Tracker
Daily exercise is important for seniors, as staying fit helps prevent accidents like tripping and falling. However, that doesn’t always mean you have to go to the gym or hire a personal trainer. Fitness trackers and smartwatches can help keep track of your fitness without needing to rely on others. Smartwatches like the Apple Watch encourage independence with features like monitoring your heart rate, watching your step count, and encourage other healthy habits. According to the Verge, Apple has started partnering with insurance companies — including the Medicare Advantage insurer Devoted Health — for senior discounts on their Apple Watch. Other fitness trackers include VitalBand by VitalTech, which was created specifically for seniors who did not like the pendants that assisted those who had fallen. Family members can also use the VitalCare app to see their loved one’s vitals, past readings, and view nutritional information.
Try a Virtual Reality Angle with Your Therapy
Accidents happen, but that doesn’t mean your therapy has to be boring. Virtual reality is a new angle within the medical field that is growing steadily. According to CNBC.com, virtual reality brand Neuro Rehab VR assists seniors who are going through physical therapy by making it seem like a game. Task games like picking items off a shelf in the grocery store focus on each patient’s needs but in an innovative way. The results have shown that patients who use virtual reality stick with training longer. While Neuro Rehab VR is mostly working with hospitals, physical therapy clinics, and senior care living centers, they are in the process of creating a mobile VR system for those who want to continue working at home.
Explore Health Resources here in Grand County
Finding health resources available in Grand County is just a click away at www.healthygrandcounty.org – Grand County’s only online health resource guide. Connect to a variety of local services including primary care, dental care, mental health, senior services, and more. Local resources and informative monthly blogs all on one site.
These amazing pieces of technology can help all aspects of your life. They are growing to become more affordable and more utilitarian so they can be brought home. Picking up a laptop or fitness band has never made your daily health routines simpler.
The Grand County Rural Health Network works to ensure that everyone in our community has what they need to thrive and be healthy. We offer access, resources, and support for all our neighbors to lead their healthiest lives. Learn more about our programs and services at www.gcruralhealth.com or by calling our office at 970-725-3477.
