Assistive Devices Every Senior Should Have

Growing in the golden years would incur changes and challenges. It is a bittersweet stage wherein people have gained wisdom with their years of experience while having dispensed most of their energy building to the life they are living. There would be times when the physical body would lag behind and would require assistance in order to keep. 

It is for these reasons that new inventions and technologies are aimed into helping the senior citizens ease up their physical constraints. It would greatly help in addressing existing health problems or decrease the probability of incurring one. Not only are these equipment helpful in maintaining daily physical functions, but also increase a person’s mobility, independence and overall everyday quality of life. 

Hearing Device

The volatility of hearing declines around the age of 60 but this is different for each individual. Many people lose their hearing at a much earlier age and this is due to a lot of factors, including complications with their health brought about by ailments, vices and others. This can also be attributed to an unhealthy noise-polluted environment. Unhealthy habits can also lead to hearing loss. How you clean your ears has a big impact on its future. Inserting objects in the ear can lead to wax and dirt buildup. Using headphones also does severe damage to hearing in the long run. 

The tiny hairs in the ear are responsible for hearing and damage to these are fatal as they do not grow back anymore. Hearing aids are designed like earphones that assist in hearing better. Old models of these devices are quite obnoxious because of their size, which is uncomfortable when worn for longer hours. Modern designs are a bit more discreet and with choices in terms of colors, sizes, and design. Some are battery operated, while others are charged like mobile phones. 

Walkers

Walkers are commonly used by the elderly as an assistive tool in walking. Its predecessor is the walking cane that was commonly used since time immemorial as someone would only need a sturdy stick from wooden branches. They serve as stabilizers for people who started getting wobbly as they walk. It is to avoid falling or getting out of balance. It is also a temporary walking aid to people who are recovering from previous injury or arthritis.

People can choose from a wide variety of sizes and styles nowadays. You may find everything from view ladies walking canes to sturdy and durable rolling walkers. Canes are ideal for those who need minimal assistance while the four-wheeled walker is a more stable option for those with serious mobility issues. Modern walkers are mostly with wheels and have two or four legs. Some are even motorized and have other features including baskets and adjustable grips and heights.  According to Uplifting Mobility, although modern medicine has extended life expectancy, the life for elders is still riddled with health problems. This is the reality that most people will go through. But it shouldn’t be as limiting as there are things that can be done. Technology also offers relief in ailing conditions through walkers that can be customized.

Reachers

These tools are literally what its name is, they are used to reach and enable a person’s grasp in order to move surrounding objects. These aren’t only practical, but are also very affordable due to the simple mechanism it needs to be compatible with any task. It is also an accompaniment for people who are already using wheelchairs. 

In order to avoid climbing up stools or ladders to reach into an object high up, reachers can be used. They will assure no injury or sprain on any joints of the user. As such, this tool is often recommended for people who have gone to physical therapy. 

Power Scooters

This is another equipment that aids significantly in mobility which can be used indoors or outdoors. These will make walking possible without even doing a single step. This is a great help for the elderly who can no longer bear walking for longer periods of time. Power scooters are also more modern nowadays, which take no time to charge and can be used for longer stretches of time. 

These equipments can be navigated with digital control panels that have choices with speed and brakes. Manual ones are like the classic scooters, used for recreational purposes. Mobility scooters are like having walkers on wheels. This is a great alternative to wheelchairs as well. 

Aging involves a lot of challenges, but it shouldn’t be a hindrance in living as vibrant as before. More technology has offered a reprieve in the form of tools and assisting equipment. People can stay mobile and engage in daily life activities without sacrificing much. This is good news for both senior citizens and people with injuries alike.