According to the World Health Organization, there were 200 million people over 60 years old in 1950; by 2000, that number had tripled to nearly 600 million; by 2025, it is estimated there will be more than one billion seniors.

National Senior Citizens is Friday, August 21. Its goal is to increase awareness of the factors and issues that affect older adults as well as recognize and acknowledge the contributions of seniors to society.

Brian Norton, Easterseals Crossroads, director of assistive technology, says it is important to help support them throughout the aging process, including providing services needed for them to continue to lead lives of independence. Today he joined us with products to help seniors do just that. Here’s more from him:

Assistive Technology for Seniors

• Anything that helps a person do something they would otherwise be unable to do
• Reduces reliance on other people and care systems
• Increases independence in all areas of their lives (home, work and play)

Aids for Daily Living

• Kitchen Items – High-Contrast Cutting Board, 2 Liter Holder, Lift Wear Steady

Reading

• Video Magnifiers (desktop and handheld) – Reading aids for people with low vision that maximizes the remaining sight so it’s possible to read and view printed materials (ex. mail, newspapers, recipes)

• Document Reader – A document reader converts text into speech and helps persons with low vision to read printed materials (ex. mail, newspapers, recipes).

Health

• Internet-Connected Health Devices – Track your health, and report it directly to health care providers (blood pressure, glucose monitor, Kardia Mobile, others).

• Medication Reminders – Remember to take medication at the appropriate times.

• Fall Detection – Alert a family member or loved one when a fall happens (Apple Watch and Walabot Fall Detection)

Communication

• Smart Speakers (Echo Show) and Tablets (GrandPad) – Simple and intuitive way to stay in touch with family and loved ones while socially isolated or lonely

• Amplified Phone (Clarity)/Caption Phones (Captel) – Amplified phones allow the user to turn up the volume as necessary to hear speech clearly. Caption phones have a built-in screen to display captions of everything the other person on the call says.

• Personal Listening Device (Bellman Audio) – Allows people to hear clearly in small groups or public areas where additional amplification is needed

Agency Information

• Easterseals Crossroads has been promoting independence for persons with disabilities for more than 85 years.
• INDATA project has an equipment loan library with more than 2,500 items.
• Try something for free before purchasing it
• Find out more at eastersealstech.com.

For more information about the INDATA Project at Easterseals Crossroads, go to eastersealstech.com or call 888-466-1314.