While Mom and Dad’s motives are pure, it’s no secret that social media can be a dangerous landscape for any of us. Unfortunately, unsavory online scammers can and do use social media to gain the confidence of seniors to steal their personal identity and, potentially, their life savings.

According to the Pew Research Center, the number of U.S. citizens over the age of 65 who participate on social media has quadrupled in the past 15 years. More than half of all American seniors have at least one social media account, and the number is rising every day. Hopefully, with the help of a few safety tips, older adults can be protected from the dangers of social media and use it as a fun and handy way to keep in touch with the people they love.

Social Media Dangers

Scams and Fraud

Seniors are often targeted by scammers who use social media to trick them into giving away personal information or money. Never give anyone your passwords, social security number, bank account number or identifying information that can be used for identity verification including your mother’s maiden name, the street you grew up on or your favorite pet’s name. A scammer may ask you to give them a security code that was sent to your phone or email. Never give out this information.

A good rule of thumb — if anyone ever contacts you about personal information or account issues (these may appear to come from your bank or the IRS, for example), stop talking to them and call the institution directly. They will be able to verify if the contact was legitimate and make sure your accounts have not been compromised.

Privacy Concerns

Oversharing

Sharing too much personal information can lead to identity theft or other privacy breaches.

Misinformation

People on social media can spread false or misleading information, which can be harmful if believed.

Cyberbullying

Seniors can be victims of online harassment or bullying. Just like in the real world, socializing with the wrong people can be detrimental to your health. If someone on social media starts to harass you, report them to moderators and then block them so they can’t contact you or see your posts anymore.

Addiction

Spending too much time on social media can lead to addiction and negatively impact mental health. While social media can be a great tool for keeping us connected, don’t allow it to become a replacement for interacting in person. If you find yourself spending most of your time on social media and having fewer in-person interactions, it might be a good idea to use these tools to limit your time on social media.

Social Media Safety Tips

1. Be Cautious with Friend Requests

Only accept friend requests from people you know and trust. If you already are connected with a friend on social media and you get a new request from an account with their name, it’s most likely a fake account. Usually, fake social media accounts only have a few photos, few if any posts made from the account and few friend connections. If the account doesn’t have an established history, it’s a red flag. When in doubt, contact your friend and ask them if they sent the request. It’s possible their account was compromised.

2. Think Before You Share

Avoid sharing personal information such as your address, phone number or financial details. This includes details that may appear in your photos as well. Do your photographs include sensitive information including your license plate number, address or account information?

3. Verify Information

Check the credibility of information before sharing or believing it. Do your own research to avoid unnecessary confusion or stress.

4. Report and Block

If you encounter any suspicious or harmful behavior, report it to the platform and block the user.

Tips for Creating Strong Passwords

1. Use a Mix of Characters

Combine uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers and special characters.

2. Avoid Common Words

Do not use easily guessable words like “password” or “123456”.

3. Make it Long

Aim for at least 12 characters.

4. Use a Password Manager

Consider using a password manager to keep track of your passwords securely.

Tips for Managing Security Settings

1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Add an extra layer of security by enabling two-factor authentication on your accounts. This allows you to approve all log in attempts through a unique code sent to your email or phone.

2. Review Privacy Settings

Regularly check and update your privacy settings to control who can see your information.

3. Keep Software Updated

Ensure that your social media apps and devices are always updated to the latest versions.

4. Be Wary of Public Wi-Fi

Avoid accessing social media accounts on public Wi-Fi networks, as they can be less secure.

Staying Safe Online

By being aware of these dangers and following these social media safety tips, seniors can enjoy social media securely. As is the case in the real world, social media can be unpredictable, and it is better to understand the risks to stay safe and enjoy your experience.

For more helpful tech tips, visit Bethesda’s Technology blog!

The post Social Media Safety Tips for Seniors first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

It’s a great time for older people to think about rededicating themselves to learning new things. Whether engaging in physical activity or taking classes, there is always something new to learn that can help make life easier, more enjoyable and more impactful. Lifelong learning is considered good for the brain, mental well-being and self-esteem.

While many seniors have experienced challenges adapting to a rapidly changing world, especially in technology, lifelong learning equips you with the skills and knowledge you need to navigate these changes effectively.

According to Senior Lifestyle, as technology evolves, seniors who stay updated and learn how to use smartphones, tablets, and computers navigate a technology-dependent world easier and stay more connected with family and friends through video calls and social media. You can manage your finances online, access valuable information, and even engage in telehealth services for medical consultations. The empowerment that comes from being tech-savvy in an increasingly digital world allows you to maintain a level of independence that might otherwise be compromised. And this is only one example of skills you can gain from embracing lifelong learning!

Benefits of Lifelong Learning

Increased self-esteem

As life changes and people get older, some seniors may struggle with a loss of identity and self-esteem, especially if they have retired from long and familiar careers and left their family home to live in a senior community or apartment. Lifelong learning offers an opportunity to reclaim their sense of accomplishment and self-worth. Learning new skills, setting new goals, and successfully achieving those goals can reinforce their self-esteem. Whether you’re learning a musical instrument, improving your cooking skills, or exploring a new language, the sense of accomplishment derived from learning is empowering.

Mental stimulation and improved cognitive health

Beyond the new skills and abilities acquired from taking a new class, the process of learning itself is beneficial. Learning requires concentration, exercises a senior’s memory, and otherwise keeps their minds sharp. After all, we must use our brain power or risk losing it. Mental exercises are a wonderful way to maintain or improve cognitive health, potentially staving off the onset of cognitive decline.

Feelings of personal accomplishment and fulfillment

It’s never too late to find a new passion. While many of us don’t have time to pursue hobbies while we are raising children and maintaining a demanding career, retirement is the perfect time to indulge ourselves in doing what we love to do. Whether it’s playing golf, reading about history or learning a craft, it’s time to have some fun.

Opportunities for social interaction

One of the biggest challenges for seniors is social isolation and loneliness. Signing up for classes or workshops gives them a chance to interact with people with whom they have things in common, fostering new connections and friendships. In a senior living setting, taking classes with other residents can help them feel more at home and find community connection and support.

Physical fitness and health

We all face challenges with staying fit and healthy, and those things only get tougher as we age. Make your fitness efforts more impactful by taking the time to join a physical fitness class, study nutrition and diet, or learn how to cook things that are both tasty and good for you!

Getting Started

Now that we’ve learned a little bit about the benefits of lifelong learning for seniors, where can they find the opportunities to educate themselves?

Our senior loved ones can go the more traditional route by signing up for formal classes at their local community college, university, or library. If they’re not able to travel, many institutions offer classes that they can take from the comfort of their own home. If they live in a senior living community like Bethesda’s, they won’t even have to leave the property to find group classes featuring activities like crafts, dancing and yoga. And seniors shouldn’t be hesitant to take the initiative to learn about a subject that interests them by utilizing library and internet resources.

No matter what the subject or format, learning is for all ages. So, enjoy this back-to-school season by finding new ways to broaden your knowledge and grow your skills!

Keep broadening your horizons with suggestions for classes, activities and more on Bethesda’s Health & Wellness blog.  

The post The Back-to-School Spirit: Finding Lifelong Learning Opportunities for Seniors first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

Choosing the Right Technology

The field of smart home technology is rapidly growing, which makes it challenging to find the devices appropriate for your loved one.

Some seniors are quite knowledgeable on the subject of smart technology and smart devices. For those who are, they should be consulted on which devices to place in their home and their purpose. No technology, however smart, is worth anything if it is unnecessary, unused, or disliked by the senior.

Tips on Setup

Most smart devices have a companion app that allows setup and the ability to manage the device remotely. These require a Wi-Fi connection, and the senior’s home should have sufficient bandwidth if multiple devices or devices that stream video are being used.

If you do plan on several devices working together, be sure they support the same smart-home software platforms. Most smart devices are simple to set up (using a smartphone), able to send notifications and, in many cases, provide remote access control.

Security Systems

There are do-it-yourself home security systems with several capabilities and options:

• Sensors that detect when a door or window has been left open
• Cameras
• Smoke detectors
• Motion sensors
• Water sensors
• Glass break sensors

One example of a do-it-yourself system is the Ring Alarm 5-Piece Kit. The Ring Premium Home Plan is an example of a professional monitoring plan, which offers access to a live person at a call center 24/7, who will react to needs and emergencies. (An ideal option when family members cannot cover every hour of the day and night.)

If a complete security system is not needed, you can pick and choose from several options:

Lights and thermostat controls

Thermostats can be run on personalized, automated systems. They can also be voice- or remotely controlled and monitored from a distance.

Smart smoke detectors

When smoke or carbon monoxide is detected, these devices sound a loud voice alert that lets occupants know what room the threat is in. The detectors also send smartphone alerts to family, friends or neighbors. An example would be the Google Nest.

Emergency contact systems 

These systems have become more sophisticated over the years. Some can detect falls and certain types of cardiac arrest, and can call for help automatically.

Communication devices

The Amazon Echo Dot allows anyone to control it by making verbal commands. Though it does not connect to 911, it can connect to family, friends and caregivers. The Echo Show is a smart speaker with a built-in screen and camera. Alexa on the Echo Show can be used to schedule reminders about appointments and medication doses.

Medication managers 

Other devices can be programmed to let seniors know when it is time to take medications, and provide notifications about physician checkups and appointments.

Digital pill dispensers such as MedMinder dispense medications to seniors. A caregiver fills the medicine tray and can remotely schedule when medications are to be taken. The device unlocks according to the schedule to make the medications available, and beeps if they have not been taken. The family caregiver is notified as well.

“Reminder Rosie” is a talking clock that can be programmed to remind seniors to take their medication via a prerecorded voice message from a caregiver. Personal messages can also be recorded with other reminders, such as “it’s time to exercise.”

Telemedicine Services

Telemedicine enables health care providers to remotely deliver clinical health services and information to patients via interactive and video telecommunications through devices like smartphones, tablets, home computers or laptops. The connection between patients and care providers is through a program, app or website with video and audio capabilities.

Leak detection sensors

Smart sensors that detect water leaks can be placed in areas where they are likely: hot water heater, tub, sinks, etc. When water is detected, a loud alarm sounds and smartphone alerts are sent.

Video doorbells

These devices allow video screening of anyone who comes to your loved one’s door. The notification will be delivered to the senior and to a family member via smartphone.

Smart plugs

A smart plug is controlled by an app and lets a person turn on and off any appliance that plugs into a standard wall socket. This can help if you wonder whether or not your loved one has turned off an appliance, or has forgotten to leave a lamp on to guide them during the night. They can also be activated by voice command so that seniors can control them without leaving a chair or bed. Smart plugs can be put on a schedule to come on at certain times or be paired with a motion sensor to light up a dark hallway.

Smart refrigerators

Some models provide alerts if the refrigerator door has been left open. Along with this alert, family member’s smartphones can also receive temperature change notifications. The family member can send and receive notes and make calendar entries that appear on the fridge’s screen. Here is a review of some models.

Smart stoves

With the iGuardStove, a monitor detects motion (or lack thereof) in the kitchen and can identify if the stove is on or not. If no movement is detected in the kitchen for a set period of time, the stove is shut off.

Discover more senior home safety tips on Bethesda’s blog.

The post Senior Home Safety: Smart Home Tips first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

Artificial intelligence – or AI as it is known for short – is not only simple to access, but it can also help make other technologies work for you. According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), operating AI tools for seniors can be as simple as asking your computer or smart phone a question just like you were talking to another human being.

Ask it “What is the best way to save money on my internet bill?” or “Is assisted living the best option for my elderly father with mobility issues?” to find easy answers to the questions you need help with.

Seniors can benefit from AI tools in various aspects of daily life, enhancing their independence, safety, and overall well-being. And Apple Intelligence, ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot are just some of the AI programs that can help you overcome computer-related intimidation in seconds.

Some key uses of AI for seniors

Automatic author:

Are you having trouble getting your thoughts down on paper? You can use AI to draft a letter for you. Just tell the AI program who you want to contact, what you want to say, and make sure you cover the key details. It will provide organized text with proper grammar and punctuation. While AI is meant to be as humanlike as possible, it’s always a good idea to make sure to read over the letter before you drop it in an email or in your post office box. You’ll want to make sure the tone is appropriate for the purpose you are intending, and that everything is in the proper context.

Phone Calls on Demand:

If you have an Apple iPhone and want to call a loved one, it couldn’t be simpler. All you have to do to access your artificial intelligence assistant, Siri, is to call her by name. Say “Hey Siri,” then pause for a moment to give the technology a chance to respond. When that happens, tell her to call the person you want to speak to by the name they’re listed under in your contact list. You might say “Call Jason” or “Call Dr. Smith,” and the phone should take care of the rest. Just wait for the ring!

Get Smart:

Worried about your senior loved one coming home to a dark house, being locked out or confused by a complicated digital thermostat? Smart home technology could be just the thing to simplify their life. Several companies offer voice-activated whole-house automation that can adjust the temperature, turn the lights on, unlock the door, and turn the security system on or off with just a word. The lights and thermostat can also be preprogrammed to adjust the temperature at sunrise, during the day (when people are least likely to be home) or at bedtime, so they don’t have to keep adjusting. And the lights can be set to switch on at a certain time or switch off at dusk.

Health benefits:

AI tools for seniors can be used both to monitor your health and to formulate a plan to improve it. Wearable devices such as the Apple Watch and the Fitbit can not only track how much exercise you get, but also keep track of your heart rate, make sure you have a healthy pulse and notify help if you have a fall or you’re involved in a jarring accident. Complimentary AI programs can help device wearers to better relax, take their medications on time and keep track of what they’re eating including calories ingested as well as nutrients and sodium intake. Then, they can even take all that gathered information and share it with your doctor.

News you can use:

Voice-activated virtual assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, and Amazon’s Alexa can be great for people with mobility issues or challenges with more traditional technology. Just by speaking to their device, seniors can find out what the weather forecast is, learn about the latest news, play music, make dinner plans, or find any other bit of information available on the internet.

Break Down Tech Barriers

While new technology can be intimidating, artificial intelligence might be the most beneficial advance for seniors since the advent of health-monitoring devices. It’s easy to operate, helps them to manage the details of their life, and it can help them leverage existing tech to improve their social life, health, and safety with little to no effort.

Talk to your senior loved one today about how AI tools for seniors could benefit them and give them a quick demonstration on their phone, tablet or computer. It could open up a whole new world for them!

For more helpful technology tips for seniors, visit Bethesda’s Technology blog.

The post How Seniors Can Use AI Tools in Their Everyday Life first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

A streaming subscription could be a great gift for your senior loved one, not only offering them an endless supply of entertainment, but helping to stimulate their mind and senses and give them something to discuss with friends and family.

In addition to being able to watch what they want when they want, online streaming allows people who are physically separated to virtually watch movies at the same time, just as if they were sitting in a theater together.

Here are some highly recommended shows your senior loved ones might like to consider:

Scripted shows

Contrary to vintage programs that seemed to cast anyone with a few gray hairs as frail or out of touch (or both), these programs feature relatable senior main characters!

• Grace and Frankie (Netflix) — A comedy starring Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda about two senior women who bond under unusual circumstances.
• The Kominsky Method (Netflix) — A comedy featuring Michael Douglas and Alan Arkin. It’s a story about a flash-in-the-pan actor who goes on to become a well-regarded acting coach.
• Hot in Cleveland (Paramount+) — A comedy starring Wendy Malick, Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves, and Betty White about four women from Los Angeles who decide to move in together in Cleveland.
• Homeland (Hulu) — A critically-acclaimed, award-winning drama starring Mandy Patinkin and Claire Danes about the adventures of a counterterrorism team.
• Trust (Hulu) — A dramatic series starring Donald Sutherland about the abduction of John Paul Getty III.

Period pieces

Modern takes on historical events and eras, these shows are big productions with lavish sets and costumes.

• The Crown (Netflix) — A drama centered around the life of Queen Elizabeth and the British royal family spanning from the 1940s until the present day.
• Downton Abbey (Amazon Prime Video) — A drama set in early 20th-century United Kingdom, starring Maggie Smith.
• The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon Prime Video) — A comedy set in 1950s New York, featuring Rachel Bresnahan and Tony Shaloub.

Games and reality programs

Decades worth of archives are available online, allowing people to relive the golden era of television game shows.

• The Great British Baking Show (Netflix) — A popular reality baking competition.
• Wheel of Fortune (Youtube TV) – In production for five decades, you can watch archived episodes of what remains one of the most popular game shows on TV.
• The Big Flower Fight (Netflix) — A competition among florists.
• Forged in Fire (Hulu) — A competition show challenging blacksmiths to make swords and other objects in a cutthroat contest.
• Jeopardy! (Youtube TV) — One of the most popular and enduring gameshows in history.

Documentaries

Great examples of captivating shows and movies for seniors about historical figures and events.

• The Toys that Made Us (Netflix) — A nostalgic show about popular toys through the years, which as an added bonus may remind seniors of toys they had growing up.
• Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (Apple TV+) – The story of Fred Rogers and his iconic children’s program “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” which aired for more than 30 years, starting in 1968.
• The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years (Apple TV+) — Directed by Ron Howard, this program let’s viewers take a trip back in time to 1964, when the Fab Four created Beatlemania.
• The World According to Jeff Goldblum (Youtube TV) – The show’s namesake, actor Jeff Goldblum, delves into topics including the history of ice cream, tattoos, jewelry and sneakers.

Blockbusters

Full-length movies for seniors that feature senior characters or senior-friendly themes.

• Gran Torino (Apple TV+) – A drama starring Clint Eastwood about a Korean War vet who is struggling to accept how the world is changing around him.
• The Bucket List (Apple TV+) – Comedy starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman about two terminally-ill men who flee the hospital for an epic adventure.
• Boynton Beach Club (Apple TV+/Peacock) – Comedy featuring Len Cariou and Brenda Vaccaro about human resilience and the possibility of finding love at any age.
• Grumpy Old Men (Apple TV+) – Comedy starring Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau and Ann-Margret. Two feuding neighbors really have something to fight about when they find themselves in competition for the romantic attention of their new neighbor.
• On Golden Pond (Amazon Prime Video/Peacock) – Drama starring Katharine Hepburn and Henry Fonda about a senior couple and the cottage where they’ve spent the summers of their marriage.

While everyone’s taste in what to watch differs, when it comes to television streaming services for seniors, there’s something for everyone. And the next time your senior loved one settles in for a relaxing night, they’ll have plenty of options to keep them entertained.

Find new ways to spend time with the senior in your life on Bethesda’s blog.

The post Streaming TV Shows and Movies for Seniors first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

For people 75 years old and older, that was the only phone system they knew. It was the one with which they grew up.

Fast forward 20 years and we find the smartphone, equipped  with its multiple functions and applications (known as apps). And believe it or not, a large number of those functions and apps have been designed with seniors in mind.

Smartphone Features for Seniors

Smartphones equipped with simplified menus and enlarged text and icons are designed to help seniors connect on social media and search for information. The phones provide an astounding array of features to provide assistance,  including:

• Medication reminders
• Quick and easy access to medical professionals
• Medical alert systems
• Preprogrammed buttons for emergency response or frequently used numbers
• Enhanced volume and hearing-aid compatible phones
• Low-battery alerts that can notify caregivers or friends
• Long-lasting batteries

Medical information such as prescriptions, medication allergies, blood type and emergency contacts can be stored on smartphones for use by first responders in the case of an emergency.

Another important smartphone feature is GPS-tracking capability, so that the whereabouts of seniors can be determined (as long as they have their phones with them and the phones are on and charged).

SeniorList offers information on the features to look for when searching for smartphones for seniors, as well as information on several different models of smartphones.

Best Smartphones for Seniors

Forbes, PCMag and Senior Living all have their own lists of the best smart phones for seniors, but these three phones were most commonly mentioned.

Motorola Moto G Power

• Long battery life
• Fast refresh rate
• Large, bright display

Samsung Galaxy S23 or S25 Ultra

• Compatible with an S Pen (a stylus specifically for mobile devices)
• Long battery life
• 40+ hours of talk time

Apple iPhone 13-16

• Large screen
• Long battery life
• Excellent camera

What is the Best Cell Phone Plan for Seniors?

There are many plans available, including smartphones for seniors who want to have access just for emergencies or infrequent use. The cost is minimal, but so are the options, including talk time and text restrictions.

There are also plans specifically designed for tech-savvy seniors. Cricket and Boost are two such services. Unlimited talk time and text, as well as upgrades for video streaming and high-speed data, are some of the features that can be added.

There are many informational resources on smartphones and plans. Business Insider, for example, offers tech buying guides and plan reviews. Here is their review of the best budget-friendly cell phone plans of 2025.

FaceTime for Regular Check-ins

Whether you are a caregiver or a senior, there is value in seeing the person to whom you are talking. So much communication is non-verbal, and a visual image of a loved one can reveal physical problems that may not be apparent in a voice-only phone call. This feature is especially useful for long-distance caregivers.

FaceTime, the iPhone video conversation app, can turn calls into better and more effective conversations. Other apps that allow you to videocall your loved ones include Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet.

The Learning Curve

OK, you have produced a strategy—the type of phone, payment plan, apps, and options. Now, as the caregiver or adult child, you may need to help lead your senior from the “rotary-dial age” to the “smartphone age.” The journey probably won’t be an easy one.

First, consider all the things you automatically do with your smartphone—swiping to unlock, tapping to answer calls, widening screens with your fingertips. Those functions were not even dreamed of until the beginning of this century.

It’ll be a brand-new world for your senior loved one, so have patience and do not overload them with too much information all at once.

You can set up the key features in advance and then explain the function to the senior later. Set up shortcuts for the apps the person will probably use more often. Understand that, at first, they may be hesitant to explore the device functions, and you may get a lot of questions. Just remember that you probably had many questions for them when you were learning something new.

The Benefits Moving Forward

Teaching seniors the basic skills used to navigate a smartphone—swiping, tapping, moving between screens, dragging icons around – are not only important but may also have unexpected benefits, such as dexterity exercise. In addition, teaching seniors who are hard of hearing to text is a great way to remain connected with them and ensure their thoughts are heard.

Also, keep in mind that many retirement living communities offer occasional classes for seniors on phone usage. In addition, seniors can register for instructor-led workshops at their local library and online classes. The end goal is to stay connected with each other by taking advantage of new technology.

Find more senior-friendly technology ideas and tips on Bethesda’s Technology Blog!

The post Smartphones for Seniors: A Simple Guide first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

Today, approximately one in five seniors own a smartwatch or fitness tracker. These devices offer a sense of independence and confidence as users go about their daily activities. In addition, the information the watches and trackers store can be used by physicians to review and improve the health practices of their senior adult patients.

Best Wearable Technology Options for Seniors

Apple Watch

Smartwatches like the Apple Watch help seniors adhere to their fitness and wellness goals as well as monitor their health. The Apple Watch is available in different models. Depending upon the model, along with monitoring activity levels, features include:

• A blood oxygen levels app
• An ECG app, which checks heart rhythm
• Notification if the wearer’s heart rate is too high or too low
• Irregular heart rhythm notification
• Sleep monitor
• Fall detection
• Emergency SOS capability
• Cellular connectivity to make calls and reply to messages

Apple Watch users can also share this health data with loved ones or a care network.

Fitbit Watch

The Fitbit Sense 2 is Fitbit’s most advanced health smartwatch. Along with tracking physical activities, this wearable technology gives you access to:

• A Daily Readiness Score, which reveals when you are best suited to exercise and when you should rest
• Information on exercise, sleep quality, and heart rate
• Body response tracking, which senses the body’s response to stress and provides guided breathing sessions and mindfulness suggestions to help manage stress
• A Health Metrics dashboard, which measures blood oxygen levels, breathing rate, heart rate variability, and skin temperature
• An ECG app to assess your heart for rhythm irregularities

Omron

Omron produces a wide variety of blood pressure monitoring devices. This includes a HeartGuide wristwatch, which provides real-time, clinically accurate blood pressure readings, thus enhancing the ability to immediately understand how lifestyle choices impact heart health.

The watch also measures physical activity, and tracks fitness and sleep habits. A HeartAdvisor app helps users to view trends over time, receive customized insights based on personal data, and provide important information for physician review.

CarePredict Tempo Series 3 Watch

The CarePredict Tempo Series 3 watch is touted as a device focused on “small changes in seniors that can indicate serious issues before they happen.”

Sensors on this watch recognize, learn and track daily activities. It also tracks exposure to UV light, which is an important consideration for seniors.

This watch has a variety of functions noting health and habit changes that make a senior more susceptible to falls, malnutrition, sleep issues and depression. It also tracks where seniors typically spend their time in the home, and whether their habits change over time.

The watch is always on due to a swappable battery system, and has a touch-to-talk button.

The watch is equipped with a CarePredict TouchPoint app, which helps family and friends stay informed about their loved one’s health and wellbeing.

MGMove Smartwatch

A simplified smartwatch with life-saving capabilities provides daily task and medication reminders, and location tracking. It is designed with large icons, and touchscreen technology.

The device provides local weather information, a chat feature, and two-way emergency calling for assistance.

An online member portal is available that stores safety and health information.

Theora Connect Watch

Maintaining the health and wellbeing of seniors with dementia has also improved with wearable technology for seniors. Theora Connect is a purpose-built smartwatch for older adults, and the Theora Connect Wearable smartwatch provides caregivers a solution for quick communication, fall detection and wandering in people with mild cognitive impairment or dementia.

Caregivers can place a call to their loved one that automatically connects without the senior needing to press a button to answer. Automatic notifications are provided should the senior leave their usual locations.

The watch also measures daily steps, supplies weather information and has a locking clasp for people living with memory issues or dementia.

Optional accessories include a lockable band with keys and a motion-activated door alarm.

To find more information on senior-friendly technology, visit Bethesda’s Technology blog.

The post Wearable Technology for Health-Minded Seniors first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

For example, feeling isolated is a problem many seniors experience. Using technology will let them easily interact with loved ones, thereby reducing their stress level and letting them have fun! Being able to maintain a virtual connection with their children, grandchildren and friends, whether they live around the corner or on the other side of the globe, becomes something elderly grandparents can look forward to and enjoy.

The Statistics:

According to recent studies, approximately 94 percent of people over the age of 65 own cellphones, with 76 percent of them being smartphone users. The percentage is certain to continue to increase, along with the 70 percent rate of seniors who have home broadband internet service.

What technology are seniors using? Approximately 45 percent say they participate on social media sites, including Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter), in order to keep up with the world around them. These tech-savvy seniors are video chatting, exchanging pictures and replacing the traditional hand-written letter with emails and texts. They’re also downloading apps that allow them to manage their health and diet, participate in virtual exercise classes or to keep their cognitive skills sharp. Your senior loved one can enjoy the same benefits.

Useful Smartphone Apps for Seniors:

Staying Connected

• FaceTime – Designed for use with Apple’s iPhone, iPad tablets as well as iMac computers, this app allows voice and video calls to owners of other Apple products at the touch of a button. It comes pre-installed on Apple products.
• Microsoft Teams – Another great option for iPhone or Android users is Microsoft Teams. It works similarly to Facetime, in that it allows you to video call with the touch of a button. You can also schedule calls in advance and chat using the in-app chat feature.
• Google Meet – This application allows users to chat from any device via the Google Meet app. The free version of the app is available to anyone with a Google account. Like Teams, Google Meet allows you to schedule calls in advance. It also provides real-time live captions for those with hearing impairments.

Fitness

• MyFitnessPal – Keep track of your calories, water intake and exercise by logging your meals and pairing the app with a smart watch or the fitness function on your smart phone. MyFitnessPal even offers access to healthy recipes, articles related to health and wellness, and a community group with posts from users about their own health journeys.
• SilverSneakers Go – Tailormade exercise programs are available at your fingertips, allowing you to choose from ones focused on strength, flexibility, and mobility, and appropriate to your own fitness level. The app can help locate local gyms and fitness classes, where you can make friends with other active seniors. Or, it can help you keep track of your exercise activity from home — ideal for seniors who aren’t able to drive to in-person classes.

Keeping Cognitive Skills Sharp

• Caribu – This is an app that was specifically designed to keep grandparents and grandchildren connected. Caribu offers a variety of games, stories and activities that can be done together! This app also uses video and voice connections to help seniors feel close to their grandchildren, even if they live far away.
• AARP Online Games – If you’re concerned your elderly parent will get bored with the same few games downloaded on their device, connect them to the AARP Online Games library. There, they’ll find all kinds of fun, useful and interesting games that will sharpen their cognitive skills. Ranging from card games to puzzles and even online chess, the possibilities are practically limitless.

So, now that your senior loved one knows what is possible when using a wireless device, how do you teach them to use it? Well, with the internet, of course! YouTube offers a wide variety of smartphone tutorials for seniors that teach them everything they need to know about how to work their new device. A variety of easy-to-navigate paperback books are available at local libraries and for purchase online to instruct seniors how to operate their phones and serve as a reference as their skills become more advanced.

Get more tips on senior connectivity by visiting Bethesda’s technology blog.

The post Keeping Seniors Connected Through Technology first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

What Is Telemedicine?

Telemedicine refers to health care providers delivering clinical health services and information to patients remotely, using smartphones, tablets or home computers.

The Sooner, the Better

Seniors with chronic conditions and other health challenges cannot afford to ignore or delay seeking treatment due to transportation issues, fear of exposure to illnesses, or mobility limitations. Telemedicine addresses these concerns by providing a secure safety margin, along with continued attention to the physical and emotional challenges seniors face. It also offers ease and convenience while still providing access to a wide range of services.

Ease and Convenience

For many seniors, traveling to their physician’s office can be exhausting — finding transportation, navigating the walk to the office, waiting, and then being driven back home. Through the advancement of telemedicine, seniors can receive care and attention in the comfort of home. This is particularly beneficial for those who live in rural locations, which may require significant travel time and the corresponding costs. Not only can a senior communicate with their doctor, but they can request medication refills and schedule future appointments.

Telemedicine visits are conducted on a secure network that meets the same privacy standards as you would find in a physician’s office or hospital. Also, if the senior consents, a relative or friend can participate in the call.

Telehealth Solutions Provide a Wide Range of Services

A large number of health concerns can be addressed via telehealth solutions, including:

• Allergies
• Chronic illness management, including diabetes and high blood pressure
• Coughs and colds
• Follow-up visits
• Medication questions, adjustments/refills
• Mental health
• Minor infections
• Pain
• Rashes
• Sinus problems
• Sleep problems
• Specialist referrals
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• General wellness

Telemedicine is great for seniors with everyday health questions, those who need follow-up checks, or those who want to discuss symptoms and issues that are not life-threatening. Also, a telemedicine visit can reveal to the physician if an injury or illness is severe enough to require more intensive in-person care by a health professional, or even a visit to the emergency room.

Providers of telemedicine services include but are not limited to:

• Doctors
• Nurses
• Clinical psychologists
• Speech and occupational therapists
• Licensed social workers

Technology is constantly improving the state of home health care — for more health care tools and technology for seniors, visit Bethesda’s Technology blog.

The post Why You Should Consider Telemedicine Services first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

You’re never too old to learn new things, enhance your life, or make your mark on the world and on those around you. And your local library is a wonderful place to start! The St. Louis County Library and St. Louis Public Libraries are great resources for area seniors located right in their own backyard.

Library Programs Available to You

A number of in-person and virtual library programs are being offered by the St. Louis County Library this Spring, including how to navigate iPhone apps, music and movement courses, writing classes, and, of course, book discussions and author events. The classes are being offered remotely over Zoom and scattered across library branches across the metropolitan area, as they want to make sure there are opportunities for you to attend close to your home.

The St. Louis Public Library also offers a wide variety of online self-improvement courses and training on subjects like computer coding, where you can learn how to create your own website or even make a video game, or courses to help you learn a new language of your choosing. Library card holders also get access to online education providers like Gale Courses, Learning Express Library, and LinkedIn Learning, which offer countless virtual education courses taught by experts in the field.

If you or your senior loved one has ever wanted to learn a new skill, take a refresher course or explore an intriguing topic, take advantage of one or more of these accessible educational opportunities. Lifelong learning can be beneficial for seniors in many ways – far beyond the content of whatever new subject matter they choose to master.

Health benefits of Lifelong Learning for seniors:

• Maintaining brain health – Consistent learning can help seniors maintain and even improve their cognitive health, reducing their risk of memory problems and dementia.
• Building self-esteem – Acquiring new skills or knowledge can work to enhance your sense of self-esteem. No one wants to feel as if they’re out of touch, and keeping up with others gives us a sense of purpose and relevance. Accomplishing goals can help you feel confident and give you a more positive outlook on life.
• Finding friends – Lifelong learning gives participants an opportunity for socialization and making connections with others. When seniors join classes, clubs, or interest-based groups, they meet people with whom they have things in common. Plus, having an activity on your calendar to look forward to can lessen feelings of isolation and depression. Social interactions not only help us maintain our emotional well-being, but can also help us build lasting and supportive friendships.

Taking courses as a senior can be as easy or challenging as you like. Unlike grade school, local library programs and classes don’t come with the pressure to achieve a certain grade — it’s all about the joy of learning. The important thing is keeping ourselves mentally and socially active, which can help us to live longer, healthier, and more satisfying lives.

Find more beneficial activities for seniors on Bethesda’s Health & Wellness blog.

The post Library Classes That Help Seniors Age Positively first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.