It’s no secret that retired people enjoy more leisure time than the average working individual. What is surprising is just how much of that newfound free time seniors spend watching TV — nearly seven hours each day.
But along with providing many hours of enjoyment, TVs and other entertainment devices can serve as portals for active engagement with family and friends. Video chatting, sharing images, recording life stories — they’re all ways seniors are connecting through their TVs and other life-changing aging in place technologies.
Apple iPad
Apple’s ubiquitous tablet certainly has made life better for many seniors. For many with vision impairment, the iPad’s bright backlight along with the ability to easily change fonts and text sizes has brought back the joy of reading.
The ease of using the intuitive device allows elders to enjoy fun and engaging apps. In addition, iPad gives seniors easy access to all manner of virtual educational and social opportunities, including lectures, virtual travel, games, and more.
The device does have its downsides, including the need to periodically update the operating system, misplacing it, keeping it charged and software that’s limited to the selections in Apple’s App Store. For some older seniors and those with little technical experience, the iPad can be challenging to use.
IndependaTV™
Connecting with family and friends is vitally important to today’s seniors, and a truly innovative product now helps them do just that. IndependaTV™ is the first TV providing a full range of senior-friendly services. Using video chat and messaging, the device easily connects seniors with loved ones, caregivers, friends, and others who play an important role in their lives.
Even for seniors with limited technical experience, IndependaTV™ is user-friendly and simple to operate. It’s by far the best option for seniors who watch a lot of TV; anyone who can operate a TV can use IndependaTV™. User-friendly software known as Angela guides seniors as they use the TV to watch their favorite shows, communicate with family, get appointment reminders, and more. Even users of other devices such as iPads, computers and smartphones love the IndependaTV™. They can use it from their favorite chair and don’t have to worry about charging it or losing it.
Nintendo Wii
With its easy operation and user-friendly interface, the Nintendo Wii is the perfect platform for seniors looking for a healthy dose of fun with their fitness. While many seniors may no longer be able to use a real bowling ball due to health concerns, many can and do enjoy the experience of virtual bowling against friends, family, or even virtual opponents.
Wii Fit and its accompanying balance board, along with Wii Sports, provide a number of games of varying physical intensity levels. Wii should be operated with caution: Seniors with limited mobility may have trouble using the system, and it requires ample open floor space for safe use.
Bottom Line
With a number of intuitive, easy-to-use aging in place technologies available today, it’s easier than ever for seniors to remain independent, entertained, and socially engaged in the familiar surroundings of their own residences. The Apple iPad, IndependaTV™, and Nintendo Wii provide a multitude of opportunities for seniors to connect, share, and stay active.
