Tech gifts can help seniors connect for the holidays amid pandemic
Dec 16, 2020, 4:25 AM | Updated: 12:52 pm
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PHOENIX — With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, early tech gifts for seniors might be able to help connect people with older loved ones for the holidays.
Gadgets like smart speakers give you the ability to listen to the radio but the do much more.
“They can remind somebody to take medication or about their doctors appointments,” Foundation for Senior Living in Phoenix CEO Tom Egan said.
He noted that devices like smart speakers can also remind seniors of their morning routines.
Other apps like “Ask My Buddy” and “Walabot” detect when a senior loved one falls.
“They’ll send out text alerts and voice messages so everyone knows immediately that mom needs help,” Egan said.
If these gifts are out of the budget, Egan said to increase your text messages, and phone and video calls.
“I get really concerned about our seniors with social isolation and depression,” Egan said. “Take the time to connect and talk.”
And listening is still free.
“I love my mom. Sometimes, she tells me the same stories over and over again,” Egan said. “It’s OK. I just have to let her do that.”
Egan says younger seniors are less likely technophobic, but people of all ages can be stubborn.
“There’s always going to be a group of people who just refuse,” Egan said.
“Anything beyond the landline is an advanced technology they may not want to learn, but we’ve seen so many of our seniors really embrace different technologies, especially to stay in touch with grandkids activities.”