Top 25 Must-Have Gadgets for Seniors to Promote Independence

Technology can play a significant role in the fast-paced world of our everyday lives. However, as an older adult, it can be a lot to keep up with the constant changes and new advancements. That's why we put together a list of 25 gadgets for seniors that are easy to use and can support your independence.

25 gadgets for older adults to make life easier

1. An automatic pill dispenser

An automatic pill dispenser works as a reminder to take your medications daily. Many automatic dispensers come with locks, multiple compartments, and alarms. They dispense pills one to six times daily.

2. A fitness tracker

Staying active as an older adult is a great way to improve your flexibility and strength. Fitness trackers can monitor your activity and heart rate, as well as your sleep.

3. A surveillance camera

A surveillance camera inside your home is beneficial to use as a safety precaution if you live alone. You can give close family members access to the camera footage so they can help in case there's a fall or medical emergency.

4. A sleep sound machine

Drift into a blissful sleep every night with a sleep sound machine. With calming nature sounds or white noise, you can fall asleep faster and wake up the next morning feeling refreshed.

5. Automatic can openers

As you age, opening cans can be challenging due to loss of grip strength or arthritis. To help make cooking easier, place an automatic can opener in your kitchen.

6. Countertop herb gardens

Countertop herb gardens make growing your favorite garnishes easy - plus, you can grow them year-round. With overhead LED light bulbs, your herbs can thrive inside your home.

7. GPS smart soles

Stay safe and provide your family with a bit of relief with GPS smart soles you can attach to the inside of your shoe. These smart soles feature an invisible tracking device that connects to an app you can share with your loved ones. Using these soles can be beneficial if you live alone, allowing your family to receive notifications right away in case anything happens.

8. A smart speaker

Smart speakers offer a wide range of assistance and can respond to voice commands. With a smart speaker, you can set reminders, listen to music, make hands-free calls, and more.

9. Tablets for older adults

Tablets are great for older adults - they have the same qualities as a smartphone but with a bigger, easier-to-read screen. With a tablet, you can make calls, listen to music, set reminders, and update your calendar all on one device. You can enlarge text for a better user experience, and you can even find user-friendly tablets tailor-made just for older adults.

10. Hearing aids

Your hearing might not be as good as it once was. If that's the case, a hearing aid is a great device that can make sounds louder and more clear. While you can get one over-the-counter, hearing aids prescribed by a hearing professional or audiologist can be more effective.

11. Back massager

It's common to have sore, achy muscles and joints as you grow older. A heated back massager is a great device that can help relieve some pain and encourage blood flow.

12. An Airtag

An Airtag can make it easy to track specific items, such as luggage, your car, or other devices. With the Airtag, you'll know the exact location of your items when you look at the accompanying app.

13. Robot vacuums

Vacuuming your home can be exhausting and may cause back pain. Save yourself the time and energy by getting a robot vacuum to do the task for you. With the click of a button, you can activate the vacuum to pick up any debris around your house.

14. Key finders

If you misplace keys more often than you'd like to admit, a key finder may be the solution for you. Simply attach the device to your keys and use the accompanying app to find where they're hiding.

15. Fall detection systems

A fall detection system is a great prevention device that can get you help immediately if you've fallen. The system can detect if you fall and call someone if you're unable to, which is especially helpful if you live alone.

16. An E-reader

If you love to read, an e-reader can easily hold all your favorite books on one device. Plus, the screen is easy on the eyes.

17. Light therapy lamp

It can be hard to find motivation during winter when it's only light outside for a few hours each day. A light therapy lamp mimics daylight, which can brighten your mood on the darkest days.

18. A large-print clock

If you have a difficult time reading the small print on your alarm clock, a large-print clock may be the solution. With big, easy-to-read fonts and an adjustable dimness level, you can read the date, time, and day of the week with ease.

19. A light-up magnifying mirror

A light-up magnifying mirror can make getting ready in the morning a seamless experience. With 10x magnification and light-up features, you can have a salon-like experience right at home. 

20. Grabber

Bending over may cause a bit more pain nowadays. A grabber can help alleviate back pain by assisting you in reaching anything you may need. From clothes off the floor to an ingredient on the top shelf, a reacher can make grabbing items easy.

21. An older-adult-friendly smartphone

With advanced technology, you can personalize your smartphone for the best user experience. Features like larger buttons, emergency calling, and social media apps allow you to stay connected with your loved ones.

22. Large button TV remotes

Many TV remotes have numerous small buttons that can be hard to read or press. A large-font TV remote features fewer and bigger buttons so you can spend more time watching your favorite series.

23. Wireless headphones

Many wireless headphones come with excellent sound quality and GPS tracking features. This way, you can listen to your favorite music or talk on the phone with your family hands-free.

24. Blood pressure monitor

Tracking your blood pressure regularly due to a medical condition can be easier with a blood pressure monitor. These devices are easy to read and use, plus you can bring them on the go with you.

25. Night lights

Night lights can reduce your risk of falling if you tend to get up in the middle of the night. You can install them in your hallway, bedroom, or bathroom to provide a glowing path in the dark.

Gadgets for older adults FAQs

What is the best tablet for older adults?

There are many great brands of tablets for older adults. Look for a tablet with strong battery life, an easy-to-read screen, and user-friendly controls.

How can you overcome your resistance to technology?

Technology is always evolving, making it difficult to keep up. One of the best ways to overcome your resistance to technology is to educate yourself through classes or online tutorials. You can also ask a family member for help.

What do older adults need the most besides gadgets?

Besides gadgets, older adults can greatly benefit from exercise, nutritious meals, a sense of community, and routine. Finding a time every day to exercise is key, whether that's a daily walk or doing at-home exercises to increase your strength. You can also make mealtime easier by finding nutritious meals that don't require spending an hour in the kitchen.

Meal Village makes mealtime a breeze

With Meal Village, you'll receive delicious, nutrient-packed meals that are ready to eat right at your doorstep. With over 130 weekly recipes, you'll find plenty of options that fit into your diet and satisfy your cravings. Plus, there are no subscriptions or commitments. Simply order as many meals as you'd like over the phone or online . Delicious, healthy meals that are hassle-free are entirely within reach.

Let Meal Village do the cooking while you enjoy your new hobbies

Once your schedule becomes booked with various clubs, sports, and relaxing activities, you might not have time to whip up a nutritious meal. With Meal Village's ready-to-go, healthy, delicious meals, you don't need to compromise your time and schedule to enjoy flavor-packed food. There are over 130 meal options, with no commitments or subscriptions - just order however many meals you'd like over the phone or online. With heat-and-eat meals delivered right to your door, you can continue to enjoy the retirement you've always dreamed about.