Great Gadgets for Older Adults

Scared of computers? Limited by poor hearing or vision? There’s help for you!

All-in-one remote—Jean Hassler of Allentown enjoys the big buttons and convenience of a single remote control for her TV, VCR and DVD player. “One thing’s for sure,” she says, “I’ll never lose it!”

When Jim Hassler saw an oversized TV remote at an area drugstore, he knew it was the perfect solution for his 75- year-old mother, Jean. Once he’d programmed it, the device eliminated all those pesky individual remotes—for TV, VCR and DVD player—that cluttered up her Allentown house. Better yet, Jean Hassler could see the buttons very easily.

Interacting with today’s electronics can be a daunting experience for many older adults. “The products keep getting smaller, making it difficult for people with vision problems and arthritis,” says Kelly Wilson of Rehability, an assistive technology store in Allentown. “Combination products like camera-phones and music and video players aren’t always convenient for older adults. And computers in general do not meet their needs.”

“Psychologically, many older people are intimidated by computer technology, thinking they’re too old to learn,” says occupational therapist Bethany McCullough of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. “And there are many physical obstacles, including the size of computer screens and keys and the design of the computer mouse.”

As millions of baby boomers enter their senior years and technology plays an ever-expanding role in everyday life, the demand grows for products designed with older adults in mind. Organizations like the Society for the Visually Impaired and retailers like Rehability are responding—not only with new electronics but also with mechanical aids to make life easier.

Occupational therapists can provide an assessment to identify an older person’s specific issues and what kind of product could be useful. “In some cases it’s obvious, but in others, less so,” says Heidi Singer, C.R.N.P., a geriatric nurse practitioner at the hospital’s Center for Healthy Aging. “For example, an older person suspected of being forgetful or confused may simply be hearing-impaired.”

“There’s an endless amount of equipment available, depending on your individual needs,” says registered pharmacist Brian Lenich of Health Spectrum Pharmacies. Here’s a sampling…

Hands-free magnifier— Bob Killgore of Allentown demonstrates an around-the-neck device that can help you decipher that annoying fine print.

Comfy pen—With the ergonomic “Penagain,” arthritis won’t stop you from writing the great American novel (or just a note to a friend).

The Doorknob Turner—Betty Jean Killgore of Allentown shows a device that lets you easily open doors no matter how weak or arthritic your hands may be.

Large-numeral watch— You’ll never have to squint to tell what time it is.

If you have vision problems

The Talking Rx Pill Bottle, designed to ensure that you take your medication as prescribed. This reusable bottle acts as an “audio label,” reading out instructions on how to take the drug, potential side effects and what to do if a dose is missed.

Watches with large-print numerals. Some models provide added assistance with a talking feature, which can be set to announce the day, date and time every hour.

Remote controls with lighted keypads and big buttons. These can operate televisions, DVD players, cable boxes and more.

If you have hearing problems

The Pocket Talker Listening System, an amplification system for use with TV, radio and more.

The Wake Assure Clock, with an adjustable volume buzzer and bed shaker. The Photo Phone, which displays photos of incoming callers. It also features a hearing aid-compatible handset and large, high-contrast buttons to assist those with visual impairments.

If you have arthritis

The Book Butler, which holds open books for readers with limited use of their hands.

The Doorknob Turner, an attachment that allows for easier opening regardless of your strength or dexterity.

The Penagain Ergonomic Pen, designed around the contour of your hand to ease symptoms of writer’s cramp and arthritis.

If you have trouble with computers

Computer screen enlargers, either mechanical or in the form of software, that magnify what’s on your monitor for easier reading.

Slip-on typing aids to make typing easier for those with limited hand control.

Celery, a service that lets you send and receive e-mails without a computer. It works with any fax machine and your regular phone line.

Want to Know More? Click here about the resources in this story and others in our area or call 610-402-CARE.

Published from Healthy You Magazine, May-June 2008

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