How Technology Can Help Keep You Healthy In Your Golden Years

Maintaining a good quality of life is essential for staying healthy. This is particularly true for seniors whose health needs increase as they grow older. As a senior, it’s important to be at an optimum weight because being underweight could mean a significant lack of nutrients, while being overweight could increase the risk of contracting diseases like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and more. So seniors need to stay active and maintain a healthy diet.


Fortunately, this has been made a lot more achievable today, largely thanks to modern technology. It’s been found that the use of technology among older adults is on the rise, with approximately 70 percent of seniors now embracing the internet. This makes technology a viable solution to helping seniors take better care of their health independently.

It’s hard to deny that fitness trackers and watches are becoming more and more ubiquitous. And for good reason, too, as they are proving to be very handy devices that perform a myriad of functions, including keeping people motivated to meet their fitness goals. Seniors, in particular, could greatly benefit from these devices because of the ease-of-use that most models offer and their general unobtrusiveness.

Many older adults are embracing smartphones, too. The larger screens and adjustable keyboards of today’s smartphones make them very easy to use, not just to stay connected, but also as a feasible tool in helping you keep your health in check. To help protect this investment, spend a little money on a case that can help protect it from damage.


Use apps to achieve your fitness goals.


Your smartphone is only as good as the apps installed in it. Thankfully, there’s now an app for just about everything under the sun, including many that can keep you on track for your health goals. This runs the gamut from tracking your physical activity to making sure that you eat right. There are even apps that help you track the data that matters most to you, like your BMI, glucose levels, and more.

Beyond the physical, there are also apps available that focus on enhancing your mental health. These range from smart games to training programs to skills tests—all of which are designed to train your brain and keep your cognitive functions in tip-top shape.


Go online to learn more about your health insurance


And speaking of mental health, much of staying healthy relies on how well you stay away from stress and maintain your peace of mind. One way to achieve this is to ensure that you have healthcare coverage that you can rely on. This is where Medicare comes in. This federal healthcare program offered to seniors is actually a lot more complicated than most people realize, which is why it’s important to make sure that you have ample coverage for your specific needs.

Know that Medicare’s Open Enrollment period is from October 15 to December 7. This is an excellent opportunity to review your coverage and make changes if necessary. So to make sure that you’re getting the best possible coverage, it’s important to take the time to do your due diligence and learn about your options. The internet is a fountain of information, so you’re sure to get answers when you go online. You can even make use of Medicare’s revamped Plan Finder tool, which offers exciting new features.

No doubt, you will find recommendations online to expand your coverage with Medicare Advantage plans. Despite the added premiums, these plans are worthy of consideration as they come with additional services, such as prescription drug coverage, which could be exactly what you need to reduce out-of-pocket expenditures.

Technology truly is a godsend for the young and old alike. Needless to say, it is in your best interest to take advantage of it as you strive to reach your health goals so you stay accountable, committed, and motivated, as well as fully in control of your well-being.

Guest Author Hal Salazar Elders Today