According to many of the ads and campaigns we see on TV, aging is likely to be viewed in a negative light. However, when you think about it, you realize that there are many pluses to growing older. This is particularly true because we are living in an era when science, technology, and knowledge make it possible to truly age with grace. With this idea, we’ll begin our quest for safety hacks, tricks, and gear anyone over 50 should know.
Make your home a safe place
According to a study by British scientists, senior citizens are very likely to have accidents at home. Drops, bumps, and falls are the most frequent ones. While accidents are possible in every part of the house, the kitchen and the bathroom are the prevailing rooms where people over fifty get injured.
And now that we know where the dangers are lurking, we can also learn how to prevent them. Here are some of the things you can do to remain safe in the comfort of your home:
- Invest in motion-triggered lighting so that you can travel from room to room freely.
- Remove throw rugs to avoid tripping and falling.
- Use Lazy Susans to keep everything in your fridge easily accessible.
- Place a wooden spoon on top of a pot when cooking to stop boiling water from overflowing.
- Use childproofing corner covers to prevent bruises and scratches from sharp-edged furniture.
- Install a high-sitting toilet seat with arms to make it easier for you to sit and get up from the seat.
- Put an anti-slip shower mat in your tub or shower.
- Get a wall-mounted bathtub bar to have an extra hand when getting in and out of the tub.
Prepare ahead for potential emergencies
As you know, the chances of falling, getting injured or experiencing a health emergency grow as you age. And while maybe you are not quite there yet, you should be preparing for potential emergencies before they happen.
If you are living independently, alone or with a spouse, you should always have an emergency contact and 911 on your speed dial.
We already mentioned that science and technology have gone far, and one of the perks that can significantly improve your life is a medical alert system. This device is practically seamless. It has two parts: the help button and the communicator. When you get injured, you can press the button to speak with the associate from the center who will find out your emergency, call your family and medical aid.
You should know that not all of these systems are built the same, so before buying go through some credible medical alert reviews and ask your peers, doctors, and family for their opinion, and then make the decision.
Gadgets are not just for the “youngsters”
If you have heard your children and grandchildren go on and on about gadgets and apps, you probably already know what it is about. Still, they don’t have to be made only for fun (but why not), they can also be very useful for persons over fifty. Here’s your modern technology guide (don’t be afraid to try something new, it’s never too late):
- Gadgets can help you remember to take a pill, and some of them can even talk with a pleasant voice instead of giving you the uncomfortable beeping.
- There are handy gadgets such as a doorbell alert which flashes to let you know you have a visitor if you didn’t hear the doorbell.
- There are also easy can openers and telephones with large buttons if your vision is not as good as it used to be.
- If you don’t already own one, get a smartphone. This little thing can make your life significantly easier. You can use it to install apps such as cognitive tests to evaluate for dementia, to track blood pressure, pill reminder, a guide to physiotherapy exercises, a program that allows you to dictate text and send it as an email, and of course, play fun games, read books, and watch movies.
There is a huge difference between accepting your age and settling with them. While you need to be aware that things are changing (some for better and some for worse), you should also learn how to handle those changes, and still live a quality and happy life.
This guest post was graciously provided by Caitlin Evans. Caitlin is a bookworm, photographer and dancer. She is also a graphic designer, but that one is on hold at the moment. When she is not trying to find the meaning of life and Universe, Cate is researching and writing about various lifestyle related topics. She is happily addicted to art in all its forms, grilled tofu and caffeine.
