Tech the Halls this Christmas! Posted on November 29, 2021 Does Grandma really need another sweater? Does Grandpa want another pair of slippers? Why not Tech their Halls this Christmas! Gifts of technology can help your aging loved one to live more safely, to be more engaged and active and be connected to the people they love the most. When selecting a gift this Christmas, consider the needs of your family member or friend and purchase something they can use throughout the year. If you have questions or need guidance, the SilverSmart program coordinator can help! Remaining independent is a primary goal for seniors, but safety is a very real concern. Personal emergency response devices (PERS) allow the user to request help in an emergency with the push of a button. Some devices can even detect a fall and summon help if the person wearing the pendant is unable to do so. There are even options with GPS tracking to help those who may wander. Many seniors will agree to wear a PERS if it allows them to remain in their home safely for a longer period of time. Aging eyes and decreased hearing can make participating in hobbies and activities much more challenging – help your family member with gifts of magnifiers, amplifiers, large number clocks or other electronic reminders to keep them involved in hobbies, recreational activities, clubs or social groups. A tech device can increase their participation as well as improve their quality of life. Connecting with family and friends is a wonderful way to brighten the day or lift the spirits of an older adult. There are many telephones available to make this connection special: amplified phones, large button phones, phones with flashing lights, or captioning. Jitterbug even makes a flip phone and smart phone designed for senior users. Video calling has become more popular as in person visits have been limited. There are apps available on mobile devices that simplify this process. The GrandPad tablet is a new smart, simple and safe way to connect with others that doesn’t require an internet connection. A senior demonstrates the simplicity of using the Grandpad. If your loved one is comfortable using technology Amazon Echo or Google Home are great gift ideas; opportunities for information, entertainment, home automation and fun are too numerous to count. During this season of giving stray from the path and consider gifts of technology for everyday living. If you would like to learn more about any of these gift options, please contact Sharon Whalen at 724.452.3619 or Sharon.whalen@lutheranseniorlife.org.