When your mobility and social connections are limited, senior living can be challenging. However, a smartphone may help. While you might be hesitant to use this technology, owning a smartphone can broaden your horizons, nourish your relationships, and improve your quality of life.

How Can Technology Benefit Seniors?

Smartphones let seniors access the internet and download apps, as well as take advantage of features to make life easier. Beyond calls and texts, they allow you to stay in touch with friends and family through video chatting, which is helpful if you live alone or in a senior living community out of town.

If you choose to download social media apps, you can reconnect with old friends and view and share photos with others. These apps will also help you access support and hobby groups, which can boost your mental health.

In addition to downloading games, news apps, and streaming apps to stay informed and entertained, some apps can make life easier. For example, apps can create shopping lists, deliver groceries and food to your home, track your physical activity and health, and strengthen your brain.

If you're receiving memory care, you'll also benefit from the ability to set reminders and put your schedule into a calendar. Finally, smartphones additionally have GPS technology, so you can navigate errands easily and find your way if you get lost.

Which Features Should You Get?

If you've committed to getting a smartphone, it's important to choose one that's right for you.

The smartphone should have an intuitive and simple operating system that's easy to use. A large, hi-def screen and big font will help limit issues if you have impaired vision, and text-to-speech options can read webpages to you. 

If you struggle to hold the phone or tap buttons, voice command features can help with making calls, playing music, pulling up the GPS, or typing out messages. A phone that uses a stylus will make precision typing even easier.

If you’re thinking of transitioning into a senior living community, Wellington Place at Biron in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, is a non-profit organization that you’ll be happy to call home. Since 1995, they’ve provided Wood County and the surrounding areas with compassionate and diligent elderly care services tailored to each resident. Nestled on 50 acres, their beautiful community offers many amenities and 24/7 nursing care. Learn about their caregiving options online, and call (715) 423-5600 to schedule a tour.