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According to physical activity guidelines for seniors, the need for regular aerobic exercise doesn’t lessen with age. In your golden years, daily physical activity is essential in preventing falls, improving your stability, and warding off chronic disease. However, remembering to exercise or finding the motivation to break a sweat isn’t always easy, especially if you live alone. 

Thanks to advancements in modern-day technology, remembering to exercise and stay on top of all other areas of your health is easier than ever before. With fitness and wellness apps for smartphones, it’s no wonder why aging in place is so popular among today’s seniors. To learn more about senior health and the different ways that technology can help you to live your best life in your golden years, read on!

Use Technology to Maintain Optimal Health

Seniors can keep their bodies healthy and agile by obtaining at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week—like walking, biking, dancing, or swimming—or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity such as jogging or brisk walking. To reduce the risk of falling and sustaining an injury, and to protect your bones and muscle mass, activities that build endurance, improve your balance, and boost your flexibility are also important. 

As a reminder to obtain enough physical activity as you age, download the following mobile apps to simplify your life and improve your overall health and wellness:

● Map My Run (or Map My Walk)

● SilverSneakers GO

● 7-Minute Chi

●    Flip50

● Daily Senior Fitness Exercise

● Yoga Poses

●    7 Minute Workout

● Instant Heart Rate

Safely Age in Place

In addition to the many fitness apps for seniors, a variety of mobile applications will keep you safe as you age in place—especially if you live alone. These mobile apps include MedWatcher, Wheelmap, and ADA Health Guide. 

To make your home a safer place to live, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) shares a list of senior-friendly modifications on its website. These tips will make your home more accessible, reducing your risk of falling and injuring yourself while aging in place. As an example, you may install grab bars near your bathtubs or toilets and remove any tripping hazards—such as area rugs—from your home. 

Upgrade Your Smartphone

If your existing phone can’t run the above apps, you may need to upgrade to a newer mobile device that meets your budget, data needs, and personal preferences. Before choosing a smartphone, make a list of the features that are most important to you—whether it be the battery life, durability, or speed. The Samsung Galaxy S10, for instance, features an extended battery life and fast speeds that make using your fitness apps a breeze. For iOS users, the iPhone 11 Pro is a comparable option.

Manage Your Medical Coverage

To ensure that you have enough coverage in the event of an emergency, review and modify your health insurance plan as necessary. This process can be complicated, but your mobile device can assist you as you explore your options and select a plan that’s best for your needs. Keep in mind that the Annual Election Period has already ended for the year, but if you are turning 65 soon, you can sign up for Medicare during the Special Enrollment Period. You’ll be able to sign up for a Medicare plan three months before you turn 65 until the third month after your 65th birthday. If you’re over 65, you may be eligible to switch your Medicare plan if you’re transitioning to or from a long-term care facility, or you moved to an area that has a different service plan.

Adjusting to life as a senior can be difficult, but modern-day technology eliminates some of the stressors that accompany the aging process. Your smartphone device holds the key to maintain optimal health and wellness as you grow older.

Contributor: Kathybeth Dee