GUEST BLOG: Karen Weeks, Elder Wellness
You might have heard the term “There’s an app for that” in the past decade. That’s because there is an app for everything—that is, an application on your mobile device. And guess what? There are apps that can help with becoming healthy, too. Who knew that the key to health would be the technology that you carry around with you every day?
Being healthy is now possible through the push of a button on your phone. Some seniors are still getting used to the idea of having a mobile phone, especially a smartphone. Well, let these health benefits give you an incentive to use one.
Eating
What you eat is the most important thing you can do to take care of your body. Healthy eating is especially important for older adults who are more prone to illnesses and injury. It’s easier than ever for homebound seniors to eat nutritiously at home, thanks to technology. You can track your macros and nutritional intake with an app like MyFitnessPal, make (and stick to) healthy grocery-shopping lists with apps such as Anylist or even have groceries delivered to your home with an Instacart app.
Seniors also have the option of using a meal delivery service, which will provide the ingredients to make fresh, wholesome meals or even deliver ready-made, healthy options right to your door. Imagine a convenient meal that you can reheat in just a few minutes, without the preservatives that come in frozen, microwaveable dinners from the grocery store.
Fitness
Make exercise a companion to your diet on this journey to healthy aging. Your Smartphone is a treasure trove of exercises and health tracking. Apple iPhone has a built-in health app that stores your physical fitness and allows you to send it to your doctor. You can also track your steps when you carry your phone with you on the go. The health app can be synced with fitness trackers such as Fitbit and Apple Watch. Along with tracking, your phone is capable of storing apps that provide safe and fun exercise programs for your age group. Whether you’re into walking, yoga, or tai chi, you can find a suitable program on your phone and access it from anywhere at anytime.
Social
It goes without saying that your mobile phone’s primary function is what all phones are intended to do: keep you in touch with loved ones. Gone are the days of sitting by the phone at home to wait for your phone to ring. You can still have a life outside the house while remaining in communication with your friends and family. Even if there’s no time to have a conversation, a quick text can set up plans for the next week.
With seniors spending more time alone as they get older, socialization is a mental health necessity that should not be ignored. In addition to using the phone to make plans, you can use your phone to interact with others. Facebook allows you to keep up with your loved ones’ lives through their social media posts, Facetime and What’s App provide communication channels and video chat and game apps allow you to play online games with friends.
Brain Stimulation
Speaking of games, another benefit outside of socialization is the ability to keep you mentally stimulated. Get an app for a popular classic like Sudoku or chess. Play one of the many word games or puzzle games online. Play virtual mahjong, solitaire and jigsaw puzzles. You can even continue your education with iTunes University courses or the Duolingo language app. Keep your brain stimulated in your golden years so you can stay mentally sharp.
Getting healthy is the biggest trend that’s far from overrated. We could all benefit from being healthy, but seniors and older adults with medical predispositions should take extra care to be healthy. Rather than resist the technology takeover that’s been happening lately, embrace it and make it work for you. Your life could become greatly enhanced when you use these advancements to get your health on track.
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