Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
Engage like Picard
It is hard to get our beloved Boomer fam and Silent Gen fam to embrace technology. Its hard for any generation honestly, including mine, Gene, who might as well be Boomers. Anyway… my point is if we can gift them tech it could easily save and prolong their lives. Many wearables include fall detection. Car crash detection. As well as heart monitoring features with the ability to take en ECG.
Peace of Mind
Our parents don’t live forever. Nor do we. Our friends. Anyone we care about. Many older folks insist on living alone. Refusing to leave the family home, even when they are struggling. Falls happen and with our aging loved ones, a fall often can be deadly.
Personal Backstory
During my mothers battle with cancer, she took a fall in the bathroom and this spiraled into her passing. We hear stories all the time of folks passing home alone, and only being found by the delivery driver.
Stubborn
We can’t always get them to wear the watch. Even if its bling. We can try. Its great because the watch will work with most phone providers. I know in my experience, every time I use the bathroom my phone rings. Im able to answer right from the watch. Its great. My watch also monitors my sleep.
Help, Ive fallen and I can’t get up
Remember the commercial from the 80’s? “Ive fallen and I can’t get up” went viral before we knew what viral meant. We want to protect our most vulnerable. Even ourselves. Falling is no joke. Living alone is brutal. If we can’t be with them in person, we can use technology to “be with them virtually”. Getting our people hooked into technology helps us all rest easier knowing they are protected.
Take the time to assist in Set Up
Below are Amazon links to various products that would make amazing Xmas gifts. Bonus points if we hang out with them and help them instal any app and work all the features. If we can’t do that in person, we can utilize zoom. It usually takes the older generation a minute to acclimate to the new technology. But once they familiarize themselves, they soon become Jedi master!!!
Apple Vs Android
Apple Watch. My top choice. Only because Im am an iPhone person. My boyfriend Zachery is Android however, but he uses an Apple Watch. It works great for him.
Alexa
The Alexa Echo provides another level of security. You can command Alexa to make phone calls, lists, remiders, play games, even comfort the dog. There is also a motion detector. This is a great device for the bathroom. Not only for the music feature, but the ability to use Alexa for emergency response. Since so many accidents happen in the bathroom. A time when we take off most wearables to bathe. Echo in the bathroom could be life saving.
Ill include links to helpful products below. These all would make great gifts. For the holidays. For any time. I wish we had them for my mother. Radical acceptance there. But I can advise others on how to prevent such a tragedy.
Here are links to wearables, Amazon Echos, old school life alerts and even the safety grab bars that I use. Very affordable. They work amazing. I wish to God we had them in my mothers bathroom. Sorry to be negative. Just know these little things can literally save our parents. Make sure at least you have your parents use the safety rails in the bathroom and shower. Or try. Like Yoda said “Do or Do Not”. Safety Dance. Thats our theme song today.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 46mm case] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminium Case with Black Sport Band – M/L. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant
Michael Kors Men’s or Women’s Gen 6 44mm Touchscreen Smart Watch with Alexa Built-In, Fitness Tracker, Sleep Tracker, GPS, Music Control, Smartphone Notifications (Model: MKT5134V)
WHOOP 4.0 with 12 Month Subscription – Wearable Health, Fitness & Activity Tracker – Continuous Monitoring, Performance Optimization, Heart Rate Tracking – Improve Sleep, Strain, Recovery, Wellness
Fitbit Versa 2 Special Edition Health and Fitness Smartwatch with Heart Rate, Music, Alexa Built-In, Sleep and Swim Tracking, Smoke Woven/Mist Grey, One Size (S and L Bands Included)
All-new Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen, 2023 release) + Alexa Emergency Monthly (auto-renewal)
Blink Video Doorbell (newest model), Two-way audio, HD video, motion and chime app alerts and Alexa enabled — wired or wire-free (Black)
Amazon Echo (newest model), With premium sound, smart home hub, and Alexa, Charcoal
Wall Mount Holder for Dot 4th/5th Generation, Outlet Hanger for Dot 4th/5th Gen, Smart Speaker Stand, Space-Saving Accessories, Built-in Cable Management Shelf, White
NL’AAHCÉ Grab Bars for Shower Heavy-Duty (2Pack)12-Inch ADA Compliant Shower Grab Bar for Seniors Shower Handles for Elderly Suction Handicap Safety Handrail for Bathroom Bathtubs Showers Toilet Black
Freedom Alert, Landline Personal Emergency Device, 2-Way Call with Family and Police for Home Safety, Device for Seniors and The Elderly
Safety+ 4G Medical Alert System: Fall Detection, GPS Location, 24/7 Monitoring, Mobile Caregiver App, Small, Lightweight-Call to Activate Wireless Call Button, Personal Safety, Wearable Panic Button
Medical Alert Womens Mens Necklace with Pendant – Custom Engraving for Diabetes Warfarin Dialysis Stroke Pacemakers
Fall Detection & Activity Sensor, Privacy-Preserving Videoless Stick Figure View, Action Statistics, Medical Alert
Sköld Legacy Creative – Rise to the Ashes 