30 hacks to make audacious senior citizens' lives less complicated and more enjoyable

People joke a lot about senior citizens and their memory or lack thereof. I am 72 and have memory loss from just being older and from having two strokes. At the same time I have lost some memory I have noticed that my creativity has increased. I don't know why this is but I am enjoying it. Lists and notes have become a normal part of my life.  Since I now have to make lists for  every thing I actually find myself more efficient.  My favorite "memory tool" is Microsoft TO DO that comes free with your Microsoft Office package. We will discuss Microsoft To Do in another blog posting.     

30 hacks to make audacious senior citizens' lives less complicated and more enjoyable:

1. Smartphone Simplification: Set up smartphones with large icons and simplified interfaces for easier navigation.

2. Voice-Activated Devices: Introduce voice-activated devices like Amazon Echo or Google Home to assist with tasks such as setting reminders, making calls, or playing music.

3. Medication Management Apps: Utilize medication management apps to help seniors keep track of their medications and dosage schedules.

4. Adaptive Kitchen Tools: Invest in adaptive kitchen tools with ergonomic handles and easy-grip features to make cooking and meal preparation easier.

5. Remote-Controlled Lights: Install remote-controlled lights to make it easier for seniors to turn lights on and off without needing to get up.

6. Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS): Set up personal emergency response systems that allow seniors to call for help with the push of a button in case of emergencies. Now days some are wearable and some are applications for your smart watch.

7. Automated Pill Dispensers: Use automated pill dispensers that can be pre-loaded with medications and programmed to dispense the correct dosage at the right times.

8. Comfortable Seating Arrangements: Ensure that seating arrangements in the house are comfortable and supportive, with cushions or pillows as needed to alleviate pressure points.

9. Weekly Meal Prep Service: Arrange for a weekly meal prep service to deliver nutritious, pre-cooked meals that only require reheating, reducing the need for extensive cooking.

10. Grocery Delivery Services: Sign up for grocery delivery services to have groceries and household essentials delivered directly to their doorstep.

11. Senior-Friendly Exercise Classes: Enroll seniors in senior-friendly exercise classes such as water aerobics or chair yoga to promote physical activity and social interaction.

12. Memory Aids and Reminders: Use memory aids and reminders such as sticky notes, calendars, or digital reminders to help seniors remember important appointments and tasks.

13. Virtual Social Groups: Encourage participation in virtual social groups or online communities to stay connected with friends and family members, especially during times of limited mobility or social distancing.

14. Magnifying Tools: Provide magnifying tools such as magnifying glasses or magnifying lamps to assist with reading books, newspapers, or medication labels.

15. Comfortable Footwear: Ensure seniors have comfortable and supportive footwear to reduce the risk of falls and promote mobility.

16. Automatic Shut-off Appliances: Invest in automatic shut-off appliances such as electric kettles or stovetops with automatic timers to prevent accidents caused by forgetfulness.

17. Grab Bars and Handrails: Install grab bars and handrails in bathrooms and hallways to provide support and stability for seniors, reducing the risk of slips and falls.

18. Easy-to-Read Thermostats: Replace traditional thermostats with easy-to-read, digital thermostats with large displays and simple controls.

19. Housekeeping Services: Arrange for periodic housekeeping services to help seniors with tasks such as cleaning, laundry, and organizing, allowing them to focus on activities they enjoy.

20. Low-Maintenance Garden Design: Design gardens with low-maintenance plants and landscaping features to allow seniors to enjoy gardening without the need for extensive upkeep.

21. Senior Discounts and Benefits: Explore senior discounts and benefits for various services such as transportation, entertainment, and dining to help seniors save money on expenses.

22. Easy-to-Use TV Remotes: Provide seniors with easy-to-use TV remotes with large buttons and simplified controls for navigating channels and adjusting volume.

23. Personalized Music Playlists: Create personalized music playlists featuring favorite songs and genres to enhance mood and evoke positive memories.

24. Digital Photo Frames: Gift digital photo frames pre-loaded with cherished photos of family members and memorable moments to brighten up living spaces spaces.

25. Audiobooks and Podcasts: Introduce seniors to audiobooks and podcasts on topics of interest to provide entertainment and mental stimulation.

26. Adaptive Clothing: Invest in adaptive clothing with features such as Velcro closures or elastic waistbands to make dressing and undressing easier for seniors with limited mobility.

27. Senior-Friendly Transportation Services: Arrange for senior-friendly transportation services such as ride-sharing programs or senior shuttles to help seniors get around safely and independently.

28. Accessible Outdoor Spaces: Ensure outdoor spaces are accessible with smooth pathways, comfortable seating areas, and shade for enjoying outdoor activities like gardening or birdwatching.

29. Memory Journals: Encourage seniors to keep memory journals or scrapbooks where they can document significant events, memories, and reflections to preserve their legacy. Some people prefer the cell based applications. I prefer the old-fashioned leather journal. It seems to help stimulate my creative process. 

30. Tech Support Assistance: Provide ongoing tech support assistance to help seniors troubleshoot any issues with their devices or digital tools, ensuring they can continue to benefit from technology without frustration.

Implementing these hacks can greatly improve the quality of life for audacious senior citizens, empowering them to live independently, stay connected, and enjoy their golden years to the fullest.