Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
Hello all,
Would like to know what are the most useful consumer items that are used/desired by the seniors on this forum? What helps your everyday life go smoother, if you/your spouse are living independently? I am thinking along the lines of - jar opener, ipad big screen, non slip socks etc.? All suggestions welcome!
Thanks!
Would like to know what are the most useful consumer items that are used/desired by the seniors on this forum? What helps your everyday life go smoother, if you/your spouse are living independently? I am thinking along the lines of - jar opener, ipad big screen, non slip socks etc.? All suggestions welcome!
Thanks!
Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
small, powerful flashlight.
Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
Grandpad. Easy to use. Keeps the whole family connected. Face to face visits, Games, music, news, puzzles and lot's more.
My dad loved it.
My dad loved it.
Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
I'm not 80 yet but for my 97 yo MIL... Do they have a senior phone? Large buttons and display font, louder ringer, simple to use, very little setup, cradle for charging as opposed to the little cables.
Regards |
Bob
- AnnetteLouisan
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Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
my parents in their 80s like
pulse oximeter
blood pressure monitor
discreet magnifying glass
hearing aid
plush house slippers - minnetonka brand
heating pad
select a size paper towels
car seat pad
bottled water delivery for car and home
dustbuster
insulated large fabric grocery bag
wheeled metal folding grocery cart
pulse oximeter
blood pressure monitor
discreet magnifying glass
hearing aid
plush house slippers - minnetonka brand
heating pad
select a size paper towels
car seat pad
bottled water delivery for car and home
dustbuster
insulated large fabric grocery bag
wheeled metal folding grocery cart
Last edited by AnnetteLouisan on Mon Oct 25, 2021 6:39 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- TomatoTomahto
- Posts: 17158
- Joined: Mon Apr 11, 2011 1:48 pm
Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
We’re a bit younger than 80, but have arthritis and stuff, so things that have made our lives go more smoothly:
A pair of reading glasses in every room (assuming non prescription cheap glasses)
Darned Tough socks for all 12 months; keep my feet warm in winter (circulation isn’t what it was) and dry in summer
Universal remote properly set up for each TV
Shopping bags for when I go grocery shopping (they are more eco friendly than paper or plastic), don’t rip like paper, don’t hurt hands like plastic
Heated steering wheel or driving gloves in winter
Roomba vacuum
Lutron Caseta switches for lights (I don’t want to get out of bed to go down two flights of stairs when I’ve left a light on, but also don’t want to leave it on all night)
Ring alarm system with smoke and CO (no more wondering which smoke’s battery is causing the chirp at 2AM).
A bunch of OXO products (potato peeler. Containers, salad spinner, etc.)
Rice and oatmeal cooker
A pair of reading glasses in every room (assuming non prescription cheap glasses)
Darned Tough socks for all 12 months; keep my feet warm in winter (circulation isn’t what it was) and dry in summer
Universal remote properly set up for each TV
Shopping bags for when I go grocery shopping (they are more eco friendly than paper or plastic), don’t rip like paper, don’t hurt hands like plastic
Heated steering wheel or driving gloves in winter
Roomba vacuum
Lutron Caseta switches for lights (I don’t want to get out of bed to go down two flights of stairs when I’ve left a light on, but also don’t want to leave it on all night)
Ring alarm system with smoke and CO (no more wondering which smoke’s battery is causing the chirp at 2AM).
A bunch of OXO products (potato peeler. Containers, salad spinner, etc.)
Rice and oatmeal cooker
I get the FI part but not the RE part of FIRE.
Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
Here's a thought for you. I first heard the question decades ago on a radio talk show from a young girl who didn't have much money, and didn't know what to get her grandparents for Christmas. The host said he personally would love a picture, framed, of his kids. (... also? a coffee mug, with same). Another idea might be warm cardigan sweaters (acrylic or polyester - think, washable). Or, warm-up track jackets with zipper. Columbia fleece-polyester brand of these are terrific, warm and last forever.
- ResearchMed
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Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
Along the line of the sweater, we gave MIL (mid-90's) a cashmere cardigan (no way was she pulling a sweater over her head, with or without help!). It wasn't washable.
She had always been ultra frugal, and she sort of went nuts about "HOW SOFT THIS IS!!!!" which is quite something for someone who is usually a bit terse.
Later, we got here a really SOFT blanket, small enough for her to use in her power recliner.
Ah... if they don't already have a power recliner, those are quite something! Consider that, although it's a different price point of course.
There are ultra-soft fleece things these days that are washable, and those should do the trick, too.
As for warm slippers, may SURE that they have non-slip soles of some sort.
Or could they use subscriptions to large print magazines (paper or online)?
RM
She had always been ultra frugal, and she sort of went nuts about "HOW SOFT THIS IS!!!!" which is quite something for someone who is usually a bit terse.
Later, we got here a really SOFT blanket, small enough for her to use in her power recliner.
Ah... if they don't already have a power recliner, those are quite something! Consider that, although it's a different price point of course.
There are ultra-soft fleece things these days that are washable, and those should do the trick, too.
As for warm slippers, may SURE that they have non-slip soles of some sort.
Or could they use subscriptions to large print magazines (paper or online)?
RM
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- nisiprius
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Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
These days is an outstanding selection of small, bright, LED lights of various kinds, and... they mostly all work well.
In many ways headlamps are the most useful... and in my opinion, COB lights--which have almost no directionality and spread out to moderately illuminate a whole room--are the most generally useful. Just get the cheap ones, the one that cost $5 each (or more in a multipack). Don't go high-end.
I also like these:
In many ways headlamps are the most useful... and in my opinion, COB lights--which have almost no directionality and spread out to moderately illuminate a whole room--are the most generally useful. Just get the cheap ones, the one that cost $5 each (or more in a multipack). Don't go high-end.
I also like these:
Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen nineteen and six, result happiness; Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds ought and six, result misery.
Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
We are not quite that old yet. However, the one thing we have found particularly useful is a first-floor bedroom, bathroom, and laundry. We are very glad not to have to climb stairs any more, and there is no chance of falling down the stairs. We accomplished this by moving to a one-floor house when we retired.
- Chris56789
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Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
After having to "fix" TV problems for senior relatives we started giving (and configuring) them simple TV remotes that generally have larger number buttons without all the other special buttons on the standard TV remotes or remotes furnished by the cable company. They work well for a senior that just uses a single TV service, like cable TV. The extra buttons on smart TV and cable remotes often just cause confusion for some seniors when they are pressed by accident causing unexpected results.
I
I
The closest helping hand is at the end of your own arm.
Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
My 93 yr old MIL does not drive and lives alone. She really likes us to gift a selection of greeting cards (birthday, sympathy, holiday, etc.) with a roll of stamps. That way, she isn’t dependent upon someone to drive her to the store to buy a card if she needs one.
Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
I gave Mom a subscription to international food snack box’s. She’s always been an adventurous eater & seems to enjoy getting a “mystery” box each month.
I wish they had a subscription box for older womens face creams, soaps, etc. Mom has always been a lotion/potion hound when it comes to her face!
I wish they had a subscription box for older womens face creams, soaps, etc. Mom has always been a lotion/potion hound when it comes to her face!
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Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
Echo dots with a bridge that are voice activated to dial 911, set reminders, give the time, play music, call someone in a contact list, etc.
Meal subscription that doesn’t require cooking, just heat and serve.
Meal subscription that doesn’t require cooking, just heat and serve.
Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
Before he passed, my 87 year old dad loved both his Amazon Echo device and his television.sun25 wrote: ↑Mon Oct 25, 2021 10:00 am Would like to know what are the most useful consumer items that are used/desired by the seniors on this forum? What helps your everyday life go smoother, if you/your spouse are living independently? I am thinking along the lines of - jar opener, ipad big screen, non slip socks etc.? All suggestions welcome!
This isn't just my wallet. It's an organizer, a memory and an old friend.
- Soul.in.Progress
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Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
My neighbor is middle aged but loves the Ipsy glam bag that comes every month, its versions are listed here: https://www.mysubscriptionaddiction.com ... auty-boxesPoppyA wrote: ↑Mon Oct 25, 2021 5:53 pm I gave Mom a subscription to international food snack box’s. She’s always been an adventurous eater & seems to enjoy getting a “mystery” box each month.
I wish they had a subscription box for older womens face creams, soaps, etc. Mom has always been a lotion/potion hound when it comes to her face!
I think with Ipsy you can customize to get more of things (like moisturizers) and less of things (like makeup), but maybe your mom will enjoy?
Start by doing what is necessary; |
then do what is possible; |
and suddenly you are doing the impossible. |
-- Francis of Assisi
Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
www.lowes.com/pd/Werner-2-Step-200-lbs- ... l/50415040
I'm only a 70-something but a $20 step stool makes getting in and out of the 16' fishing boat a breeze when it's on the trailer.
More and more folks have seen it at the ramp and more and more of them are buying one, even the youngsters. It's not that difficult to climb in and jump out using a fender or the tongue & winch, but the stool is faster and no rods get stepped on.
I'm only a 70-something but a $20 step stool makes getting in and out of the 16' fishing boat a breeze when it's on the trailer.
More and more folks have seen it at the ramp and more and more of them are buying one, even the youngsters. It's not that difficult to climb in and jump out using a fender or the tongue & winch, but the stool is faster and no rods get stepped on.
Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
LED Night Light with Auto Dusk to Dawn Sensor, 5 Lumens
LED Night Light with Dusk to Dawn Sensor, 25 Lumens
I'm only 60, but advanced for my years.
LED Night Light with Dusk to Dawn Sensor, 25 Lumens
I'm only 60, but advanced for my years.
"Pretired", working 20 h/wk. AA 75/25: 30% TSM, 19% value (VFVA/AVUV), 18% Int'l LC, 8% emerging, 25% GFund/VBTLX. Military pension ≈60% of expenses. Pension+SS@age 70 ≈100% of expenses.
Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
Mobility aid for getting in and out of vehicles. It goes by different names - - examples are "Car Handle Cane" and "Car Cane." They run around $10 to $13 on amazon.com or walmart.com. They work.
There are youtube videos that accurately depict their use and benefits (they are infomercials and I did not want to put a link to an ad in my post).
Interesting, helpful topic - - thanks OP!
There are youtube videos that accurately depict their use and benefits (they are infomercials and I did not want to put a link to an ad in my post).
Interesting, helpful topic - - thanks OP!
- nisiprius
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Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
Oxo kitchen gadgets. There are doubtless other good ones, too. But the Oxos are consistently well-made, thoughtfully designed, good handles, and moderately prices.
Long shoehorns. (Look up "long shoehorns," "long" means like sixteen, twenty-four, thirty inches...)
The Vermont Country Store is a good selection of items that appeal to older people, without every saying that that's what they are.
Long shoehorns. (Look up "long shoehorns," "long" means like sixteen, twenty-four, thirty inches...)
The Vermont Country Store is a good selection of items that appeal to older people, without every saying that that's what they are.
Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen nineteen and six, result happiness; Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds ought and six, result misery.
- sleepysurf
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Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
We bought my ~90 y/o mother a Skylight Digital Photo Frame so family members can (remotely, via email) upload the latest pictures of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The pictures change every 10 secs or so, and she absolutely loves it. Amazon has many similar frames at various price points, but we've had great success with the Skylight brand.
Retired 2018 | currently ~64/33/3 (partially sliced and diced, with a slowly rising equity glide path)
- bertilak
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Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
I got a three pack (but use only one). It is set up in the bathroom. The key ingredient is "motion sensor!" It gets you to the point where you can find the switch to turn on the regular lights.
May neither drought nor rain nor blizzard disturb the joy juice in your gizzard. -- Squire Omar Barker (aka S.O.B.), the Cowboy Poet
Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
I take it she already had a router/wifi?sleepysurf wrote: ↑Tue Oct 26, 2021 7:36 am We bought my ~90 y/o mother a Skylight Digital Photo Frame so family members can (remotely, via email) upload the latest pictures of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The pictures change every 10 secs or so, and she absolutely loves it. Amazon has many similar frames at various price points, but we've had great success with the Skylight brand.
Regards |
Bob
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Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
Easy to use jar and bottle opener for jars like jelly and applesauce and peanut butter
Electric can opener
18 in 1 snowflake screw driver
decent pair of wool socks
Electric can opener
18 in 1 snowflake screw driver
decent pair of wool socks
"History is the memory of time, the life of the dead and the happiness of the living." Captain John Smith 1580-1631
- sleepysurf
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Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
Yes, she has a router and wifi. An elderly person, if not technically savvy, might need assistance connecting it to their network. BTW, some Amazon reviews mistakenly state you need a monthly subscription upgrade to keep using it. Not true. The upgrade is mainly if you wish to send videos to the frame (which we don't do). The Skylight User Guide has more info, including a possible workaround if the recipient doesn't have wifi.Padlin wrote: ↑Tue Oct 26, 2021 11:48 amI take it she already had a router/wifi?sleepysurf wrote: ↑Tue Oct 26, 2021 7:36 am We bought my ~90 y/o mother a Skylight Digital Photo Frame so family members can (remotely, via email) upload the latest pictures of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The pictures change every 10 secs or so, and she absolutely loves it. Amazon has many similar frames at various price points, but we've had great success with the Skylight brand.
Retired 2018 | currently ~64/33/3 (partially sliced and diced, with a slowly rising equity glide path)
Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
Thank you all - very useful suggestions. Please keep the coming!
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Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
More expensive, but a small AeroGarden turned out to be a great gift for an elderly relative that loves to garden but was unable to do so on a walker. We put it on the counter, put a few grow pods in and the person enjoyed nurturing in an easy way some herb plants.
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Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
1) not really good looking but practical for indoor use to carry items [img]<img src="https://cdns.webareacontrol.com/prodima ... lley-P.png" alt="Homecraft Deluxe Walker Trolley"/>/img]
I removed the brakes because it wasn't used and got in the way.
2) space saving over the toilet grab bars- helps getting up/down
3) power recliner
4) grabber reacher tool
5) easy to use/big button timer
I removed the brakes because it wasn't used and got in the way.
2) space saving over the toilet grab bars- helps getting up/down
3) power recliner
4) grabber reacher tool
5) easy to use/big button timer
Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
nisiprius wrote: ↑Mon Oct 25, 2021 1:46 pm These days is an outstanding selection of small, bright, LED lights of various kinds, and... they mostly all work well.
In many ways headlamps are the most useful... and in my opinion, COB lights--which have almost no directionality and spread out to moderately illuminate a whole room--are the most generally useful. Just get the cheap ones, the one that cost $5 each (or more in a multipack). Don't go high-end.
I also like these:
+1
Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
Some safety things that I have seen that are helpful for that age group:
Hand rails. Get them installed anywhere the elder finds themselves putting a hand onto the wall to steady themselves, or reaching for something to grab to help them get up or sit down. For instance, grab bars on the wall near the toilet can help with getting up and down. Even if not needed every day, they can be useful on days when the person isn't feeling well, or has a sore knee or whatever. (If arthritis is an issue, the extra height from a raised toilet seat can also help.) A hand rail down a long hallway, near a door with a step up or down, etc, can also help. Get the rails installed properly (anchored into the studs, etc) so that they can really support the full weight of the person if needed.
Night lights for fall prevention and night time navigation. The plug in LED ones with a light sensor (so they are only lit when the room is dark) work well in bathrooms where there are outlets. And no batteries to change.
Anything else you can do to prevent falls is good - keep pathways clear, encourage use of canes and walkers as needed, etc. The rollator style walkers with the brakes are great when mobility is still pretty good but they want something to lean on - that stage when they are much happier shopping with a shopping cart to lean on than without, for instance. The rollator serves the same purpose but can go where there are no shopping carts, like the park or a doctor appointment, etc.
Philips Lifeline alert system (worn as a pendant or on the wrist) with automatic fall detection as well as a button that can be pressed to call for help. Even if the elder doesn't live alone, if they fall in the other end of the house, or out on the driveway or in the yard (within range of the device), it will end up alerting whoever else is home, or else call for help if no one is home. For a tech savvy person who only needs the fall alert "just in case" as opposed to a high fall risk, if they can manage a charger and whatnot, the Apple Watch has fall detection and can make emergency calls as well.
If on medications, a weekly pillbox that has compartments big enough for what is needed. Sometimes it's easier to fill multiple weeks at a time, so perhaps more than one box. Make a list of which pills go in each compartment to make it easy to fill (whether for the person taking the meds or a helper/caregiver). Otherwise some independent pharmacies have services that will put the pills into little presorted packs for each day.
Safety stuff seems boring - but get it in place and then there is less time spent in the ER and in physical therapy, less time in painful recovery, etc. Makes life more fun when safety is taken care of!
cj
(edited to fix typos)
Hand rails. Get them installed anywhere the elder finds themselves putting a hand onto the wall to steady themselves, or reaching for something to grab to help them get up or sit down. For instance, grab bars on the wall near the toilet can help with getting up and down. Even if not needed every day, they can be useful on days when the person isn't feeling well, or has a sore knee or whatever. (If arthritis is an issue, the extra height from a raised toilet seat can also help.) A hand rail down a long hallway, near a door with a step up or down, etc, can also help. Get the rails installed properly (anchored into the studs, etc) so that they can really support the full weight of the person if needed.
Night lights for fall prevention and night time navigation. The plug in LED ones with a light sensor (so they are only lit when the room is dark) work well in bathrooms where there are outlets. And no batteries to change.
Anything else you can do to prevent falls is good - keep pathways clear, encourage use of canes and walkers as needed, etc. The rollator style walkers with the brakes are great when mobility is still pretty good but they want something to lean on - that stage when they are much happier shopping with a shopping cart to lean on than without, for instance. The rollator serves the same purpose but can go where there are no shopping carts, like the park or a doctor appointment, etc.
Philips Lifeline alert system (worn as a pendant or on the wrist) with automatic fall detection as well as a button that can be pressed to call for help. Even if the elder doesn't live alone, if they fall in the other end of the house, or out on the driveway or in the yard (within range of the device), it will end up alerting whoever else is home, or else call for help if no one is home. For a tech savvy person who only needs the fall alert "just in case" as opposed to a high fall risk, if they can manage a charger and whatnot, the Apple Watch has fall detection and can make emergency calls as well.
If on medications, a weekly pillbox that has compartments big enough for what is needed. Sometimes it's easier to fill multiple weeks at a time, so perhaps more than one box. Make a list of which pills go in each compartment to make it easy to fill (whether for the person taking the meds or a helper/caregiver). Otherwise some independent pharmacies have services that will put the pills into little presorted packs for each day.
Safety stuff seems boring - but get it in place and then there is less time spent in the ER and in physical therapy, less time in painful recovery, etc. Makes life more fun when safety is taken care of!
cj
(edited to fix typos)
Last edited by clip651 on Tue May 24, 2022 10:00 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
Thanks for all the great suggestions. Anybody have a good recommendation for a elastic waistband that looks like a formal pant? For a senior gentleman? Thanks!
Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
Land's End "comfort waist" pants, numerous styles, stretch up to 2 inches via elastic inserts at the sides.
Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
“Only” mid-70’s but we really enjoy the Aura Frame that we got as a gift several years ago. We load vacation pictures on it. Our kids load pictures of their lives, our grandkids, etc. The constantly changing “slide show” is a real treat.sleepysurf wrote: ↑Tue Oct 26, 2021 7:36 am We bought my ~90 y/o mother a Skylight Digital Photo Frame so family members can (remotely, via email) upload the latest pictures of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The pictures change every 10 secs or so, and she absolutely loves it. Amazon has many similar frames at various price points, but we've had great success with the Skylight brand.
Friar1610 |
50-ish/50-ish - a satisficer, not a maximizer
Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
Lee Valley Tools of Canada sells a number of items that might be useful for seniors. (No connection to the company; just a satisfied customer who's been buying stuff from them since the late 1990s). They make a jar opener (item 50K4101) that is useful for all ages, but particularly for seniors. An older relative found a "handybar" (09A0685 ) they sell particularly helpful for getting in and out of a car.
Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
A couple of things we had gotten for my mother:
Fat ballpoint pens. They sell them online. Much easier for arthritic hands to hold.
Someone mentioned this, but both Verizon and Comcast offer large-button remotes. A universal remote would serve the same purpose, although they can be tricky to set up.
Fat ballpoint pens. They sell them online. Much easier for arthritic hands to hold.
Someone mentioned this, but both Verizon and Comcast offer large-button remotes. A universal remote would serve the same purpose, although they can be tricky to set up.
- Sandtrap
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Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
Night lights that can be aimed. We have these on all of 3 floors.
https://smile.amazon.com/Emotionlite-Ni ... r=8-7&th=1
****Cane hooked into the rail bracket at the top and bottom of every stairs.
Long long shoe horn (back saver)
** Not the extendable ones but the ones that are just one length.
*** Pre Tie all shoes with elastic laces. Don't ever tie shoe laces again.
Back supports, everywhere for everything:
There are good ones and there are many many cheap and junk ones.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00 ... UTF8&psc=1
FlexiGold Gel Ice Packs (great for spine, etc)
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07 ... UTF8&psc=1
These stay soft even when "frozen" and are durable and don't leak over time like cheap plastic covered types.
Back Scratchers: Put them everywhere. They don't get tired like when others have to scratch your back.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B09 ... UTF8&psc=1
Seat cushions for the car, for the office desk chair, for everything.
Good one's are made for wheelchair use. Cheap ones are useless.
These are great but the gel wears out over time and the cushion is permanently squished. But, they are one of the best of a zillion I've tried. They are labelled "wheelchair" cushion but can be used everywhere.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01 ... UTF8&psc=1
This seat cushion is firmer than the gel cushion but works well and holds up over time.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07 ... UTF8&psc=1
Extra large durable soft heating pad that lasts longer than cheap heating pads.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07 ... UTF8&psc=1
Desk chair that has the right adjustments for spine and other body parts.
Works well with the above gel seat cusion.
For example:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00 ... UTF8&psc=1
Orthopedic support "pillow" system that helps with neck, spine, etc.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00 ... UTF8&psc=1
Compression Stockings (various sizes and compression).
Find the right one for each person. For example:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00 ... UTF8&psc=1
Insta Pot small (for seniors)
Get the optional coated non stick pot instead of the one that comes with it.
Great for cooking morning oatmeal.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B06 ... UTF8&psc=1
Ninja Air Fryer small for senors and senior portions.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07 ... UTF8&psc=1
Pill organizer container for trips or daily at home:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01 ... UTF8&psc=1
Wireless Bluetooth Headphones (not ear buds which can get lost, these are around the neck) that amplify sound like hearing aids but also for music, talk books, etc.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07 ... UTF8&psc=1
Wireless headphones for TV, etc.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07 ... UTF8&psc=1
Omron Blood Pressure Monitor (cheap one's are like tire pressure gauges that give false readings).
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00 ... UTF8&psc=1
Canes: top and bottom of stairs, in the car, etc. Or double canes for higher top speeds.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00 ... UTF8&psc=1
Walkers of proper size: folding, fuzzy green tennis balls for higher top speeds.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00 ... UTF8&psc=1
Grabber Reacher tool:
One's that are not very good: extendable or foldable vs one length that doesn't collapse, ever.
Magnifier glasses: AKA cheaters, of various magnifications for different uses.
Me Ke Aloha
j
https://smile.amazon.com/Emotionlite-Ni ... r=8-7&th=1
****Cane hooked into the rail bracket at the top and bottom of every stairs.
Long long shoe horn (back saver)
** Not the extendable ones but the ones that are just one length.
*** Pre Tie all shoes with elastic laces. Don't ever tie shoe laces again.
Back supports, everywhere for everything:
There are good ones and there are many many cheap and junk ones.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00 ... UTF8&psc=1
FlexiGold Gel Ice Packs (great for spine, etc)
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07 ... UTF8&psc=1
These stay soft even when "frozen" and are durable and don't leak over time like cheap plastic covered types.
Back Scratchers: Put them everywhere. They don't get tired like when others have to scratch your back.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B09 ... UTF8&psc=1
Seat cushions for the car, for the office desk chair, for everything.
Good one's are made for wheelchair use. Cheap ones are useless.
These are great but the gel wears out over time and the cushion is permanently squished. But, they are one of the best of a zillion I've tried. They are labelled "wheelchair" cushion but can be used everywhere.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01 ... UTF8&psc=1
This seat cushion is firmer than the gel cushion but works well and holds up over time.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07 ... UTF8&psc=1
Extra large durable soft heating pad that lasts longer than cheap heating pads.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07 ... UTF8&psc=1
Desk chair that has the right adjustments for spine and other body parts.
Works well with the above gel seat cusion.
For example:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00 ... UTF8&psc=1
Orthopedic support "pillow" system that helps with neck, spine, etc.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00 ... UTF8&psc=1
Compression Stockings (various sizes and compression).
Find the right one for each person. For example:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00 ... UTF8&psc=1
Insta Pot small (for seniors)
Get the optional coated non stick pot instead of the one that comes with it.
Great for cooking morning oatmeal.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B06 ... UTF8&psc=1
Ninja Air Fryer small for senors and senior portions.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07 ... UTF8&psc=1
Pill organizer container for trips or daily at home:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01 ... UTF8&psc=1
Wireless Bluetooth Headphones (not ear buds which can get lost, these are around the neck) that amplify sound like hearing aids but also for music, talk books, etc.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07 ... UTF8&psc=1
Wireless headphones for TV, etc.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07 ... UTF8&psc=1
Omron Blood Pressure Monitor (cheap one's are like tire pressure gauges that give false readings).
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00 ... UTF8&psc=1
Canes: top and bottom of stairs, in the car, etc. Or double canes for higher top speeds.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00 ... UTF8&psc=1
Walkers of proper size: folding, fuzzy green tennis balls for higher top speeds.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00 ... UTF8&psc=1
Grabber Reacher tool:
One's that are not very good: extendable or foldable vs one length that doesn't collapse, ever.
Magnifier glasses: AKA cheaters, of various magnifications for different uses.
Me Ke Aloha
j
Last edited by Sandtrap on Thu May 26, 2022 7:53 pm, edited 4 times in total.
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- Posts: 1242
- Joined: Fri Mar 02, 2007 9:16 am
Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
Wicked cozy heated throw, my wife and SIL love them! https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/124706? ... ated-throw
Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
I'd like something I can attach to the TV remote to help me find it. (Ours disappear with regularity.)
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- Posts: 151
- Joined: Sun May 07, 2017 5:27 pm
Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
My brother programmed my mom's Alexa to turn her lamps off and on. This is especially nice at night when she has to get out of bed and go to the bathroom. She asks Alexa to turn on her light before she gets out of bed. Alexa can also call me and my brother. Twice she has fallen and asked Alexa to call us for help.
TG
TG
Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
We pretty much use the same things as always, but hearing aids are an addition of benefit for me (and those around me). My wife and I also do one hour foot massages on alternate nights while watching television. Relaxing, feels good on our feet and provides a level of intimacy we enjoy.
Tim
Tim
- tennisplyr
- Posts: 3703
- Joined: Tue Jan 28, 2014 12:53 pm
- Location: Sarasota, FL
Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
Magnifying glass.
“Those who move forward with a happy spirit will find that things always work out.” -Retired 13 years 😀
Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
These exist. I don't have a link or name at hand, but I found them when looking for one for my cat in case God forbid he got outside and got lost. They don't make ones small enough for cat collars, but they have ones for keys, remotes, etc, anything you can stick it on. (Or buy a bunch of remotes; that's what I do with my glasses.)
Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
"Pretired", working 20 h/wk. AA 75/25: 30% TSM, 19% value (VFVA/AVUV), 18% Int'l LC, 8% emerging, 25% GFund/VBTLX. Military pension ≈60% of expenses. Pension+SS@age 70 ≈100% of expenses.
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- Posts: 920
- Joined: Thu May 13, 2021 12:09 pm
Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
I have never found a good senior phone. Large buttons, sure; louder ringing can be achieved in some cases by sideloading a loud ring tone. Even a cradle charger is achievable. But anything beyond simple dialing (for example, reading/sending text messages) is very difficult, with the arcane multilevel menus one may recall from the cell phones of 20 years ago.
Smartphones aren't usable for all seniors. Just turning one on by holding a side button for an extended period can be difficult. A rocker switch would be so much better, but no.
Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
My mother is always cold, especially her hands. We got her this hand warmer for Christmas and she's almost never without it. It has 3 heat levels and is rechargable. It has a cord that goes around the neck so she can't drop it or lose it. Wish I had found this gem years ago!
https://www.zippo.com/collections/hand- ... and-warmer
https://www.zippo.com/collections/hand- ... and-warmer
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- Posts: 1214
- Joined: Thu Apr 22, 2021 3:29 pm
Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
The cable company provides a big-button remote for my mom, but there are a lot of extra buttons she doesn't need. I put yellow tape on the POWER button and orange tape over the LAST button.123 wrote: ↑Mon Oct 25, 2021 3:40 pm After having to "fix" TV problems for senior relatives we started giving (and configuring) them simple TV remotes that generally have larger number buttons without all the other special buttons on the standard TV remotes or remotes furnished by the cable company. They work well for a senior that just uses a single TV service, like cable TV. The extra buttons on smart TV and cable remotes often just cause confusion for some seniors when they are pressed by accident causing unexpected results.
The POWER button is the only one she needs on a daily basis since she mainly watches one channel.
Pressing the LAST button usually removes any weird things that pop up on the screen and so I call it the PANIC BUTTON. When the pop-ups appear, I just tell my mom to hit the PANIC button once or twice. Works like a charm.
- AnnetteLouisan
- Posts: 7261
- Joined: Sat Sep 18, 2021 10:16 pm
- Location: New York, NY
Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
My mid 80s dad loves his pulse oximeter, Omron bp monitor (thank you, Sandtrap) and insulated canvas grocery shopping bag. Just got him a metal water bottle and he can’t wait to bring hot tea in it to save on breakfast out. He also likes his favorite brand of motor oil, heavy duty outdoor trash bags and shaving cream. Older people sometimes have ancient pots and pans so a new set can go over well.
Last edited by AnnetteLouisan on Wed May 25, 2022 7:11 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- JupiterJones
- Posts: 3623
- Joined: Tue Aug 24, 2010 3:25 pm
- Location: Nashville, TN
Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
Based on this thread, II bought some of these for some seniors in my family and they were a big hit. Thanks for the tip!
"Stay on target! Stay on target!"