As we age our abilities naturally change in many ways. Such as our strength, dexterity, energy, or flexibility. There are many products on the market claiming to fix a problem or make life easier. However, finding the right thing that works for you when you need it can be tricky. Here are a few useful items that may assist you or a loved one, or at least spark an idea for a solution!
Openers
There are now many new products on the market for opening jars, cans, or bottles. These features include electric, safety locks, pull tabs, or full handles for leverage. Some can openers remove the lid so there is no sharp edge. These tools can be especially helpful for those with arthritis or general weakness.
Smart Plugs
There’s a wide variety of outlet plugs that can be linked to your phone or device that can control the outlet on/off. This can be handy in a variety of ways such as setting a schedule or using voice activation for automatic lighting and tasks such as controlling a fan/heater. These can also be helpful to track and conserve energy.
Reaching Tools
These tools have come a long way since the old back scratcher! There are now many tools on the market such as shower brushes, specialized magnetic grabbers, dressing tools, and robotic arms. These make it safer to reach something on the floor and avoid falls or accidents.
It can take a bit of experimenting to find the right thing but be sure to do some research on product reviews and descriptions. There are many reviewers who make videos of product demonstrations that can be helpful. This can save you time and effort later of having to return an item. The beauty of technology is it’s forever evolving and there are always new things on the horizon.
Resources:
Kitchen Tools (Specifically the OXO Jar Opener) https://www.bestproducts.com/eats/gadgets-cookware/g39046314/best-kitchen-tools-for-arthritis/
https://www.verywellhealth.com/best-can-openers-for-arthritis-4157529
Smart Plugs https://us.switch-bot.com/
Grabbers https://reviewed.usatoday.com/lifestyle/best-right-now/the-best-reacher-grabbers
Shampoo Brush https://www.bestproducts.com/beauty/g37564223/best-scalp-massager/
Robotic Arm https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/scientists-invent-robotic-third-arm