Staying Independent as an Older Adult: The Challenges

Safety vs autonomy. Independence.

  Staying “Independent” as long as possible is one of the most important priorities for many people as they age. But what do older adults really mean when they talk of being “independent”, and what are the obstacles to staying independent? At first blush thus seemed like a straightforward question. We set out to understand … Read more

Amazon Echo and Alexa for the Elderly

Amazon Echo (Alexa) for seniors and the elderly, brainstorming session by older adults

  The older adults in our explorer groups have recently become interested in a relatively new product: the Amazon Echo and its artificial intelligence Alexa. Here they explore Amazon Echo for the Elderly.   Amazon Echo & Alexa: What Older Adults Think Our community of older adult Longevity Explorers has had a number of group discussions about … Read more

Older Adult Perspectives on Managing Medications

Medication Management Tips from Older Adults

  Learn what older adults themselves think about the challenges of medication management.   The Voices of Older Adults: Managing Medications There has been a lot written about medication management for older adults. But it is rare to hear from older adults themselves. In this synthesis of explorer discussions, you can hear medication management tips … Read more

Driving, Ride-Hailing, & Transportation Apps

Getting around apps for seniors and older adults

  Being free to get from one place to another when you want is a very important ingredient of an independent life. We think there are some Apps that can make that easier and more convenient.    “Getting Around” is the first theme we are exploring in our “Useful Apps for Older Adults” initiative. It … Read more

Getting In and Out of Cars: Gadgets that Help

swivel car seat exploration

  Our explorers have been trying out various gadgets that let them get in and out of cars more easily. So far we have focused on two types of products. The first is a swivel car seat, and the second is a sort of extra “car handle for the elderly”. The swivel car seat is designed … Read more

Where & How We Want to Live

where and how do boomers retire

  Where and how we want to live as we age has been the subject of quite a few of our Longevity Explorer discussions, especially in those circles made up of Boomers. Many of the Boomer explorers are wondering if they should move, and to which type of living situation? Should it be a retirement village, … Read more

Best Jar Opener for Older Adults

Jar openers for seniors, and for arthritis

  If you need a jar opener to help open jars for whatever reason, this synthesis will tell you which ones our Longevity Explorers liked and why they liked them. Our Explorer circles have had a number of discussions, and show and tell interactions, about jar openers. This is a summary of what we learned. … Read more

Retirement Living: Comparison Matrix & Talk

Choosing different retirement living options

There are a variety of retirement living “business model” options for a person living independently at home to consider when weighing whether to stay or move, as described in this recent article (Retirement Living Options). They vary from staying put and joining a village for companionship and support services to purchasing a place and moving … Read more

Best Lighted Cane

Cane with light: Older adult explorers testing lighted canes

  Our circles of older adults have had a number of discussions in which a walking cane with a light surfaced as a good idea. Our Explorers thought a highly visible cane, with a light to help avoid hazards, could help make getting out at night safer. Together, we found some interesting looking lighted canes online, purchased a … Read more

Toenail Clippers for Elderly People

toenail clippers for elderly

  Our circles of older adults have been exploring toenail clippers for elderly people. They explain that older adults often have nails that are hard to cut or hard to reach. The explorers are especially interested in toenail clippers for thick toenails, and toenail clippers that will work when a person has arthritis, and thus can not … Read more