Vision Problems: TV Action When Not Talking

Vision Problems: TV Action When Not Talking

Since my Mom’s vision is failing, she has a hard time understanding what is happening in a TV show when the actors are not speaking, In some shows there are long dramatic pauses or just action noises.

Descriptive Audio Tells You What is Going On

There is a little-known solution to this problem called Descriptive Audio. Descriptive Audio provides professional narration of the scene. It is available on Amazon Prime Video and Netflix.

Smoke detectors – ways to make them “SMART”

My father-in-law lives with family who both work, leaving him alone at home for several hours per day. He is 93, legally blind and practically deaf. We knew we needed some tech to help remote family members comfortable. Getting a smart door lock was a no brainer. Caregiver family can remotely open it for visitors, … Read more

Fantastic Source for COVID “State of Play”

If you like to stay on top of the facts and details about the state of our battle against COVID, and like an emphasis on logic and science, here is a fantastic resource. Dr. Jordan Shlain, a San Francisco-based physician, has been writing a series of "Dispatches" about COVID and what is happening on the front lines. You … Read more

Automatic Pill Dispenser Evaluations: Hands-on

Automatic Pill Dispensers under Evaluation

Caption: Variety of pill dispensers and smart pill boxes under evaluation.  |  Back row L-R: Pria, Hero, MedaCube, Philips, Tabsafe, Livi. Front row L-R: GMS, MedMinder, MedReady, CompuMed.   When a person starts having trouble adhering to the medication routine prescribed by their doctor — or when they or their caregiver or spouse start finding … Read more

Best Automatic Pill Dispenser for You

Which Medication Dispenser?

Caption: Left: MedaCube; Right: Hero; Top middle: MedMinder; Bottom middle: GMS.   It is too simplistic to talk of the “best automatic pill dispenser“. But it is definitely appropriate to talk about the “best medication dispenser for a specific individual or life situation“.     Different Life Situations Need Different Pill Dispensers This is Part 2 of … Read more

Medication Adherence Tools: About our Research

Medicine bottles

We have an ongoing initiative researching the tools that are available to help manage medication, and avoid the complications that accompany poor adherence.

Our most recent research is a hands-on evaluation of a variety of complex medication management systems. In the past we have also researched less complex ways to manage medications, including pill boxes and medication reminders.

Best Pill Organizer: Older Adults Recommend

Pill Box and Pill Organizer collection

  There are many, many pill boxes and pill organizer solutions to choose from in your local drugstore or on Amazon. Unsurprisingly, not all of them are equally good. The Longevity Explorers have strong views about what to look for in a pill box. Here are their recommendations, and a list of the “things to watch for”. … Read more

Advance Directive Forms, Apps, & Online Guides

Advance Healthcare Directive Form

  Advance Healthcare Directives are a critical part of planning for end of life. In this article we dig into exactly what they are, how you use them, how you get help understanding them, as well as what we have learned about online resources and Apps for completing an Advance Directive Form.   This is the second part … Read more