by Ellen Blake
My mom used to love baking, but as she got older, it became increasingly more difficult to spend a lot of time working in the kitchen. Her hands tired quickly, and she often dropped ingredients. Once I noticed the problems in the kitchen, I started to notice issues with other chores as well. I started to look for inexpensive aging in place gadgets to help her remain independent, and found there are lots available.
The truth is, we all need help sometimes. Whether we suffer an injury that creates temporary problems or simply find some things are more difficult as we age, these innovative products are great to have around the house. They solve problems we might not realize we have! Why struggle when you don’t need to?
Assistive Technology for Seniors
Incorporating assistive technology into daily life can significantly enhance your quality of life. These gadgets, generally designed to provide a simple and easy to use experience, address common challenges faced by older adults. For example, some of us find we have decreased mobility or weak hands as we age. Fortunately, inexpensive gadgets are readily available these days. For example, a simple grabber tool can help us to reach items without straining our bodies, while a hands-free magnifying glass can assist those of us with impaired vision. In addition, personal care items, kitchen aids and more help make life easier. Many older adults already have voice-activated devices like smart speakers to simplify tasks and provide entertainment. These low-cost tools help empower us to maintain our independence, improve our overall well-being, and continue to enjoy life to the fullest.
Inexpensive Gadgets for Older Adults
Below are just a few of these inexpensive little gadgets that make life much easier as we age. Available on Amazon.
EZ Grip 360 Degree Rotary Stainless Steel Sharp Blade Fingernail Toenail Clipper, Trimmer and Cutter
We love this precision rotating toenail clipper! It’s swivel action puts an end to awkward twisting, helping you find a comfortable angle to trim your nails. And the wide easy grip handles are ergonomically designed to provide safe, secure and comfortable handling while trimming. Perfect for those with less flexibility limited dexterity or strength, diabetes, arthritis, other ailments and of course for everyday use! Lightweight and easy to store away, the size of this clipper is approximately four inches.
Farberware Hands-Free Automatic Can Opener
We get it – a can opener may not seem exciting, but for those with arthritic hands or shoulder problems, this compact little gadget is such a great thing to have! It opens any size can and stores easily. The technology allows for seamless opening to decrease the hazards of dangerous sharp edges that can be a problem with other can openers. Easy to clean with a wet towel, it makes life easier for seniors – or anyone!
Jar and Bottle Opener for Weak Hands, Lid Opener for Arthritic Hands
Weak hands? No problem. Easy to hold and use, simply place this handy gadget on a lid and the zigzag metal teeth give you extra power! It opens jar or bottle lids of varying sizes, making life exponentially easier. Again, it’s not an exciting gift, but those who own these openers love them!
2-Pack 34 Inch and 21 Inch Grabber Reacher with Rotating Jaw
This fabulous little gadget is great for all of us, and not just as we age. With both a long and short grabber included, you can easily pick up items around the house, under the bed, and on high shelves. For those with mobility issues, it’s particularly wonderful! Simple to use with tips made from soft rubber to allow picking up even the smallest items with ease. Don’t wait to buy this one – you’ll wonder how you got along without it once you have it in the house!
3-Pack Easy Twist Off Water Bottle Opener
Water bottles can be tough to open for all of us. But for those with weak hands, arthritis, or carpal tunnel, those screw tops can be particularly troublesome. These tops are easy to bring with you everywhere to use and you will find they work very well! They make even the flimsiest of water bottles easy to open.
These hand grips are incredibly helpful! My Dad had a bit of a shake as well as weak hands, and he with this product he was able to maintain his independence. Made of softy stretchy silicone that warms to skin temperature, they do not even need to be tight on your hand to support the item. Use for brushes, toothbrushes, writing utensils, silverware and more! Comes five to a pack.
Portable Pill Taker Remover, 2pcs Blister Pack Opener Popper Assistance
Finger Vegetable Peelers with Comfortable Rubber Finger Grip
These innovative vegetable peelers are made with quality 304 stainless steel blade and soft rubber finger grips. They are sturdy to use, wear-resistant and rust proof, lightweight and portable! To use these peelers (come four to a pack), simply slip the palm fruit peeler into your finger just like wearing a ring and start peeling your vegetables or fruits. The insulation board protects your fingers and palm from getting scratched by the blade during peeling process. The ergonomic finger grip is very comfortable and fits the shape of your hand nicely.
The Bottom Line
There are many more gadgets available and in stores that can make everyday life easier for seniors, and we will continue to add to our list. Those listed above are just a few to get you started. Do you know of others? Please share your experiences in the comment section below!
Leslie Farin is the Publisher and Founder of 50PlusToday. She is an experienced communications and marketing professional passionate about working with older adults and their families. She works with a team of writers to provide essential and cutting-edge information related to the 50Plus community.
Universal Hand Grip