Smart glasses are an accessory that can make a senior's life much easier in a number of ways by simplifying the processes of daily living. These glasses can function as sunglasses, reading glasses, and bifocals, but they also incorporate technology to help seniors with daily reminders and alarms. Learn more about how this technology could change seniors' day-to-day activities.
What Are Smart Glasses?
Smart glasses are essentially wearable computers that are designed to look and feel like normal glasses. The built-in technology, however, is far more advanced than a traditional pair of bifocals. Smart glasses can contain facial and image recognition technology, apps, and other programs to help seniors with their activities.
The wearer of the glasses has the ability to see the screen. And the glasses themselves can be used for eye tracking and memory research. Many prototypes and models have the ability to connect with a smartphone, essentially transferring the apps into a wearable format.
Can Seniors Benefit from Smart Glasses?
Yes! Smart glasses offer technological benefits to all individuals, but especially seniors, who often experience difficulties with vision as they age. Learn about some of the benefits below.
Keep Track of Schedule
For seniors especially, smart glasses can keep track of schedules and provide reminders for appointments, medications, etc. Instead of setting a phone timer, smart glasses allow seniors to set a visual reminder to appear on the glasses when it's time to take medication or to go to an appointment.
Recognize Surroundings
With image recognition software, some smart glasses can recognize faces, medication bottles, and other objects within a senior's sight. This feature is especially useful for seniors with poor vision. They can help seniors avoid taking the wrong medication and help them out when people come to visit.
Address Vision Problems
Smart glasses aren't just a technological accessory. Given that many seniors have vision troubles, many smart glasses can be fitted with prescription lenses and have features to function in bright-light and low-light conditions, reducing the likelihood of nasty falls.
In addition to vision correction, some models have vision augmentation, or the ability to zoom in and out and focus on specific areas to make sense of small details. Some smart glasses models are even being developed to help manage certain illnesses, such as dementia. These smart glasses are available in different styles and colors and are specifically designed to look like regular lenses
Provide Entertainment
Other features include video/audio players and internet access, making smart glasses a form of entertainment as well. Seniors can enjoy television programs, conduct research, read, listen to music, and more without even getting up.
Is This Technology Too Complex?
You might be wondering if some of these functions are too complex for a senior to handle. While it seems like a lot at first, the right apps can make all of this technology intuitive. Furthermore, choosing the right pair of smart glasses based on the senior's needs means less unnecessary technological complications and saves money in the long run.
Technology continues to help seniors as they age, creating safer environments and more effective care. Even if seniors don't have access to smart glasses, there are many other forms of technology they can enjoy. For example, there are apps for smartphones that can make day-to-day tasks easier and virtual bike rides that may help improve memory.
At Caring Senior Service we are always ready to help seniors and their families by providing professional advice and services. As you consider ways to give support to your aging loved ones, consider including us in your plans. Contact a care team near you today for more information!
