Elderly people are quite conservative when it comes to purchasing kitchen appliances and go to the store only when old model It's broken and can't be repaired. They often don’t even think about pleasing themselves and buying some newfangled device. That’s why we, their young relatives, come to the rescue. What needs to be taken into account when choosing and what technology will make life easier rather than more difficult for the objects of our care - in this review!
We have already touched on this topic in a previous article, but let us recall the main points. In order for older people to use kitchen appliances, they must meet several requirements:
1) Necessity
We often buy gadgets and devices because everyone knows them or because our favorite coffee machine has a new one. interesting feature. In the case of older people, technology should not be advanced, it should make life easier and help with routine tasks.
2) Maximum device independence
Here we are talking not only about the user’s peace of mind (remember less and do less), but also about safety - older people often forget about their devices being turned on.
3) Easy to control
It is advisable to set all the necessary settings in advance and show only one or two buttons that you will need to press in the future. If necessary, write down the procedure on a sticky note and attach it in a visible place.
4) Large inscriptions and
indicators
As well as loud sounds that should accompany the selection or termination of programs. When using the device, it should be immediately clear that it has started or finished working.
5) No need to maintain the device
Elderly people sometimes try too zealously to keep equipment in its original form, but this is not always to its benefit: remember Teflon cleaned with metal or plastic levers touched and broken during the washing process... Immediately clarify the rules of care and preferably write them down in a visible place.
Now let’s go through the most necessary devices for older people and discuss what to look for when purchasing.
Kettle
Tea and coffee ceremonies, as a rule, accompany retired people from morning until late evening. Therefore, a high-quality electric kettle is the main must-have in their kitchen. The main selection criteria are strength and safety.Tefal Express II KI170D30with a volume of 1.7 liters it corresponds well to them. It is made of stainless steel, resistant to mechanical damage, falls and corrosion, and also automatically turns off in three cases: when boiling, removing or lack of water. The tall flask with a pronounced wide spout and a large, comfortable handle is reminiscent of models from the last century, and the matte shine of the metal surface of the body and the deep black color of the parts enhance the vintage effect, which will definitely appeal to older users. High power consumption (2,400 W) guarantees the fastest possible boiling of water.
Meat grinder
Convincing older people to buy ready-made minced meat and semi-finished products is almost impossible, and probably not necessary. Therefore, it makes sense to replace the old manual meat grinder, which requires impressive physical dexterity, with a modern electric version. We pay attention to its simplicity and functionality, as is the case withMoulinex ME458139. This modern, compact and productive device with only one speed leaves no room for making mistakes during use. A powerful motor and a self-sharpening knife allow you to effectively grind meat even for a long time, without forcing owners to think about additional care for the device. Well, where the creative soul can run wild is when choosing attachments - the set includes three stainless steel grates with holes of different diameters for ideally sized minced meat, attachments for sausage, kebbe, dicing and even a grater with a shredder. Let's return to the issue of safety: the meat grinder turns itself off if it overheats.
Dishwasher
The older we get, the more time and effort required from us by everyday activities such as washing dishes. Dishes brokenIt gets dirty, can’t be washed, gets lost... Perhaps the only salvation in this case may be a reliable dishwasher. It should not have any special bells and whistles: by pressing just a couple of buttons, the process should be started, as, for example, in a compact dishwasherMidea MCFD55200W. The model perfectly washes up to 6 sets of dishes in one load. Various automatic programs allow owners not to think about setting the time, water temperature and other parameters. There are modes for washing lightly, moderately and heavily soiled dishes, as well as for delicately cleaning glassware. In principle, it is enough to set the machine once (for the accelerated washing program), and the owner will only need to load the dishes and cleaning product, turn it on and wait for the result. What is important for older users is that the energy efficiency of the device complies with the A+ standard, which means that the model will consume electricity as economically as possible.
Double boiler
A person's relationship with stoves in old age even becomes dangerous - from burnt dishes to left-on gas. But the need for healthy eating only growing. A modern and easy-to-use steamer will help you forget about old methods of steaming food (like a colander in a pan).Tefal VC3008. On three tiers, placed one above the other, you can cook (and even defrost) different foods - vegetables, fish, rice, for which a special container is supplied, without the smells mixing. When guests arrive, the steamer can handle baking cupcakes or muffins. The user only needs to add water, load food, select one of the automatic programs and wait for the sound signal.
Bread maker
Probably one of the most pleasant purchases for an elderly person can be a bread machine. The smell of homemade bread will create a feeling of comfort and will definitely lift your spirits. The model has an electronic control panel with a large display and sound signals reminding you to add ingredients - this is the minimum required for older users.Moulinex OW312E32will delight them with both this and a removable baking dish with a non-stick coating, which is easy to clean without the use of abrasive tools and expensive detergents. The model prepares bread and muffins according to 12 recipes (including gluten-free), kneads dough, makes jam and yoghurt. All that remains is to help the owner of the miracle device master it all.
To old man could use it with pleasure modern technology, it is not at all necessary to reveal to him the full range of its capabilities. Try to show the basic functions and work with the new product a couple of times in the kitchen. By going through the process together from start to finish, you are sure to achieve success!
An excellent assistant for older people who, for health reasons, need to control their sugar levels and other indicators. Perfect for young-spirited people of age, leading active image life.
What is especially important for the elderly, the analyzer has a large screen. The device can store data from 100 measurements for each study, turning into Personal diary patient.
With such an assistant, an elderly person will be able to check his health independently or with the help of relatives. The device is easy to use at home, but consultation with a doctor and thorough study of the instructions before using the device are required.
The average cost of the Accutrend Plus biochemical analyzer is about nine thousand rubles. You will have to buy lancets, test strips and batteries as consumables.
The massager will be appreciated by people who, due to their age, have a lot of back problems. It’s easy to use in a chair watching TV or lying in bed, or you can take it to the countryside. The massager weighs a little more than a kilogram.
According to the manufacturer, the device creates the feeling of a high-quality manual massage of the cervical-collar area or spine.
Like any physiotherapeutic device, the US Medica Apple Blue massager has contraindications. Before use, you should consult your doctor.
The device costs about six thousand rubles. If desired, you can find less expensive analogues.
It is intended for massaging the cervical spine, but it also quite successfully “copes” with other parts of the body: the back, shoulders, abdomen, thighs and legs. You can adjust the load manually. The device operates both on mains power and on rechargeable batteries.
Remember: not all older people can have a massage. Before trying out the device, be sure to consult with a specialist.
The massager costs about four thousand rubles.
A heating pad will warm an elderly person both in the winter cold and on a damp, windy day at the dacha. Rising from the feet, the soft warmth will warm the whole body in just a few seconds, give comfort and pleasure, and relieve stress and nervous tension.
The foot warmer is easy to use and completely safe.
Buying a foot warmer Pekatherm F55 will become budget gift, since it will cost less than two thousand rubles.
"Life Button"
This device will make it much easier if relatives cannot be with them. "Life button" is more convenient for calling emergency assistance, how mobile phone, because you won’t forget her at home when you go for a walk.
Smart gadgets from Aimoto work well as a “life button”. All of them are equipped with a geolocation function, which allows you to monitor the movements of the old man. An equally important “life button” option is a fall sensor. Having detected a change in the position of a person’s body, the watch will immediately transmit an emergency signal to the smartphone of a trusted person.
Depending on the needs of a particular person, you can choose, for example, the Aimoto Amulet bracelet phone with heart rate measurement, the T-01 pendant phone with a GPS tracker and fall sensor, or the Aimoto Senior watch phone with heart rate measurement.
In addition to paying for the device itself, the cost of which reaches five thousand rubles, you will have to pay 330 rubles per month. This price includes the fee for cellular communications and the Life Button service at the Standard tariff.
Take care of yourself and your family, and be healthy!
Robot cleaner
Robots that can automatically keep things clean are no longer the stuff of science fiction. Although technology is still a long way from completely automating household chores, these devices have gotten a lot smarter over the past couple of years. One of the best smart cleaners is the Neato BotVac D75 with laser scanning technology and building a map of the room, which allows you to accurately navigate in space. Better known to domestic users are iRobot devices - from the budget Braava Jet, which can handle cleaning floors in a room of 20–25 square meters, to the advanced Roomba 980, which can be controlled using a smartphone from anywhere in the world.
Electronic door peephole
An electronic door peephole is a simple device: a small video camera is installed on the front door, which transmits the image to a separate screen or smartphone. With this gadget, old people will no longer have to jump up every time, run to the door and look at visitors through the analog hole in the door. More advanced electronic eyes, for example Eques R20, have a built-in Wi-Fi module, a motion sensor, and support audio communication.
Digital weather station
This thing will definitely come in handy for those for whom it is important to know the weather outside the window, but they have not learned how to use the Internet and cannot monitor the weather online. Modern weather stations come complete with a remote wireless sensor that measures temperature more accurately than an analog thermometer. The device can also serve as a clock, alarm clock and even radio. In addition to temperature, data on atmospheric pressure, humidity and precipitation is displayed on the screen. Oregon Scientific models also have convenient LED projectors that can project the display image onto a wall or ceiling.
Simple and intuitive smartphone
Many manufacturers today are concerned with releasing models that are convenient for those who are accustomed to simple and understandable interfaces of a push-button or even rotary telephone. One of famous examples- smartphone Senseit L301. On the main screen there are only a few large icons with the most necessary things. Apparatus suitable for those representatives of the older generation who do not need most applications and functions, but need to use basic instant messengers (WhatsApp, Viber), social networks and a search engine. The body has a separate customizable SOS button for instant communication and sending geodata about the user’s location.
Telescopic magnet
A telescopic magnet is the simplest and most budget-friendly, but at the same time useful gadget. This thing will eliminate the need to bend down to pick up fallen metal and metal-containing objects - for example, keys that have fallen behind a cabinet. Reinforced magnets work at a distance of about 80 cm and are capable of lifting an object weighing 1.5–2 kilograms. At the same time, the device itself easily fits into a pocket.
Upgradable digital photo frame
The main problem with traditional digital frames is that users are too lazy to update the contents of their memory. As a result, the same images appear on the screen for several years. To “revive” photo frames, the Russian company EasyFrame has released gadgets with a built-in 3G module. You can install a special one on your smartphone mobile app, and all photos sent using it will immediately appear on the screen. In this case, the sender and the photo frame may be located different parts globe. With such a frame, your loved ones will be able to constantly keep up to date with your life, even if they do not know how to use the Internet.
Electric opener
A device designed to make housekeeping easier. Basic electric openers will help you cope with cans, more advanced ones will also open a variety of bottles, and some can also serve as an automatic knife sharpener.
Watch phone with GPS tracker
It happens that a person urgently needs help, and in a stressful situation the phone turns out to be useless. For such cases, you need a simple GPS tracker that won’t get lost. A miniature watch-shaped device will allow you to track your location loved one, for whom you are worried. You can set a territory, and if a person with such a bracelet goes beyond its boundaries, the system will send an SMS notification to the specified number. As a rule, the “Life Button” watch has a built-in emergency call - the owner just needs to press it for a few seconds, and alerts will be sent to several specified numbers. You can also call the watch at any time like a regular phone.
TOP 10 gift gadgets for the elderly
Our family and friends should always receive only the best and most valuable gifts.
This should not only be an attentive attitude to their lives and concern for their health. The gift should be useful and make their world a little brighter and safer.
Even our grandparents want to learn new things, study modern things and devices.
It is worth understanding that they are sometimes ashamed to ask how this or that thing works. They won't be able to ask us to buy the newfangled gadgets they need. But it’s worth predicting what elderly grandparents really want and giving it to them.
10 necessary gadgets for an elderly person
Choosing the right gift for an elderly person is usually difficult. Most often we rely on some hobby or passion.
Sometimes we give cozy home things like a warm blanket or a box of aromatic tea.
The main criterion for finding a gift is its necessity - we are afraid to give something unnecessary that will lie on the shelf without use.
It is in order to narrow down your search that we offer interesting and most importantly useful items from the list.
Every elderly person will appreciate such a gift. He will especially please the mistress of the house, since he will have an invaluable assistant. It is compact, silent, and easy to operate.
It is possible to program the cleaning time so you don’t have to worry about it at night. It helps to collect dust on the floor without unnecessary stress on the part of the person. To do this, you just need to turn it on and put it on the floor (you need to remove all the wires in advance).
To avoid having to bend down every time to turn it on/off, a special remote control is included. Anyone who receives a robot vacuum cleaner will be able to program it to automatically clean on certain days of the week.
IN right time, the vacuum cleaner will turn on itself and silently clean the room. The only reason a person will be needed is to throw out the collected garbage from the container. After you give the robot vacuum cleaner as a gift, take 20 minutes to explain “how it works.”
Alarm button
Unfortunately, we cannot be with our loved ones around the clock and monitor their health. For emergencies, a panic button has long been invented.
It is shaped like a pendant and is worn around the neck. To report a problem, you just need to click on it.
The signal will be sent to the operator, who will immediately call ambulance. Alarm button- This is one of the most necessary acquisitions for older people.
It is better to give such gifts as a regular sign of care and attention, without waiting for a special occasion.
Mobile phone for pensioners
Most modern grandparents have been wanting new smartphones for a long time. If your loved ones are not in this category, but want to please them with a new-fangled device, go to help will come" ". This is an ordinary and simple phone with nothing special about it except the size of the buttons.
They are an order of magnitude larger and wider than in standard phones. But this is precisely why the older generation fell in love with him. Even grandmothers over 80 can easily and simply understand this gadget and call their relatives.
Most grandparents take life-saving medications. To help to a loved one Don’t forget that you need to take a pill, you can give a smart pill box.
Different versions of the device (in some, the cells open on time and light up, in some they emit sound signals) will help you find what your grandmother or grandfather needs.
Older people often have back problems. Therefore, it can be difficult for them to straighten or bend. Not to mention picking something up off the floor.
A telescopic magnet will come to the rescue. No more bending over to pick up metal objects from the floor. Such a device can operate at a distance of a meter.
Grandparents love to put framed photographs of their family and admire them. Elderly people will be pleased to have a digital photo frame on their table at home, which can independently change pictures.
Various options (with or without remote control, with speakers, with Wi-Fi) will help you find a photo frame for any person.
Radio search engine
Elderly people often complain about their memory. To quickly find a missing item, just purchase a radio search engine.
It consists of a remote control and many key fobs that need to be attached to things that are often lost (for example, keys).
When an item is lost, you need to press the remote control and search for the item by the sound the keychain makes.
Electric blanket and electric sheet
Elderly people often feel cold. This is due to the deterioration of normal blood flow.
In this case, an electric blanket and an electric sheet are suitable as a gift. They warm a person with their warmth, relax, and relieve fatigue from the muscles.
Timer socket
As we have already said, grandparents often complain about memory. In order to reduce their anxiety about the “iron not being turned off,” you can give them an outlet with a timer.
Such a device has both mechanical and electronic control. If you choose electronic, then you should pay attention to the available time interval.
It is better to choose a smaller interval. Often, modern “smart sockets” are produced with automatic connection to a smartphone.
Elderly people do not like to spend money on paper publications in the form of books.
Often they are not satisfied with the font size or simply do not like the procedure for choosing between publications. An e-book will come to the rescue and become an irreplaceable gift.
The main advantage is the ability to install the right size text. The advantage is a huge selection of books that are available on the Internet in electronic format. Even with frequent reading, such a gadget needs to be charged once a month.
Conclusion
Never forget about those people who were your support and support in childhood. Remember that they taught you to walk, eat, talk.
Now it’s your turn to teach them how to use modern technology and various devices. They will make their life easier and happier.
Our expert is Professor of the Department of Therapy, Geriatrics and Apitherapy of the Faculty of Postgraduate Education of Moscow State Medical University, Doctor of Medical Sciences Yuri Konev.
Soul in the soul
Those over sixty need to pay increased attention to hygiene issues. Unfortunately, many old people do not really like to wash themselves. And there is an explanation for this. Over the years skin become thinner, and the secretion of fatty lubricant decreases. Because of this, the skin becomes dry and very sensitive, so washing often brings discomfort. In addition, water and soap wash away the protective lipid film from the skin, so after a bath it becomes tight and painful. Many older people (especially men) develop ichthyosis - increased peeling of the skin, as well as senile itching, usually in the genitals and anus.
But still, you shouldn’t forget about hygiene. It’s just that water procedures need to be carried out differently than in youth:
- It is better to abandon the bath and replace it with a shower. It is enough to take a shower every other day, because over the years the sweat glands no longer work as actively. For washing, you should not use soap, but gel creams with a neutral pH - they preserve the lipid layer. Moreover, with these products it is enough to wash only the folds of the arms and legs, folds of the skin and genitals. The rest of the body can simply be washed with water.
- After water procedure Be sure to thoroughly dry the skin, blotting it, especially in the bends of the arms and legs. If the skin is too dry, you need to lubricate it with a moisturizer or body lotion (any one will do).
- Bathtubs for older people should be equipped with handrails and a rubber mat placed at the bottom to prevent slipping. A compromise option is a sitz bath or shower.
- The water should be neither hot nor too cool, so as not to injure the skin of an elderly person.
- Washing with warm water should be done daily and after each bowel movement. To avoid itching of the genitals, you should wear only cotton or linen underwear and change it daily, avoid overheating the body during sleep, and exclude spicy foods and smoked foods from food.
- If it is difficult to shower, you can wipe your body with sanitary napkins soaked in natural emollient and anti-inflammatory extracts (wipes for babies are suitable). It also doesn’t hurt to use the products intimate hygiene(deodorants, eau de toilette), but they should only be applied to clean and dry skin.
- To deal with the problem increased dryness skin, it is important for older people not only to care for it properly, but also to take B vitamins (found in meat and cereals) and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E. However, to select their dose, you need to consult a doctor, because for an older person’s body age, both a deficiency and an excess of these substances are dangerous.
Taking care of your two
Bad foot odor often occurs in young people, but if an older person neglects hygiene, then his socks, naturally, will not smell like roses. Proper care behind this part of the body for older people has special meaning. Neglecting foot hygiene can lead to unpleasant sensations and pain, and in more serious cases - the inability to move without assistance.
The main risk is fungal infections. To prevent them, you need to thoroughly wash and dry your feet every day. It is recommended to use talc or powder to treat the spaces between the toes, as well as foot cream to prevent drying of the skin and the appearance of difficult-to-heal cracks.
People with excessive sweating you should give up synthetics and wear shoes, socks, tights made of natural materials. To reduce sweating, you should immerse your feet in a warm solution of strong brewed tea or a decoction of oak bark for 15 minutes twice a day. For elimination unpleasant odor You can wash your feet 3-4 times a week in warm water with a weak solution of vinegar (1 teaspoon of 3% vinegar per 2 liters of water).
It is difficult for older people to cut their toenails on their own; family members should help with this. This is very important, because improper trimming of nails can lead to them growing into the skin.
Home, beloved home
Not only the body can smell unpleasant, but also everything that surrounds an elderly person: old trash, things that have not been ventilated for a long time, house dust, which, by the way, is largely formed from dead skin particles. The keratinized scales are torn off and get stuck in the folds of clothes in older people, settle on bedspreads and upholstered furniture, and get stuck in the pile of carpets. Since it is difficult for old people to clean themselves (especially to carry out wet cleaning), as well as to often change, wash and iron their clothes and bed linen, a stagnant smell appears in the house. Younger relatives should take on cleaning responsibilities.
To scent a room, it is better to use aromatic essences rather than air fresheners. essential oils, oriental incense. In the cabinets you can place sachets with herbs, pieces of aromatic soap, and cut citrus peels.
