5 Tech Gadgets Perfect for Seniors

When citizens become seniors, they want to keep up with the times while not needing to learn every new trick and tip in the tech book. Not only can gadgets be confusing even for the savviest tech student, but they can also be difficult to use, hard to handle and annoying. Who wants to have to attend a special class to learn how to use the newest gadgets available to the masses? Recently, companies have been making forays into marketing to senior citizens with technological gadgets that are easier to sue and less confusing then ever. Check out these top tech gadgets made especially for senior citizens.

The 6380 Senior Mobile Phone

This cell phone has very large buttons that are not only easier to see, but they are easier to push as well. Perfect for senior who have misplaced their glasses and need to make a phone call, or for those who have trouble dialing on a phone with smaller buttons because of arthritic conditions. The phone features easy to push and see buttons in addition to a large red SOS button on the back of the phone for emergencies that can dial a pre-set phone number. This feature is like instant speed dial on steroids and can save help lives by sounding a very loud alarm if it is pushed. The 6380 Senior Mobile Phone is available unlocked from ChinaGrabber.com for $75 and it works on the T-Mobile's GSM 900/1800/1900 MHz band frequencies in America and it also works in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

iRobot Vacuum Cleaner

This line of automatic vacuum cleaners are a great; little machines that clean up big messes and they do it all automatically. The iRobot line has an automatic cleaning machine for almost every job. Whether seniors have large pools to clean or a large home with wall-to-wall carpeting, iRobot has something to get the job done. The iRobot Verro has powerful suctioning and the vacuum is submersible. The iRobot Scuba is a mopping machine that easily cleans all types of non-wax floors with the special solution that requires no rinsing. The iRobot Roomba is the vacuum that gets into corners of rooms and under beds or coffee tables.

The battery lasts up to two hours and requires cleaning only one every three uses. The iRobot Dirt Dog is almost the same as the Roomba, however this gadget is made for larger and tougher jobs, like cleaning warehouses and large showrooms, for example and it is powerful enough to pick up nuts and bolts in addition to the dust and other debris left laying around. The iRobot Looj is a vacuum made for the gutters. It cleans gutters of all sizes and can do it is less than an hour in most cases. All of the automatic vacuums are available form the iRobot website from $150 to $799.

e-pill Beep 'N Tell

The talking pillbox can not only keep senior citizens safe, but it can also keep them organized as well. As seniors become older, they tend to take more medications. This has resulted in numerous pillboxes with labels of weekdays on them to fill with daily pills. However, the problem with these types of boxes is remembering to use them or fill them up for the coming week. Thus enters the talking pill box that sounds an alarm at the time of day the senior is supposed to take them. The ePill Beep N Tell features an alarm or a voice that goes off when the timer sounds. The alarm allows for multiple pill times in a 24 hour period, so for those seniors who take pills three times a day, remembering to do so before the missed time is easy. This pill box prevents mix ups and missed medication times, keeping the senior safe and healthy; available at ePill.com for $49.95 or three for $99.95.

The Senior Friendly SimplicITy PC

When Seniors began to learn how to use computers, many were put off by their complexity. However, now it is no longer necessary for them to have to take on new complex tasks, especially when they have more important things to do, such as enjoy their retirement and grandchildren. This new SimplicITy PC is an innovation that deserves much more media than it has received. Using only six different buttons to check email and do other functions with one simple click instead of needing them to learn how to use a browser, surf the Internet and use email, which normally requires many complex motions. The PC, made and sold in the UK, features a tutorial and About Me page in addition to its Square One, where all of the main features are located. Available only in the UK for about $726 as of publishing, the hope is that it will soon be available everywhere targeted at seniors aged 60 or older.

IC Social Communication Tool Concept Design

When many seniors see touchscreens, they start to cringe because for them, using a touchscreen is simply a painfully excruciating task. This concept of a communicator tool will allow seniors to connect to the Internet without any installations, create Facebook and other social networking accounts after registering the device, check messages, allow voice and video chats and display all of the messages in an easy to read format or by using voice commands. The video on this device will allow for better eye contact and with the bi-directional sensors installed it also allows the user to touch the screen without pushing any of the buttons until the user is ready. Any keys that are highlighted are enlarged to help see them better. This gadget is made for all seniors and makes any communications over the Internet much easier for all involved and much less frustrating. This gadget is not available yet, but it is hopeful that it will be one day soon. The IC Communicator's designer is Mikael Johansen, who modeled it after he realized his grandmother was having trouble doing all of these activities.

iRobot Automatic Vacuums

ePill Beep N' Tell

"1.7" Tri-Band Big Keypad Cellphone For Elderly w/ Touch Light, SOS Button," ChinaGrabber.com

Mikael Johansen, "IC Social Communicator Tool," Vimeo.com

"SimplicITy PC has simple interface aimed at seniors," Electronista