The iPad has several communication features, making it a helpful tool for staying in touch with friends and family members. For example, you can use Zoom or Skype to have video calls with your loved ones. Because the iPad has a built-in camera, you don't have to worry about purchasing a separate webcam. You just have to install your preferred application and follow the on-screen directions.
If you have difficulty hearing, the iPad also has several features to make it easier to communicate with other people. Live Captions allows you to create a transcript of the audio from any app, reducing the risk of misunderstandings when you speak to your loved ones. You can even set your iPad to blink when you receive a notification. For hard-of-hearing seniors, these visual notifications eliminate the worry that you've missed an important message from a friend or family member.
As you get older, it's normal for your brain to slow down a little. You may find yourself losing your keys more often or taking longer to remember people's names. Brain training aims to slow down cognitive decline by having participants perform a series of mental activities. These activities typically focus on the following skills:
If you have an iPad, it's much easier to access brain-training programs designed to enhance your cognitive function. Popular apps include Lumosity, Elevate and CogniFit.
Although more research is needed to determine the potential benefits of brain training, this approach does show some promise. In a study led by Bruno Bonnechère of Hasselt University in Belgium, researchers determined that cognitive mobile games may help older adults improve their processing speed and other cognitive skills. The study included 12,000 people ranging from 60 to 80 years old.
If you're not feeling well, you may want to stay in your assisted living apartment until you recover. With an iPad, there's no need to miss out on your favorite hobbies while you recuperate. For example, if you love to collect stamps, you can download an app designed to identify unknown postage. Depending on which app you download, you may be able to access the name of the stamp, the history behind the stamp or even the potential value of the stamp.
You can also download apps for creating your own cross-stitch patterns, putting together digital jigsaw puzzles or learning more about gardening. You don't have to reserve these apps for when you're not feeling well, either. Using a hobby app a few times a week can help you stay engaged and excited about your favorite activities.
Once you have an iPad, you can use it to stay connected to your health care team. Many providers use MyChart, Healow and other patient portals to send messages, share test results and schedule appointments. If you download the corresponding iPad app, you can ask questions or view your test results on the go, putting you in control of your health.
If you have a chronic health condition, your doctor may even ask you to use an iPad app to collect information about your symptoms. For example, several developers have launched apps designed to help patients with congestive heart failure comply with their treatment plans. Some of these apps allow you to record your weight and blood pressure, while others are useful for tracking medications or setting health-related goals.
The built-in Health app even allows you to share the following information with your health care team:
If your provider's electronic health record (EHR) system supports data sharing, they'll be able to view your results and contact you if you need further monitoring.
One of the lesser-known benefits of having an iPad is that you can enjoy your favorite activities without having to find extra room for supplies. For example, if you love scrapbooking, you may not want to keep boxes full of card stock and embellishments in your assisted living apartment. If you download a digital scrapbooking app, however, you'll be able to create beautiful scrapbooks without purchasing supplies.
The same principle applies to digital jigsaw puzzles. If you download a puzzle app, you can access hundreds or even thousands of puzzle designs, giving you many hours of enjoyment without worrying about where you're going to store puzzle boxes or lay out the pieces.
