By Becky Billingsley
As the body grows less nimble, technology can make many tasks easier for seniors, from caregiving to living life more independently.
KITCHEN SAFETY
UNCANNY
Older hands will appreciate the light touch needed to operate the ergonomic lever on the Hamilton Beach 76606Z Smooth Touch Can Opener. Its side-cutting system leaves a smooth edge that won’t cut fingers or splash messes, and the extra height accommodates tall cans and pop tops. $29.
888-280-4331; amazon.com
BACKUP SYSTEM
Ideal for seniors who want a simple appliance without fancy bells and whistles, the self-cleaning Frigidaire 30-inch FFEF3015 Electric Range does its job with easy-to-operate controls. No worries about leaving the oven unattended — it shuts off automatically if left on for 12 hours. Indicator lights show when a cooking element is still on, and a large window makes it easy to view oven contents. $400.
888-237-8289; bestbuy.com
LITTLE HELPERS
A HAND UP
Getting in and out of a car can be challenging for anyone whose legs and joints are unsteady. The Emson 9663 Car Cane Portable Handle offers something to grab onto, slipping easily into the door latch on the car frame for extra leverage and stability. In case of emergency, it also serves as a flashlight, seatbelt cutter and window hammer. $15.
888-280-4331;
amazon.com
SNAPPY PHONE
Designed with seniors in mind, the Snapfon ezTWO has big buttons and numbers, a bright screen with large text, a simplified menu and enhanced sounds. A monitored SOS button is available for a monthly fee. The phone is free with service activation; plans range from $10 to $30 per month.
800-937-1532; snapfon.com
LIVING LARGE
FLIP OVER
The Flipper Big Button Remote makes it easy to control the most basic TV functions: powering on or off, changing channels and adjusting volume. You can set it to remember 30 of your favorite channels, then control the TV and cable/satellite boxes with just one remote and six easy-to-see buttons. $30.
800-266-8765; homecontrols.com
MAKE NO MISTAKE
Those who struggle to see the keys on a conventional computer keyboard will find typing easier on the Ergoguys CD-1038 Ezsee Large-Print Low-Vision Keyboard. The extra-large keys are bright yellow with bold black lettering for easy viewing. It sets up quickly with a USB connection and works well in low-light environments. $31.
800-333-3330; staples.com
ZOOM IN
Get the benefit of a zoom feature while reading printed books or magazines with the Cordless Wide View Illuminating Magnifier. The free-standing magnifier can enlarge any text to appear three times larger or make craft projects easier to see. The 8-inch-by-10-inch lens, mounted on a flexible gooseneck, is illuminated by an LED light. $80.
800-321-1484; hammacher.com
Becky Billingsley is a freelance writer from Myrtle Beach, S.C. Her monthly column also appears in South Carolina Living, the statewide electric co-op magazine of the Palmetto state. Product inclusion on this page does not imply endorsement; product availability and prices are subject to change.
