Health apps empower aging adults to take charge of their health, offering convenience, personalized support, monitoring capabilities, and a range of resources that enhance overall well-being. By incorporating these apps into your daily life, you can actively participate in your healthcare, leading to a higher quality of life and improved health outcomes.
The University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging found that among those aged 50 to 80, 28% said they currently use at least one mobile health app, 16% said they have in the past, and 56% said they have never used one.
Sun Health At Home members have access to wellness services, consultative services, healthy living classes, and educational resources that tackle some of the most common health conditions. Members also have access to various services, amenities, and educational resources offered at any of the three Sun Health Communities, including wellness and fitness programs and more.
In this article, we highlight the top five health apps that are revolutionizing how older adults take care of their well-being. In today’s fast-paced world, mobile apps have become invaluable tools, providing convenience and accessibility at our fingertips. Specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of older adults, these apps offer a range of features that empower and support a busy lifestyle. Join us as we explore the cutting-edge technologies that can help you live a healthier, happier, and more vibrant life.
5 health apps you should be using as an aging adult
These apps can significantly contribute to an aging adult’s health and well-being by addressing medication management, nutrition, cognitive fitness, mindfulness, and physical activity. It’s important to note that individual preferences may vary, so exploring these apps and determining which ones align best with specific needs and goals is advisable.
Medisafe
Medisafe is a medication app that helps older adults stay organized and manage their medication schedules. It provides medication reminders and even offers pill identification features. With Medisafe, older adults can better manage their prescriptions, reduce the risk of medication errors, and maintain medication routines.
MyFitnessPal
MyFitnessPal is a comprehensive app for nutrition tracking and monitoring physical activity. It allows older adults to set personalized goals, track their food intake, log exercise sessions, and monitor their progress over time. MyFitnessPal promotes healthy eating habits, encourages physical activity, and helps individuals maintain a balanced lifestyle.
Lumosity
Lumosity is a brain training app that offers a variety of cognitive games and exercises designed to improve memory, attention, problem-solving, and other cognitive skills. It’s an excellent tool for older adults to engage in mental stimulation and keep their minds sharp.
Headspace
Headspace is a meditation app that provides guided meditation sessions, stress-relief techniques, and sleep aids. It helps older adults manage stress, improve sleep quality, enhance focus, and cultivate a sense of calm and well-being. Headspace offers a range of programs specifically tailored to different needs, including senior-specific meditations.
SilverSneakers GO
SilverSneakers GO is a fitness app designed specifically for older adults. It offers a variety of workout routines, both seated and standing, with instructional videos and modifications for different fitness levels. The app promotes physical activity, flexibility, strength, and balance, providing older adults with accessible exercise options that suit their abilities.
Health apps play a crucial role in the lives of aging adults
There are many roles that apps play in our lives, but health apps in particular play an important role. Our phones are constantly with us, so why not use them for our health!
Convenience
Health apps bring healthcare directly to the user’s smartphone or tablet, providing instant access to a wealth of information, tools, and resources. This convenience eliminates the need for frequent visits to healthcare facilities and allows older adults to manage their health from the comfort of their homes.
Health Monitoring
Many health apps offer features that enable older adults to monitor and track various aspects of their health, such as vital signs, medication reminders, sleep patterns, physical activity, and nutrition. This real-time monitoring empowers individuals to take proactive steps to manage their well-being, making it easier to identify potential issues and make informed decisions about their health.
Personalized Health Management
Health apps often utilize algorithms and machine learning to provide personalized recommendations and guidance based on an individual’s health profile and goals. Older adults can receive tailored advice on exercise routines, diet plans, medication management, and overall wellness strategies, promoting a more individualized approach to healthcare.
Chronic Disease Management
Many aging adults deal with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, or heart disease. Health apps can assist in managing these conditions by offering features like symptom tracking, medication adherence reminders, and communication channels with healthcare professionals. This proactive approach to chronic disease management helps older adults maintain better control over their conditions, improving overall health outcomes.
Mental Well-Being and Cognitive Stimulation
Health apps aren’t limited to physical health alone. They also cater to mental well-being, providing features like mindfulness exercises, stress management techniques, brain training games, and meditation sessions. These tools promote cognitive stimulation, stress reduction, and emotional well-being, essential for maintaining a healthy and fulfilling life as one ages.
Enhance your life with Sun Health At Home
Sun Health Communities offer a comprehensive approach to supporting the health and well-being of aging individuals through various levels of care, access to healthcare services, wellness programs, and a supportive community. These resources and services help older adults maintain an active and fulfilling lifestyle while receiving the necessary support to enhance their health and well-being and are available to Sun Health At Home members.
Our team is here to support you as you begin thinking of a plan for your future. If you have questions or want to become a part of Sun Health At Home, contact us today!