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Your mind is sure you are 35, but sometimes your ears, eyes, hands and back tell you different, and a lot of the things you did with ease a few years ago may have become a challenge. Well, that’s why we have technology and clever entrepreneurs who come up with fantastic products to make our lives easier. Here’s just a small sample, most of which can be found on theilc.co.za or abilityassist.co.za.
Safe and sound
FINDERS KEEPERS: Locating your phone is easy enough – the trill of a missed call can guide you to its hiding place between the couch cushions. But what about your keys, or the TV remote? For these and other items, there’s M-Trackr Mobile Bluetooth Tracker. All you need to do is download the AnyTrack app on your phone, attach the M-Trackr device to the item in question, and those frustrating searches for the ‘somewhere safe’ you stashed your goods are over. m-trackr.com
NOISE-CANCELLING EARPHONES: Hearing loss may interfere with your ability to enjoy your favourite music, TV shows or TED Talks. That’s why noise-cancelling earphones are a real win – they ensure that any ambient noise is muffled out, so that you can focus on what’s happening on screen. If you’re comfortable with tech, you can opt for a wireless pair but, if you prefer a plug-in, those are readily available too. Most good retailers sell them, but you could also choose more advanced models from renowned technology brands.
ultrasound.co.za
EASY PHONES: If you’re battling with hearing loss, speaking over the phone can be a real challenge. Whether you prefer to talk on a landline, cordless phone or cell phone, an amplified phone can make all the difference. Geemarc phones have buttons allowing you to adjust volume and tone, and built-in amplifiers to make speech louder and clearer, and also larger buttons for better visibility.
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NOISE-CANCELLING EARPHONES: Hearing loss may interfere with your ability to enjoy your favourite music, TV shows or TED Talks. That’s why noise-cancelling earphones are a real win – they ensure that any ambient noise is muffled out, so that you can focus on what’s happening on screen. If you’re comfortable with tech, you can opt for a wireless pair but, if you prefer a plug-in, those are readily available too. Most good retailers sell them, but you could also choose more advanced models from renowned technology brands.
ultrasound.co.za
ABSOLUTELY FLOORED: What’s better than a beautiful floor that complements your home’s interior perfectly? A beautiful floor that ensures you can take every step with utter confidence! Polyflor’s long-lasting, durable, hygienic vinyl floors come in a wide range of finishes, from wood-look to tiling-look, and – best of all – they are non-slip.
polyflor.co.za
PANIC ALERT: No one should be without a wearable panic button. Available as a watch or pendant, these handy gadgets send an alert to a control room that is staffed around the clock, letting an operator know that you’re in trouble and need help – great in case of a fall or any other accident. Look for a device that can operate independently of a cell phone for added convenience.
mylifeline.co.za
BATHROOM BASICS: Much as everyone loves a warm soak, the bath can pose a real hazard. Remove the threat with a device to measure bath temperature, and that sounds an alarm when the water is near to overflowing.
Helping hands
SAFER THAN STRETCHING: Battling to reach the top shelf of the pantry? The handy reacher removes the risk associated with climbing ladders, while ensuring that you don’t experience strain on the lower back – a problem commonly associated with bending and stretching.
KNIVES AND TOOLS: Arthritis can make it difficult to get a good grip on ordinary cutlery handles. The answer? Knives and forks with bendable handles, which are soft to the touch and easy to use. Alternatively, universal built-up handles may be attached to any utensil – from cutlery to pens and pencils, toothbrushes and even hairbrushes – to make them less fiddly. It might also be time to upgrade the kitchen scissors to a self-opening pair that springs back to a closed position after every use – ideal if you feel that your hands are lacking strength.
UBERASSIST: Many older people prefer not to drive, but that doesn’t mean remaining housebound. The latest service available from uber, uberASSIST, has been designed for people who have limited mobility, ensuring ease of access without compromising on safety.
uber.com/go
KETTLE TIPPER: A must-have for tea and coffee lovers, the kettle tipper makes it possible to pour hot water without the need for lifting a heavy container, while also removing the danger of spillage and potential burns.
BUTTON HOOKS: When your fingers are no longer as dextrous and agile as they used to be, fasteners can pose a challenge. Button hooks remove the hassle. Look for one with an attached zip hook so that it can do double duty.
TABLE STAND MAGNIFIER: Is there any greater pleasure than a cup of coffee while you read your favourite book or newspaper? Then again, is there anything more frustrating than straining your eyes to get a better view of the letters? The table stand magnifier is the answer, instantly enlarging the print of all reading material, and all completely hands-free. You could also opt for a standing magnifier – choose a model with built-in LED to make nighttime reading a cinch.
FINDING YOUR FEET: Director Baz Lurhman once advised: ‘Be kind to your knees. You’ll miss them once they’re gone.’ Anyone who has tried to bend down to put on a sock or shoe will attest to this truth, so make life easier with a sock aid – a device that that makes it easy to slip on a pair of socks – as well as an extra-long shoe horn.
Healthy home
HOME CARE PRODUCTS: There is such a huge range of fantastic products out there that will help take the edge of ageing, or help you through a period of illness or injury that it’s not easy choosing. So it’s worth contacting a company like Primacare, wo can guide you through the process and recommend the products most suited to your needs – whether it’s an adjustable bed with an orthopedic mattress, or a pair of crutches you’ll need while your sprained ankle heals. And, here’s the best part, if you don’t want to buy – or want to try one or two different products before you buy – you can rent. Primacare is a registered service provider and can supply the relevant documents for medical aid claims.
primacare.co.za
IPAD STANDS: Ideal for days when your hands are a bit crampy, iPad stands make it easy to read (or watch) any content from just about anywhere – mount your stand on your desk or on the coffee table, or use it in bed or on the couch.
myistore.co.za
