Accessories? You mean handbags and sunglasses, right?

Things change as we age and unfortunately the type of accessories we need does to.

Your retirement should be one of the best times of your life. Looking back on all you’ve accomplished and enjoying your favorite hobbies is a blissful situation. Unfortunately, not every retirement works out this way.

The reality is, as we age it becomes more difficult to do the things we love.  Everyone wants to enjoy their lives to their fullest potential. When you’re a senior, that might mean purchasing some medical accessories that can help improve your quality of life.

Here are 7 examples to help get you started:

Massage Chairs

Massage Chairs are a great addition to your medical accessory arsenal. Massage chairs can help reduce muscle and joint pain while relieving stress.

In the past, massage chairs may have sounded like an overpriced extra, but after the age of 65, they are much more than that. Recent research in the College of Nursing at the University of Taipei has proven massage can reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, particularly in older adults.

So if you’re doc keeps warning you about your blood pressure, try a massage chair.

Adjustable Beds

You’re sitting in bed watching TV, but you can’t get comfortable. Adjusting pillows isn’t helping. What to do?

You need an adjustable bed. With an adjustable bed, you can easily raise or lower your head to watch the TV. Adjustable beds are also great for people with circulation issues, as raising the legs can help circulation during the night or during other prolonged periods of bed rest.

Portable Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

Having an automated external defibrillator can be a lifesaver, literally. Heart problems remain the number one cause of death in the world.  These devices recognize the deadly cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia and treat them with an electric shock. 

Originally invented in 1965 by Frank Partridge in Ireland, the AED has quickly spread around the world and is credited with saving hundreds of thousands of lives. Having an easy to use AED in your home can help relieve stress as you age. You never know when your loved one’s life could be on the line. It pays to be prepared.

Compression Socks

Compression socks are great tools for seniors who spend a lot of time sitting. They are known to prevent dangerous conditions like deep vein thrombosis(DVT) and reduce swelling and pain in legs for people suffering from severe diabetes.

Originally compression socks were invented for long-haul flights as a way to help people who had circulation disorders and were therefore prone to clots, but with time people have come to realize they are useful for nearly all seniors to help blood flow.

Compression socks are also great for people on medications that restrict blood flow or who have recently had surgery.

Medical Safety Alarm

Maintaining our independence as we age is probably the most important factor in the quality of life. 

Research from The New England Journal of Medicine shows the end of independence for elderly people who live alone is usually marked by an instance where they fall or are incapacitated and can’t get help. 

Even worse, The New England Journal of Medicine also states the mortality rate is 5 times higher for people who lay incapacitated for 12 hours vs. those that get immediate help. 

Medical safety alarms can help you keep your independence and your life. Having a lifeline to your doctor, family and 911 all at the touch of a button is a godsend if you’re laying incapacitated.

I’m sure you’ve seen the life alert commercials. Turns out these things actually work. 

Pool Lifts

A recent Surgeon General’s report found that by the age of 75, 1 in 3 men and 1 in 2 women engage in little to no physical activity. If you’re in this boat it can be difficult to jump into any type of weight-bearing movement. 

Swimming is a great non-weight-bearing option for seniors looking to stay active well into their golden years. Unfortunately, many seniors are unable to get into and out of the pool without help. That’s where the pool lift comes in. Pool lifts make entrances and exits easy and painless.

So whether you are looking to start being active or if you already are an active, water-loving senior, then pool lifts are a great accessory to improve your quality of life during retirement.

Pedal Exerciser

Pedal exercisers allow seniors to get exercise without having to stand up. These are great tools to keep your blood circulating and your weight down as you age. 

The value of mobility as we age can’t be overstated. In fact, a study called The Impact of Functional Status on Life Expectancy in Older Persons done by Emet Keeler at Rand Corporation revealed men and women without mobility limitations have life expectancies 5 years longer than those with limitations.

Medical accessories may sound like a funny idea, but they can really improve your life. Everything from improved mobility to increased home safety can be achieved through the use of these devices. 

So, don’t be afraid to pimp your retirement with cool, new medical accessories.

 

About The Author

Emily is a contributing writer for Amica Medical Supply