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We often talk about the many ways technology interferes with our health. We can become sedentary due to excessive time using our gadgetry, or lose sleep thanks to our late evening electronics. However, there are many ways technology can improve health, especially for seniors.

Here’s what you need to know about the ways your tech tools can help you live a healthier life, as well as simple-but-effective practices to focus on.

General Health and General Tools

See Your Doctor
One essential for all seniors is basic health care. Unfortunately, AARP notes older adults often do without important doctor visits because of the high cost of things like dental care. If you tend to put off certain exams because your Medicare plan doesn’t cover it, look for Medicare Advantage plans that help you out where you need it.

Many Medicare Advantage plans provide coverage for things like vision and dental care, and prescription drugs. Best of all, you can research what’s available right from your own smartphone. Also keep in mind if you need to make changes, you can do so during the Open Enrollment Period, which is every year from October 15 to December 7.

Add Apps that Add Up
Chances are you’re well aware there are apps for lots of different things, but there are some especially well-suited for senior well-being.  For those counting down to retirement, Can I Retire Yet? helps you monitor your journey. For reading tiny print, your phone can become a lit magnifying glass. An app from Google can even help you find your parking spot when you leave a store.

In order to take on elaborate duties, newer apps tend to be high powered and often require more memory than many older phones provide. If you’re due for an upgrade, consider a smartphone that’s fit for the task. The latest smartphones have more than enough power, speed, and memory to handle even the most complex apps, and they have amazing cameras for snapping pics of your grandkids.

Hone in on Healthy Habits

Sleep Tight
Staying healthy can sometimes seem pretty complicated, especially as we get older. Thankfully, some very basic things, like catching enough Zs, can make a big difference in your wellness. According to LiveScience, you should aim for 7 to 9 hours per night. On the surface this sounds simple, yet many seniors find that goal elusive.

If you struggle to sleep, try adjusting your schedule. Go to bed at the same time every night, then rise at the same time each morning. Set a reminder on your phone to help you stay on track. You can also use a sleep tracker app to help identify sources of trouble. With troubles narrowed down, add tools to help your situation, like a wake up light to avoid grogginess, or an essential oil diffuser to help you settle in at bedtime.

Stay Active
Getting enough sleep isn’t the only lifestyle habit you can tweak for better overall health. Many older adults struggle to stay active. Exercise is important at all life stages, so find an activity you enjoy and participate regularly. Whether it’s dancing, golfing, yoga, or swimming, you can ensure you get enough activity by adding a fitness tracker to your health toolkit. These wearables come in many forms; just contemplate what features you’ll like and match up your budget.

If you're struggling to keep up with your workouts due to a condition like joint pain, consider taking collagen. Though not a tech-related item, this supplement can provide you with a wide range of benefits to promote healthy aging. Besides boosting joint health, it can also improve your hair, skin, and nails. Giving your body the support it needs to stay healthy can allow you to try your hand at new workouts, which means you'll be able to utilize more features that your fitness tech tools have to offer.

How are you putting technology to work for you these days? As you grow older and wiser, look for tech tools that can keep up with your lifestyle and encourage better well-being. From your phone to the apps you load on it, to other gadgetry that supports basic daily habits, you can live a fuller, happier life.

The Southern Medical Association strives to achieve quality patient care by offering educational opportunities to multidisciplinary, interprofessional healthcare providers.

Lydia Chan is the co-creator of Alzheimers.net, a website that aims to provide tips and resources to help caregivers. After her mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, she found herself struggling with finding balance between the responsibilities of caregiving and her own life. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experiences with caregivers and seniors.