Are there ways we can upgrade our hearing, sight, touch, taste, and smell, each of which tends to weaken as we age? Sheri Rose, CEO and executive director at The Thrive Center, tells us about some helpful apps and devices designed for improving touch.
- Induction cooktop: This appliance stays cool to the touch even with all burners turned on high. Only the burner with a pan on it will heat, and even then, it heats only the bottom of the pan. The stove top itself can be turned on with a magnet, another benefit to those whose sense of touch is compromised. Cookware designed specifically for induction stoves must be used, but those can be found at stores such as Kohl’s and Bed, Bath & Beyond. Worried that you might forget to turn off the burners when finished? No need. This smart appliance turns itself off when not in use.
- Breezie tablet: Breezie is an android tablet interface that has been modified for those who may have a slight hand tremor or anyone who has difficulty manipulating touch-screen devices. The text is large and the system is extremely user-friendly, allowing seniors to play games, contact friends via email or call, shop, pay bills, look at photos, etc.
- BrainHQ: This interactive device allows individuals to use their sense of touch to increase their vision, attention span, and speed of mental processing. It’s a game format that while simple to play adapts to the user’s current ability level, offering more of a challenge as they improve or decreasing in difficulty if needed. BrainHQ certainly benefits seniors but has also been used to train groups of professional athletes and police officers.
P.S. Solutions for keeping your mind sharp.
BY MEGAN WILLMAN
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