Discover the best GPS systems for seniors. Stay safe, independent, and connected with easy-to-use devices tailored for elderly care.
Your Guide to GPS Systems for Seniors | Stay Safe & Independent
Technology advancements have enabled citizens to use technology, initially designed for specific purposes. One of the most prominent examples is the GPS (global positioning system). Initially designed for military and aviation uses, it is now considered a necessary part of many everyday devices that provide navigation services. GPS is particularly important for seniors because it ensures their safety and maintains their independence by allowing them to follow their intended lifestyle. The right GPS can make it far easier to drive or walk compared to using any other support.
We will provide detailed information about the workings of GPS tracking, its benefits for seniors, and things to consider when using a GPS device. This blog will also highlight the benefits and concerns of the system related to various fields
GPS and its Working
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based network that sends signals on the ground to individuals with specific GPS-enabled devices. After receiving signals from various satellites, this system surveys them to determine the exact location anywhere on the Earth. This technology assists the receivers in finding directions, tracking exact movement, and calculating time to cover a distance.
GPS offers multiple services, but its primary function is to provide real-time location to users. It assists users in reaching their destination effortlessly by showing step-by-step directions in various modes, such as driving, cycling, or walking. Additionally, GPS systems integrate with smartphones, medical alert systems, and other devices, which adds other functionalities, including voice command, location sharing with friends, etc.
GPS Trackers for Seniors
People face many traveling issues with advancing age due to declining memory, eyesight weakness, and other problems related to other reflexes. These age-related issues make it difficult for them to navigate while driving and walking. GPS technology can minimize these concerns by providing reliable tracking for seniors and their loved ones, providing them with confidence and peace of mind.
The following are the benefits that GPS trackers provide to seniors for overcoming their navigation issues while traveling.
Independence
Seniors are more cautious about their independence than middle-aged people or youngsters. Therefore, they avoid unnecessary care and reliance on others even if they face health or safety issues. GPS systems enable them to maintain independence without compromising their health and security. The tracking system helps them to reach their destination safely without losing the way and saves them from asking for assistance from others in finding directions. It allows them to choose a straight path from the start of their journey to their destination when traveling, going for an appointment to the doctor, or visiting a friend.
Safe Driving
Seniors sometimes make mistakes while driving in a known location, while driving in an unfamiliar location makes it more challenging and stressful. However, a GPS device can prevent them from losing their way by providing the right directions on each turn. Another advantage of GPS systems to seniors while driving is their real-time traffic updates. It enables them to avoid places with accidents, traffic jams, and road closures.
Health Benefits
Seniors, particularly those with chronic conditions, can face emergencies at any time. GPS technology assists them in finding the nearest hospitals, pharmacies, or other emergency centers. It also assists them in reaching there without any delay by traveling via the fastest route. Some GPS medical alert systems for seniors may also include additional health monitoring features, including emergency alerts, fall detection, heart rate and blood glucose monitoring.
Satisfaction for Loved Ones
GPS devices provide valuable assistance to seniors, but their role is not limited to them. Their family members and caregivers also have peace of mind after knowing the availability of a reliable and timely device with GPS functionality for them. It provides confidence and satisfaction to them that their loved ones will not lose their way while traveling to unknown places.
GPS System for Seniors - Features to Consider
Seniors have their unique requirements, and their medical devices should fulfill these requirements through specific features. Therefore, purchasing an appropriate GPS system for seniors requires special attention. Due to the availability of various options in the market, knowing the most valuable features is mandatory to find the best GPS system and avoid those unsuitable for seniors. The following features are recommended while purchasing a GPS-enabled device for seniors:
Voice Activation
Seniors usually face difficulty in pressing a button or touching the screen of a device while navigating due to slow reflexes. In some instances, this can cause accidents or other severe problems. A voice-activated GPS system can minimize this issue. This system enables seniors to enter all commands verbally without using their hands. It is particularly helpful for people with arthritis or those seniors with difficulty in pressing small buttons.
Timely Traffic and Routes Updates
Real-time traffic updates are important for every driver as they help avoid traffic jams and road closures due to other reasons. However, they are particularly useful for seniors, as they become easily nervous and can cause accidents. It may also deteriorate their health due to stress and tiredness. GPS devices with this feature allow them to reach their destination safely and without any undue delay.
SOS Feature
Another necessity for GPS devices for seniors is an emergency SOS feature. It allows seniors to send an alert to family members, caregivers, or medical units in case of emergencies. This is a mandatory feature for seniors who live alone or traveling on an unfamiliar route. It also provides satisfaction to their loved ones who care about their safety and health.
Wearable Devices
Many seniors have medical conditions and rely on regular exercise and other healthy activities to improve and maintain their health. These may need to travel for long distances during some of these activities, such as walking, biking, hiking, etc. In these circumstances, wearable devices with GPS can prove handy. These wearable GPS-enabled senior safety devices provide dual functionality by tracking real-time location and monitoring heart rate and steps taken. These systems sometimes include fall detection technology that gives medical alerts to family or emergency services after a fall.
Battery Life
Seniors usually need devices with long battery life as they wander freely for long walks. Therefore, GPS devices with rechargeable batteries or the ability to connect to a car charger are recommended for the elderly.
User-Friendly
Seniors are not tech-savvy, and prefer devices with an easy-to-use interface that include clear text, a large screen, simple navigation, and large buttons. Devices with audio instructions enable them to focus on driving and getting timely updates without looking at the screen. However, a clear and loud audio feature is necessary to get full advantage of this feature. A large screen with clear text makes it easier for the elderly with vision problems, which are common in this age.
GPS Systems Options for Seniors
There are several types of GPS systems for seniors. They provide unique features according to the specific requirements of seniors. Some of the most common ones are:
Wearable GPS Devices
Smartwatches, wearable medical alert systems, and other wearable GPS devices are suitable for active seniors who stay outside for exercise, traveling or other activities. Modern devices are lightweight and have built-in GPS functionality that tracks location and provides accurate distance measurement.
Personal GPS Trackers
Users can carry these small, portable devices in their pocket or a bag. These are ideal for those elderly who may lose their way due to memory problems. These devices provide assistance to their family members to track their location through GPS function.
Car GPS Devices
These devices are specifically for in-vehicle use and are usually mounted in a place easily viewable to the driver, such as the windscreen or a dashboard. They provide live traffic updates, driving directions, and locations of important places, like gas stations and pharmacies. These are ideal for seniors who wander around in their cars and need assistance to navigate.
Smartphone GPS Apps
Smartphones are now quite common and do not need additional devices or expensive systems to take advantage of GPS technology. Users can get free or paid GPS apps on their smartphones after downloading. Many of these are famous and provide accurate direction and other GPS features without nuisance. Google Maps, Waze, and Apple Maps are suitable for specific smartphones. However, there are some limitations to these GPS apps. They need an internet connection to provide live updates, while small screens of smartphones make it difficult for seniors to use them effectively.
Conclusion
GPS systems are now within the reach of every citizen due to their inclusion in commonly used devices. These systems have enhanced the safety of users as they navigate their location accurately and in real time. Devices with GPS trackers are particularly helpful for seniors as they need assistance from others while traveling alone or in unknown locations.
FAQ's
GPS sends accurate and real-time locations to users of a GPS-enabled device after receiving signals from various satellites. It enables users to find locations and calculate the time to cover a specific distance
The elderly have specific requirements due to their age-related issues. GPS-enabled devices are suitable if they have emergency SOS features, voice activation, and long battery life.
Car GPS devices, personal GPS trackers, and wearable GPS devices are suitable for seniors with specific requirements. Smartphone GPS apps are inexpensive and reliable, but some shortcomings make them unsuitable for the elderly.
