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The best inventions for seniors that you probably didn’t even know exist

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Inventions for seniors that aren’t just gimmicks

We’ve all seen infomercials advertising the “latest and greatest” in tech. However, that electronic pill grinder that the happy-go-lucky senior from the commercial loved so much too often turns out to be overpriced, hard-to-clean garbage.

Still, whether you’re a senior yourself or caring for one, any device that can save you time and make everyday tasks easier is a win. So we’ve found some fairly inexpensive inventions on Amazon that get great reviews and won’t require a masters degree in engineering to use. The plus? These inventions would make great holiday gifts, even if it’s for yourself!

Note that prices and availability are accurate as of publication.

Large-buttoned phone with display
Amazon

1. Large-buttoned phone with display

For $42.47, you can get this large-buttoned landline phone with a large-font digital display and a built-in messaging machine. This is the perfect phone for anyone who struggles with seeing who’s calling them or often dials the wrong number because they can’t see their phone keypad.

Remote controlled ceiling fan kit
Amazon

2. Remote controlled ceiling fan kit

This remote controlled ceiling fan kit is perfect for seniors who have older ceiling fan models with manual on-and-off switches only. At just $12.98, it’s a great little gadget that helps you control your ceiling fan without having to pull a chain, turn it on or change the speed. Note, however, that you will need to wire the device to your fan to make the remote work.

Device finder
Amazon

3. Device finder

While there are a ton of tools like this online, this particular device finder is fantastic because you can find up to four devices with this pack. For $19.98, you’ll get four device locators about the size of a car key fob. Each one has a unique color that you can put on pet collars, phones, keys, remotes and more by either attaching the fob with an included sticky mount or using it like a keychain. Then, if you lose one of the devices you’re tracking, you just hit the corresponding color button on the locator device and follow the beeping sound to find it!

Large print keyboard
Amazon

4. Large print keyboard

Are regular keyboards too hard to read? For $25.39, you can upgrade to this large print keyboard featuring a big black font that stands out against the yellow keys.

Large font alarm clock
Amazon

5. Large font alarm clock

This large font alarm clock is great not only for seeing clearer, but also for all its other added features. At $52.99, it comes with a large snooze button on the top of the device, a self-dimming screen, the ability to create multiple alarms, and can be mounted to a wall or propped up using its kickstand on your table.

Motion sensor light bulbs
Amazon

6. Motion sensor light bulbs

For $17.99, you can get these motion sensor light bulbs that work both indoors and outdoors. The light bulbs will automatically turn off about a minute after it no longer senses any motion.

WiFi-enabled pill dispenser
Amazon

7. WiFi-enabled pill dispenser

At $159.99, the WiFi-enabled pill dispenser is one of the most expensive items on our list. However, this device can hold up to four weeks’ worth of pills and automatically dispenses them at certain times or can be unlocked any time using your smartphone. It comes with an alarm to let you know when pills are ready to be taken, and it has a built-in four-hour battery life in case of a Wi-Fi outage.

Bluetooth hearing amplifiers
Amazon

8. Bluetooth hearing amplifiers

Need a little help hearing the TV or waiter? These Bluetooth hearing amplifiers, priced at $119.99,  look and work like any other set of Bluetooth headphones. The battery lasts for up to 36 hours, and the volume can be adjusted discretely by simply turning the knob on each earphone.

Voice activated blinds
Amazon

9. Voice activated blinds

These voice activated blinds are also on the expensive side, with a price of $178.99. However, they work with smart devices like Alexa, which makes set up even easier for those who already have smart home gadgets. Simply say, “Alexa, open the shades,” and you can get a bit of sun without having to do it yourself, making them perfect for anyone with limited mobility or vision.

LED-Illuminated cane with safety features
Amazon

10. LED-Illuminated cane with safety features

This tricked-out LED-Illuminated cane only costs $27.99. Some notable features include anti-slip grips, FM radio, LED guide light, USB charger and an S.O.S. alarm button that activates a loud noise to attract attention in an emergency, such as a slip-and-fall.

Smart garage door opener & alarm
Amazon

11. Smart garage door opener & alarm

Can’t pull the garage door open or shut? Don’t remember if you shut the garage before you left? Want some extra security and peace of mind? This Smart garage door opener & alarm set may cost $274.97, but it includes everything you need to make your garage door operable from anywhere using your phone, and it also includes a security alarm. You can also opt to get just the garage smart control for $24.99.

Smart smoke detector
Amazon

12. Smart smoke detector

This Smart smoke detector is a must for anyone who is hard of hearing or deaf. You can get one for $39.99 or a set of three for $107.99. No matter which set you get, the detector can be controlled from your phone, including turning it off if you accidentally set it off while cooking! It has an extra-loud volume setting for those who are hard of hearing, and it also sends a notification to your phone telling you when your alarm is going off.

Water leak & flooding monitor
Amazon

13. Water leak & flooding monitor

At $45.89, this Govee WiFi Water Sensor packs quite the punch! This comes with three small sensors you can place virtually anywhere. Any time one of the three sensors gets wet, it’ll start beeping, just like a smoke alarm would. It also sends you a phone notification telling you which sensor is going off, thus helping you easily locate the problem. You can place a sensor in the basement if you can’t climb the stairs to check for flooding after a flood, under the sink to check for water leaks, or even keep one near a window so it’ll beep if it rains and you left the window open.

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This article was produced and syndicated by MediaFeed.org.

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Kaitlyn Farley

Kaitlyn is MediaFeed’s senior editor. She is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, specializing in social justice and investigative reporting. She has worked at various radio stations and newsrooms, covering higher-education, local politics, natural disasters and investigative and watchdog stories related to Title IX and transparency issues.