Jul 02, 2021
Let Freedom and Active Independence Ring

It has been a long 19 months and now we finally find ourselves transitioning into non-pandemic living mode: some folks with an overwhelming, joyous scream; and other folks with a trepidatious but loud whisper (raises hand). However you embrace this newfound freedom I think we can agree we are thankful for everyone who worked so tirelessly during that time, including our hardworking caregivers, who kept us in food, care, and as safe as possible.

Staying Connected

Over the last year we have watched how quickly newer forms of connectivity technology are now a regular part of our lives. The technology was available before and being adopted at a steady pace. But in an emergency, it was fascinating to see how quickly and widely it could be implemented into our homes, lives, and businesses so we could stay connected with needed information, services, and supplies. Telehealth and its gently increasing adoption rate skyrocketed virtually overnight. As we struggle to find the silver lining in something as horrible as the pandemic, our ability to adapt to new technology and understand its inherent value is certainly one.

In April AARP released a new report titled, “2021 Tech Trends and the 50-Plus” (https://tinyurl.com/4msw2ywx) reviewing how technology allowed us to survive and communicate during 2020. Some of the findings include:

• More than 4 in 10, or 44%, have a more positive feeling about using technology to connect than they did before COVID-19; and in touch with family and friends;
• Four in five or 82% rely on technology to stay connected;
• Using technology to communicate over multiple forms of communication has increased since the onset of the pandemic.

One of the new technologies, next-generation wearables, has seen adoption escalate since the pandemic. Baby Boomers like myself are discovering that wearables can be stylish, affordable, easy to use, and do not have to be stigmatizing like some of the older PERS devices and lanyards. And we all saw how important connection is when you are virtually homebound for 19 months.

The Benefits of Next Generation Wearables for Baby Boomers, Retirees, and Families

Support for aging in place

Thriving in place (as we prefer to say) means that older adults can live in their home of choice. Stylish wearables like Theora Connect look like a wristwatch but provide many purpose-built features including cellular connectivity, GPS location tracking, and other useful features that keep you connected with friends and families while you are out enjoying life! In the event of an emergency, the wearable provides an unobtrusive SOS button just in case.

Getting back to usual routines, with a little remote monitoring

Being active is a very important determinant of overall health. Telehealth monitors clinical symptoms, but there are non-clinical ways to proactively determine changes in status that might warrant further investigation. Wearables can track your expected, routine schedule by monitoring your movements to see if you’re getting out and about as much as expected. Lack of activity or deviating from a usual routine may indicate something is wrong. Wearables like Theora Connect provide the wearer and their trusted contacts with this important wellness information. If the wearer or a family member should have concerns about wandering, Safe Zones can be set so that someone is notified should the wearer exit a safe area. Sometimes a check-in call from a trusted contact to make sure everything is okay is all that is needed.

Diffuse social isolation

During the pandemic, peace of mind was hard to find with the lockdown of many of our older loved ones in residential care. Sadly, many of our loved ones were already experiencing social isolation pre-pandemic. Now, we can all understand more about what social isolation really means. Theora Connect wearables provide 2-way cellular communications so that even if the wearer lives across town or across the country, you can easily call to chat. They can call you as well by the touch of a button through an easy-to-use and read menu on the watch face. For those who need it, auto-answering audio provides a touchless way for loved ones to hear a friendly voice.

Hands-free cellular communication to stay in touch

Two-way cellular communication on the wristwatch-style wearable means the wearer only receives phone calls from trusted contacts (no SPAM!). No need to carry an additional cell phone or have another monthly fee using one attractive wearable – it’s like a purpose-built smartwatch for older adults. Integrated auto-answering also provides a convenient, hands-free way to hear a caller if the wearer is otherwise occupied, leaving them free to engage in favorite activities like gardening, golfing, biking, etc.

More peace of mind

When you can’t be with your loved ones, particularly your older loved ones, knowing you can see where they are and can communicate with them anytime is priceless. Our goal at Theora Care has always been to bring more peace of mind by keeping family and friends connected!

While we enjoy safely gathering again, let’s remember the extraordinary efforts of everyone who enables the freedom we have today. On behalf of Clairvoyant Networks and Theora Care, many thanks to those who support us – including healthcare and caregivers, manufacturing, law enforcement, local and federal government agencies, suppliers, grocers, the person who brings it to our doors – the list is endless. They have seen us through previous hardships, this pandemic, and will selflessly continue to do so in the future and for this we are grateful.