Independent living has many benefits, including the opportunity to make new friends. Whether you’re taking a day trip to a local museum or learning how to paint colorful landscapes, it’s easy to strike up a conversation and get to know someone who shares your interests. That said, it’s important to stay connected to family members and cherished friends from your past. Technology can help you achieve that — and much more. Keep reading to find out how technology can help you live a fuller, more rewarding life.

Stronger Social Connections
Researchers from Harvard Medical School report that socializing with a wide range of people has positive benefits for seniors, such as improved mood and higher levels of physical activity. It’s fun to spend time with people from your independent living community, but what if your schedules don’t line up, or you have to stay home because you’re feeling under the weather? Technology makes it possible to continue socializing even when you can’t get together in person.

Smartphones, tablets, laptops and other devices make it easy to see and talk to your favorite people from anywhere with an internet or cellular connection. If you’re in the mood for a quiet evening at home, you can even use text-based chat tools to maintain your social connections while getting some much-needed downtime.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of people relied on technology to help them build or maintain relationships even when they couldn’t leave their homes. In fact, 40% of individuals surveyed by the Pew Research Center reported using technology in new or different ways at the beginning of the outbreak. If you’re not already using technology to stay in touch with loved ones, try doing a video call or joining a friend for an fun game of Words With Friends.

At Montereau, we even have a resident app to help you stay in touch with staff members and fellow residents. The app works on computers, smartphones and tablets, giving you immediate access to community menus, event reminders and announcements. You can even RSVP for events or use the interactive directory to search for other residents with the same interests.

Improved Well-Being
The healthier you are, the easier it is to enjoy the many benefits of independent living. Technology makes it possible to improve your health without leaving your home, especially if you download one of the many mobile apps available for tracking your vital signs, planning nutritious meals and setting important health reminders. Some manufacturers even offer programmable medication dispensers, which automatically dispense your daily medications and remind you to take them.

Thanks to recent advancements, you can also send health data directly to your doctor’s office, allowing you to benefit from personalized recommendations at every stage of your life. For example, connected glucose monitors measure your blood sugar and transmit the readings to a healthcare professional, making it easier to determine if you need to adjust your medications or change your diet.

Enhanced Personal Safety
Personal safety is always a concern, even if you live in a safe community with plenty of security features. If you don’t want to install a wired security system, there are dozens of wireless options available. With most models, all you have to do is open the package, plug in the device and connect it to your Wi-Fi network. In a matter of minutes, you can have a working security camera that keeps an eye on your home while you’re out enjoying everything Tulsa has to offer.

Technology also makes it easier to get help during an emergency. For example, medical alert jewelry allows you to connect to a response center any time you need assistance. This type of jewelry, which usually comes in the form of a bracelet or a pendant, may also have buttons to connect you with family members or trusted friends. Some models even have GPS capabilities, making it possible to summon help when you’re away from your independent living community.

Schedule a Tour
Montereau has friendly staff available to help you set up the resident app or use other types of technology. No matter how much technology assistance you need, one of our patient staff members is ready to guide you. To learn more about our resort-like lifestyle and your independent living options in Tulsa, call (918) 495-1500 to schedule a tour.