There are a wide variety of assistive devices on the market to help older adults and others with physical challenges. Here are a few to consider:
Plastic finger loops that help turn keys in doors and car ignitions
Long-handled “reachers” for retrieving items on low or high shelves
Implements that help people put on socks or stockings
Lever-style adapters that make it easy to turn door handles and faucets
Widened tub edges and grab bars to make getting in and out of the bath easier
Clothing with Velcro fasteners
Specially designed cooking tools, such as cutting boards with finger guards and can openers that don’t leave sharp edges
Rails, straps, and platforms that make it easier to get in and out of bed, up and down from chairs, or in and out of cars, and that generally make moving safer and less tiring
Exercise machines and equipment that work well and safely for people with limited mobility and flexibility
Writing aids, such as large “grips” for pens and pen designs that help reduce the “shake” and muscle pain of writing
Tools and gadgets that can help with seeing and hearing
Talking watches, clocks, timers, calculators, scales, and indoor/outdoor thermometers
Talking heart and blood pressure monitors
Tactile knobs for stoves with raised dots to indicate settings
Battery-lighted magnifiers for reading
Large-print labelers that print raised, half-inch-high letters and numbers onto sticky-backed tape
Magnifiers for televisions and computer screens
Voice-activated automatic telephone dialers
Remote controls with large buttons and numbers for televisions, cable boxes, VCRs, and auxiliary components
Computers with voice-recognition and speech software and large-letter keyboards
