Living in a retirement home can give you the peaceful lifestyle that you’ve been craving after decades of working, taking care of the family, and ticking off every checkbox in your life’s to-do list. Now that you are fully retired, you have all of your time to yourself, and you can use it to do a lot of things, such as learn a new skill, pick up an old hobby, or socialize with other retirees.
However, it’s no secret that life in retirement can get boring. When the ‘honeymoon phase’ of retirement is finally over, you may find yourself living the same day over and over with little else to do. Will the rest of your life be as monotonous as this? It doesn’t have to be. Even if you are a part of a generation that did not grow up with all the fancy tech nowadays, it’s not too late to get into it and make your retirement more exciting with these cool gadgets/electronics:
- Handheld game console
If your eyesight is still good, you can explore the world of video games by starting with a handheld game console like a Nintendo Switch or a 2DS. Since they are portable, you can easily enjoy games while relaxing in one of the outdoor spaces in your assisted living facility. And when your grandkids visit, this will give you a new thing to bond over, especially because it’s something that they are familiar with.
- Video game console or PC
The screens on handheld game consoles are small, which means that you may not be able to use them if you have an eyesight problem. If you want to play video games, your next best options are a video game console or a PC, which allow you to choose a screen that is big enough according to your eyesight’s needs.
But which is better, a console or a PC? To play games on a video game console, you have to use a controller, which may not be easy for most seniors. Nevertheless, you can get the hang of it as you keep playing. Using a PC or a laptop to play games is generally easier since you are probably already familiar with using a mouse and keyboard. Bottom line: it depends on your preferences and your ability to use controls.
- Bluetooth speaker
Music is one of the best forms of therapy out there, and this is especially true for seniors. Listening to music can help you stave off feelings of depression, loneliness, and anxiety, which is common in retirees, particularly for those that have little to no contact with their loved ones.
A Bluetooth speaker is a simple gadget that can allow you to enjoy music without using pesky earbuds or a heavy pair of headphones. It’s very easy to connect to your smartphone (ask someone to help you if you don’t know how), and you can use it to listen to podcasts, white noise, and the radio as well.
- Portable projector
If you miss going to the movies but can’t be bothered to go to the cinema, you can turn your room into a movie theatre with a portable or mini projector. Simply point it to a blank wall (or use a projector screen or a white blanket), connect it to your smartphone, and pick whatever show, video, or movie you want to watch. Better yet, invite other residents and make a memory out of it.
- Drawing tablet
If you love drawing or want to get into the hobby for the first time, a drawing tablet is a great gadget to have for mess-free artwork. No need for canvases, papers, pencils, paint, or any other art materials. You can simply pop your tablet out when the inspiration comes and start making art without having to worry about setting up nor cleaning up.
A drawing tablet is especially useful for older adults with shaky. If you make a mistake, you can erase it right away and keep the rest of the drawing neat.
- Digital camera
Make new memories with a small digital camera or a DSLR that is not too complicated to learn how to use. Aside from allowing you to immortalize new memories in life, exploring photography is a great hobby to have as a retiree.
If you’re sick of all the board games, bingo nights, and books that the retirement home provides, check out these gadgets to breathe new life into your golden years as a retiree. And remember that you’re never too old to explore the newest technology that the young ones love today.
