The gadgets that make a real difference…

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the gadgets that I use in my house. The reason for this is that I had a shock the other day when I saw an old person in a shop window and realised it was me! Instead of the young looking 61-year-old woman that I perceived myself to be, there was a stranger looking right back.

Then I realised that I was struggling to use the can opener (my grip isn’t as strong as it used to be). As I looked around my kitchen I realised that little by little I was replacing kitchen implements for others that were “better” hmmm… is this just kitchen implements? So let’s see… two types of jar openers, a ring-pull can opener, an easy-grip vegetable peeler – well that’s not too bad I thought. Then my husband pointed out the bedside alarm clock with the extra large number display, my bright-light magnifying lamp for sewing, the large-size computer monitor, the easy-grip pens, my ebook reader so I can use a larger typeface. I’m going downhill fast, I thought. I felt depressed for about five minutes then thought “get a grip woman”, there are people who have lived their whole lives having to use special equipment to give them the independence they need. So it got me thinking, what is there out to assist in living independently for as long as possible?

After searching online I have to say that I have been blown away by the gadgets that are available. I’ve found out that in every state and territory in Australia there is an ‘Independent Living Centre’ the web address is http://ilcaustralia.org.au/ on their front page they say they provide: “Information about products and services to help people remain independent and improve their quality of life”

The products available are staggering in their simplicity and genius. Here are just a few of the awesome gadgets that are available…

• Key holder/turner
• Round door-knob grippers
• Robot vacuum cleaner (on my wish list!)
• Robot lawn mower
• Tap turners
• Electric can openers
• Easy-grip scissors
• Kettle tipper
• Sock and shoe aids
• Table-top, hands-free hair dryer
• Extendable reacher arms

 So my question to everyone is what gadgets do you find the most helpful? What couldn’t you live without? Lets share our tips and tricks so we all have everything we could possibly need!