Here’s an overview of the various innovative independent living products for seniors that are on the market today. We’ve gathered a collection of gadgets, from new technology that helps bridge the digital generation gap, to more traditional elder care equipment.
With the help of independent living products, as well as medical technology, and some assistance from other people, seniors can retain a certain level of independence.
By increasing independence, and thus dignity, elderly are likely to feel more confident and happy. Which is why these assistive devices make great gifts too.
Note: this post has been updated in July 2022. Some of the pictures here do not correspond (yet) with the products we suggest. This is because various products have become unavailable since first publication of this article. We’ve selected the best reviewed alternatives that are currently available to help you make a well-informed purchase decision.
54 Independent Living Products For Seniors
Kitchen tools
1. Can opener for seniors (with arthritis)
Switching to an electric can opener is often not the best option for seniors due to complications with using these appliances (charging, battery replacement, etc). If you’ve been searching online you’ll know that many manual can openers aren’t very good. Which makes them especially unsuitable for seniors (with arthritis) as they don’t have the strength to operate these. This OXO Good Grips can opener is made for people with hand mobility issues and people who value well-designed products as well.
2. Automatic jar opener
If the potential downsides of an electric device are not relevant, the Got-Luck Automatic Jar Opener is the way to go. Those pesky pickle jars that even youngsters have trouble with are opened effortlessly. Put an end to hazardous gripping and twisting. This gadget opens child-proof pill bottles too.
3. Safety lid lifter
If you know someone with arthritis, you know how difficult it can be for them to open jars or lids. Give them the gift of the Safety Lid Lifter; it makes opening and resealing effortless and is easy on wrists and sore joints.
4. Easy jar opener
Seniors shouldn’t have to struggle to open a simple jar because of weak muscles or ailments such as arthritis. Give them an easy-to-use tool like the Evriholder Easi-Twist jar opener; it’s perfect for anyone who is elderly or disabled and finds it hard to open jars. What’s more, it makes twisting bottle lids a breeze too.
5. Self-T Element Cooking System
Put your mind at ease by getting your aging loved one stovetop protectors. You’ll feel much better knowing accidental cooking fires as well as false fire alarms will be prevented. Your mind at ease while grandpa and -ma are maintaining their independence in the kitchen.
Dressing aids
6. Button hook
At some point in your life buttoning down your shirt might take a long time. Or, eventually will become impossible. Not with the help of a simple yet effective little tool as the Good Grips button hook. It saves a lot of time and fumbling and might even allow you to wear your favorite buttoned shirts again.
7. Zipper puller
Being able to pull up your own zippers is a major part dressing independently. With the Zipuller you’re not limited to picking a dress based on whether someone is there to help you zip it. It’s an invaluable tool for great for individuals, young and old, with limited reach and or strength.
Dress yourself the way you want without assistance. No more messing around with those pesky invisible zippers either because this little gadget grabs them all.
8. Carex Sock Aid
Bending down to tie shoelaces or pull on a pair of socks gets harder with age; dressing yourself with the Carex Sock Aid helps prevent over-extension from bending down to pull on your favorite pair.
9. Long-handled shoe horn
The long-handled Shoe Horn Pro allows you to slip on any pair of shoes without straining to squeeze your foot into them. Easily slide a pair of tennis shoes or loafers on with the stretching power in this handy tool.
10. FootFunnel Shoe Assist
A great alternative for when shoe horns just don’t work for you. This shoe donning device spreads the back of the shoe guiding your foot along its smooth surface into the shoe. What’s more is that the FootFunnel shoe assist prevents the heel from breaking down when you insert your foot. It’s a great help to people who can’t reach down or can only use one hand.
11. No tie shoe laces
Tying shoelaces requires finger strength and flexibility as well as kneeling and reaching down. Seniors often lack this type of dexterity. Xpand elastic no-tie shoelaces transform lace-up shoes into loafers.
12. Dressing stick
This dressing aid makes it easier for those with limited mobility to pull up their (under)pants, put on shirts, jackets, as well as push off pants and socks. Whether your back or shoulders limit you, you experience difficulty bending or are recovering from knee or hip surgery, this “27” Long Dressing Stick might be your new best buddy.
Bathroom aids
13. Anti Slip Shower Mat
The most basic bathing aid is an anti-slip mat. Increase safety by preventing falls and slips in the shower and bath. Additional aids that contribute to a senior-friendly bathroom include grab rails, assist bars, and shower stools
14. Temperature-activated flow reducer
Also called an anti-scald device, these are attached to a faucet or shower head to ensure the water stays at a safe temperature. They are easy to install and come in valves too. No more worries about scalding and burns due to extremely hot water.
15. Long-reach toilet aid
Asking for help in the bathroom can be embarrassing. Keep your independence with the Long Reach Comfort Wipe. The long handle lets you finish up easily and without mess.
16. Foot Cleaning Brush
Nobody likes scrubbing the toe jelly from between their little piggies, but it´s a whole other story when your stiff muscles or sore back simply don’t let you. The job can be more pleasant with the Foot Cleaning Brush. The long handle lets you scrub without bending down and straining your muscles.
17. Long-handled back scrubber
Clean between your shoulder blades and other hard to reach places with the Long Handle Back Scrubber from Metene Store. You’ll feel refreshed after letting the soft bristles massage your back, and you’ll be squeaky clean.
18. Lotion applicator
Whether you have a skin rash that requires regular treatment, want to apply sunscreen so you can safely work in the garden, need to apply OTC or prescribed lotions at hard to reach areas, a long handle lotion applicator is a lifesaver. You’ll be able to take care of your back, legs, feet and other body parts. There are even lotion applicators with massage function.
19. Toilet footstool
As you get older, going to the bathroom often becomes more difficult. The Squatty Potty has shown to provide all kinds of benefits during bathroom trips. This toilet footstool helps senior citizens and younger people alike improve their digestive health. It works simply by adjusting their toilet posture. A squatting position results in more effective elimination. Less strain and constipation reduces hemorrhoids.
20. Shower & bath chair
Sadly, a walk-in tub isn’t affordable to everyone. A bathroom chair, however, can be an invaluable item to ensure your safety and convenience while taking showers or baths. It’s critical to choose a product you can trust is sturdy especially if you’re over 200 or 300 lbs. Also make sure to pick one that’s easy to assemble if that’s critical to you. The MedGear A-0235A6 DURA shower and tub chair seems to be a good fit.
21. Toilet safety rails
This independent living product isn’t just a pair of rails. It helps maintain dignity. Allowing the elderly and disabled as well as post-op patients to take care of their everyday needs while reducing fall risk.
22. Safety shower grab bar
There’s basically two types of these, suction cup bars and those mounted permanently onto the wall. Suction cup devices such as the Safe-er-Grip can only be attached to smooth, flat, non-porous surfaces and often must be reattached before each use. They also will not hold full body weight. If this is undesirable to you, go for a permanently fastened bar. The latter can hold up to 500 lbs.
- A variation for if you like to take baths comes in the form of a bathtub safety grab bar.
23. Motion-activated toilet night light
Another useful gadget for aging in place is a motion-activated toilet night light. It doesn’t just illuminate the bowl as it dimly lights up the whole bathroom. So you don’t have to turn on the blinding, sleep disrupting overhead light during nighttime bathroom visits. It saves you from stumbling around in the dark, waking up your significant other, as well as obligatory messy cleanups. Want an alternative? Get an illuminated (glow in the dark) toilet seat.
24. Hair dryer holder
Drying your hair can be so tiring on your arms; this simple part of your day shouldn’t be a workout! This hairdryer holder lets you relax those aching muscles while the stand does the work for you.
Leisure & entertainment
25. Rocking garden seat
Yard work can be hard work if you’re getting older. Make sure you can keep enjoying the blissful benefits of gardening with a little support. Spare your knees and back and stay out weeding and planting longer with this ergonomically designed Garden Rocker Seat.
Click here for a list of the most popular gardening aids for seniors.
26. Playing card holder
These playing card holders allow those who suffer from joint pain and arthritis to keep their hands free. Great for children and grownups alike.
27. Tv Ears: voice clarifying TV headset
Your neighbors will thank you for using these wireless buds, a.k.a assistive listening headphones. No more cranking up the volume to damaging and painful levels. No more distortion of TV sound but a crisp and clear sound that is ‘environmentally friendly’. (Photo: Artiste Wireless Hearing Aid Headset System).
28. TV listening speaker
Never miss another word of your favorite sitcom when you use the Serene Innovations Listening Speaker. You’ll be able to hear each word clearly with these speakers right next to you with adjustable audio levels.
29. Simple big button remote control
Pushing the wrong buttons is a common source of frustration when it comes to normal (read: extremely complicated) TV remotes. With their hundreds of buttons you don’t have to be a senior citizen to mess up your channels.
Specifically designed for seniors this Continuus remote controls both the TV and cable box. Programming it is a breeze and its low vision-friendly big backlit buttons make controlling the TV intuitive again.
30. Magnifier desk lamp (floor model)
Read your favorite books like you used to with the Daylight24 Magnifier Floor Lamp. You won’t have to suffer from migraines trying to read tiny print – the magnifier makes it easy to read any print you put under it!
Communications & monitoring
31. Senior cell phone
A senior cellphone such as the Easyfone T100 Senior Cell Phone is a must-have for aging parents. Its features speak for itself: large buttons with back-lit numbers, easy to navigate menus, enhanced sound, Bluetooth, hearing aid compatibility, and an SOS button. The optional charging stand makes charging very easy.
32. Big Button phone dialer
That call to your grandson is just a push of a button away with the Big Button Phone Dialer. This device lets you customize each button with whatever phone number you want for easy dialing and a quick connection.
33. Big button amplified phone
Talking with your loved ones is a time that you treasure. Using the Careline Phone System with its safety pendant makes sure you stay safe while chatting to your heart’s content.
34. Sonamba Monitoring System
It’s easy to worry about a loved one’s wellbeing when they have Alzheimer’s and you’re away from home. The Sonamba Monitoring System sends you updates about your loved one and helps keep them safe. This gadget doubles as an interactive digital photo frame, lets seniors receive and send text messages and works as a personal emergency system.
35. Personal emergency control system
Make sure your elderly loved one is protected at all times with the Freedom Alert Emergency System. With the simple press of a button, your loved one can quickly contact emergency services to get the help they need.
36. Doorbell-telephone flashing-light signaler
As we age, it gets harder to hear the sounds around us. A doorbell alert flashes to let the hearing impaired know they have a visitor and which door they are ringing from. Perfect for those with hearing problems. As an alternative it’s possible to replace your existing doorbell with a wireless doorbell with flashing alert.
Housekeeping & DIY
37. House-cleaning robot
If you can’t operate a vacuum, a robot vacuum can help you maintain a sense of control over the environment you live in. As such, robo vacs and other types of service robots for home use can aid independent living of the elderly. Click here for the latest robot vacuums
38. Hand Umbrella
Autonomous seniors don’t need to ask their grandson to hammer a nail in the wall. Such simple chore can be done safely by themselves. If you’ve ever had a sore thumb from hammering a nail, you’ll appreciate the genius of the Hand Umbrella. Safely work on those carpentry projects without the fear of smashing another digit.
Medical independent living products
39. Automatic pill reminder
Are you tired of trying to keep track of what pills to take at what time? Do your old folks forget to take their meds? This Automatic Pill Dispenser does this for you so you can go about your day free from worry!
40. Talking alarm clock and med reminder
If a visual reminder to take your medications isn’t enough, try the Medcenter Talking Alarm Clock. Medcenter makes taking pills a pleasant experience with a friendly voice saying: “Good morning!”
41. Pill crusher for easier swallowing
The Carex Ultra Pill Crusher makes sure your medications are in an easy to swallow form. This product is perfect for those with poor digestion or difficulty swallowing pills. It’s one of those must-have independent living products.
42. Talking fever thermometer
Taking your temperature doesn’t have to be a hassle; this Talking Thermometer tells you your readings out loud so you don’t have to squint at tiny numbers like you do with a regular thermometer.
Independent living products: Mobility
43. Swivel seat cushion
Say goodbye to aches and pains with this 360 degree Swivel Seat. The HealthSmart cushion allows you to get out of any chair with ease, even a car seat, helping you avoid pulled muscles and joint soreness.
44. Portable walking chair / cane / stool combo
Effortlessly transform your walking cane into a comfortable seat with this cane chair. This lightweight cane chair from with LED lights gives you support when you most need it wherever you go. Taking rests on the spot means you can stroll further and longer.
45. Reacher Grabber
No shelf is out of reach when you use the Grip ‘n Grab. With this arm extension, you can get items down from high spots or from the floor without losing your grip or suffering a tragic fall.
46. Key turner tool for arthritis
Arthritis can make it difficult to turn the key in a lock, especially if it’s a chilly winter night. Don’t get stuck out in the cold! Use the Hole-in-One key turner for quick entry, even with stiff hands!
47. Auto assist grab bar
When your bones, joints, tendons or ligaments just won’t cooperate, use the Auto Assist Grab Bar to safely exit your vehicle. The sturdy handle makes sure you remain secure and steady when standing and leaving your car. Highly useful when you’re recovering from illness or a surgical procedure too.
48. Ice pick or crown for crutches
Winter can be a dangerous time for seniors. Slippery ice can cause awful falls, so get your aging loved one the Cane tips for ice so they can stand tall even on slick ice.
49. Able life tray
Make your favorite armchair safe and secure by adding the Able Life Tray. Its strong handle lets you get up and down with minimal effort, and the swivel feature means you get the right angle to grab onto every time.
50. Power lift recliner chair
Contrary to standard recliners, a power lift recliner chair lets you get up from your chair effortlessly by supporting you to fully standing position.
Whether you suffer from circulation problems, rheumatism or arthritis in the knees or hips, a power lift recliner takes away mobility issues.
Get up from your comfortable chair without assistance despite soreness, stiffness or pain.
A popular choice for elderly is Ashley Furniture’s Yandel Power Lift Recliner. It reclines 180 degrees flat (180 degrees) so you can lie down as if you’re lying on a bed. What’s quite special is that this chair is comfortable for both short as well as big and tall people.
Its dual motor power lets you operate the head and foot rests separately, granting you a wide range of seating positions.
51. Portable step stool
A lightweight portable step stool with handle can increase the ability to perform daily living activities such as cooking, cleaning, shopping and traveling. Non-slip pads make sure this medical step stool doesn’t slip.
From bridging a high threshold, to reaching cabinets, to entering vehicles, this simple yet effective tool ensures a small step for the elderly yet a giant leap for mobility and independence.
52. Seat lift
Also known as a seat assist pillow this electric, p0rtable lifting seat helps seniors stay independent and active. The SitnStand portable smart rising seat lift offers exactly the right level of assistance to help you get up from your chair. Granted, this device is quite expensive but it offers much better assistance than lower priced alternatives.
It operates on a battery and a charger and works as follows: simply push the ‘up’ button to inflate the pillow in order to get up or push the ‘down’ button to deflate. Works on chairs as well as sofas helping people up to 265lbs get up and sit down safely and comfortably. Choose from four inflating height levels, the highest at 7,9″.
Not being able to get up from your chair on your own merit is a huge disadvantage. Not just because it might prevent you from living on your own but also because getting off that sofa keeps you active and thus enhances your health.
The fact that this device is portable, you can use it on all kinds of seats as well as take it with you when visiting others makes it a great investment for seniors who need just that little push when sitting down or getting up. Makes a great gift for both seniors as well as caretakers as it takes the workload off of caregivers too.
53. Passive leg exerciser
Staying active is a key component of a healthy life for people of all ages. Walking is the best thing you can do if you want to stay healthy well into old age. Even if you’re already relatively frail, research (1) shows you’re 28% less likely to become unable to walk without help on a later age.
For senior citizens who aren’t able to indulge in daily walks, stimulating devices can be of help and turn around the disability process. Which is of utmost importance because after all, walking without assistance is one of the key factors in being able to live independently.
Especially if muscle sensation in your legs starts to diminish, if you’re experiencing muscle cramps or stiffness in hips or knees, a device like the LegActivator might be for you.
It’s a passive exercise machine that will help the elderly to move more on their own accord by gently training the leg muscles via ergo-therapy. Simply sit down, put your feet on it for about 15 minutes per day and the machine’s precise continuous movements will strengthen your legs.
What’s more is that it enhances blood circulation, prevents leg inflammation, leg cramps, and peripheral arterial disease, and helps combat varicose veins and cellulitis.
If actively exercising on a recumbent bike isn’t an option, if motorized pedal machines involve too much movement, doing moderate intensity exercises on a passive leg exerciser can help seniors stay active and fit.
Memory-related independent living products
54. Electronic calendar for seniors
Does grandma find it hard to remember what day or month it is? Help jog your loved one’s memory with the easy-to-read Memory Loss Digital Calendar clock that tells the time, day, date, month and year. The large font makes reading the clock easy on the eyes. Very useful to keep track of ‘dinner at Suze every last Monday of the month’ and similar appointments.
What do you think of this list?
Do these products establish an improvement in daily living activities? What’s your favorite resource for living independently?
Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Here are some more senior self-reliance products.
Bath swivel seat, a face recognition phone (scan an actual photo to call that person ), automatic wireless LED path lights, one hand kitchen equipment, GPS locator, electric whisk.
Thanks to innovative technology providing safer options, senior self-reliance means elders can continue to live on their own for longer.
Independent seniors may find this useful too:
15 Best Gardening Tools For The Elderly, Disabled & Arthritis
References
1 Walking, other exercise helps seniors stay mobile, independent. Source: Harvard Health Publishing.
Editor’s note: This publication has been updated regularly since it was originally published in November 2016.
Last Updated on July 12, 2022 by Tyler