3 things seniors should buy in 2023
Soaring inflation is pinching household budgets, especially for senior citizens living on a fixed income. The 8.7% cost of living increase in Social Security benefits in 2023 may help older Americans keep up with the rate of inflation, but seniors will still need to carefully watch their budget.
Amid these economic concerns, seniors must be judicious about how they spend their money. Fortunately, there are some cost-effective and reliable products on the market that can improve their daily lives without breaking the bank.
3 things seniors should buy in 2023
Seniors can reap substantial benefits with purchases that can improve their safety and security, such as the following:
Medical alert systems
Medical alert systems can help you in an emergency and may even save your life. These systems, available as home or mobile versions, generally come with a two-way speaker and a button for quick connection to professional emergency medical personnel.
Medical alerts typically feature GPS tracking, which can be immensely beneficial for those who experience dementia. With the press of a button, your emergency contacts and medical teams can locate you and provide help.
If you already own a medical alert system, review your plan and options to maximize your benefits. For example, adding fall detection to your plan could be invaluable. Someone over age 65 falls every second of the day, making falls the leading cause of injuries and injury death among this age group, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Wearable alert systems, however, can detect a fall and automatically contact the monitoring center for immediate help.
You can get a fast and free price quote on a medical alert system right now.
Walk-in tubs
Falls and mobility issues become an increasing concern as you age. Few places pose as much injury risk for senior citizens as conventional showers and tubs. Getting in a standard tub with a high 30" threshold to step over can be challenging. Entering and exiting the slippery surface of a standard bathtub, often next to a glass door, can be a recipe for disaster.
If you're worried about suffering from a fall, consider getting a walk-in tub that eliminates the high step and provides other safety benefits for seniors and other consumers. A walk-in tub offers peace of mind with safety features such as a wide door, handrails, whirlpool jets and a step-in as low as 3 inches. Modern walk-in tubs also offer spa-like benefits like a heated back, and massaging air jets to help relieve your muscles and ease the pain. Walk-in tubs generally include a wide seat and hydrotherapy jets for a comfortable and relaxing way to rejuvenate your body.
Does this sound like something you could benefit from? You can get a free quote from Kohler now by answering a few quick questions.
Home security systems
Home security systems can protect you and your property from burglary, home intrusion and other emergency events. On top of that, professional monitoring services keep an eye on your property whether you're aware of a problem or not, and they can provide assistance in the event of an emergency.
One of the most valuable benefits home security systems provide is that they help deter burglaries. 50% of burglars said they would not break into a home if they discovered it had a security system, according to a study by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Monitoring your home with a home security system could even lower your monthly homeowner's insurance premiums.
If you already have a home security system, consider optimizing your plan for added benefits such as:
- Extra security cameras
- Keyless deadbolt smart locks
- A video doorbell
- A garage door controller to close your door from anywhere (in case you forget to shut your door)
To improve the safety and security of your home and those inside it, a professionally monitored home security system can provide you with peace of mind. It takes less than one minute to find out how much a home security system costs.
The bottom line
Seniors on a fixed budget must be discerning about the purchases they make. Shopping online may make it easier to compare products and check out customer reviews before making a decision.
It's essential to exercise safe habits when shopping online. Only enter your payment details on websites whose address starts with https://. Remember, the "s" stands for secure.
Whether you're purchasing online or in-store, ensure you understand the item's return policy and warranty regarding installation or defective parts. With a bit of research and comparison shopping, you can make wise purchases with long-term benefits.
