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Critter Corner: Last Minute Tech Gifts for Mother’s Day

Dear Magic,

It’s Mother’s Day on Sunday, and I want to get something extra special for my mother. She is pretty tech savvy and enjoys the newest technology. I really don’t know what the newest technology is for seniors who enjoy that kind of thing. I’m not too worried about getting it on time, because if I can’t, her birthday is next month! Can you send me some suggestions?

Thanks,

Tek Savimom

—-

Dear Tek,

New technology is giving seniors confidence in their ability to live alone and enjoy life. Since your mother is tech savvy, here are some suggestions from senior tech guru, Laurie Orlov:

Does she enjoy music? Using earbuds, listening to music can be a solitary affair. But wireless Sonos speakers bring iTunes and other digital music into your living room; an app lets you play the speakers separately or in sync. sonos.com

The Amazon Alexa or Google Home are also good for playing music, among other things.  The more high end versions have very good speakers, and your mom can play her favorite music while cooking, working around the yard, etc. You can purchase the Alexa at Amazon.com or the Google Home at https://store.google.com/ .

Is she an art lover? The Electric Objects digital-art display sets a high-definition screen within a traditional frame and allows you to change the image at will. electricobjects.com

Does she turn on lights at certain times for security or mood? The Switchmate smart light switch clips directly over a standard wall switch. Use the accompanying smartphone app to, say, order the lights to turn on at dusk, indoors and out. myswitchmate.com

Does she enjoy streaming tv shows? A digital-age descendant of rabbit ears is catching on. If you cut the cable cord in favor of streaming services, try the Mohu Leaf Metro Indoor HDTV Antenna to pick up over-the-air broadcasts. gomohu.com

Does her back hurt?
 The Perfect Chair boasts a sleek look that sets it apart, provides a nice ergonomic function: Its “zero gravity” mode is designed to take pressure off your back in a way that’s good for your spine and is undeniably comfy. humantouch.com

Does she enjoy quiet time? What’s better than a great set of noise-canceling headphones? A wireless version. Top reviewers give Bose QuietComfort 35 headphones, which pair with your computer or mobile device via Bluetooth, the highest marks. bose.com

Does she enjoy traveling overseas? Nothing undermines a vacation abroad more than long customs delays. Mobile Passport, a free app for iOS and Android phones, eases that pain. Advance setup — scan your passport, take a selfie, type in flight details—takes about one minute. Plus, at 20 major airports (and counting), you can use a faster Mobile Passport lane. mobilepassport.us

Does she want to feel safer in her home? Ring Video Doorbell & Maxsa’s Dual-Head Solar Security Light has a discreet camera and two-way intercom that connect to your smartphone, so you can tell the FedEx guy to leave that package on the porch. ring.com

Motion-detecting outdoor lights are also great for security. Now there are wireless options, thanks to solar power. I like Maxsa’s Solar-Powered Dual Head LED Security Spotlight, which you can adjust by time and motion sensitivity. maxsainnovations.com

Does she have trouble getting to sleep? Whether she has trouble nodding off or getting up, Brookstone’s Tranquil Moments Pro Sleep System can help. It has a range of restfulness technology, plus an alarm clock. brookstone.com

Does she need a little help hearing? Try loading the Jacoti ListenApp on your iPhone. Pop on earbuds and let the world in. jacoti.com

Does she enjoy taking pics? For digital shutter-bugs who want more than smartphone snapshots, the LG 360 CAM offers “360-degree” photos — very cool for nature shots.

Is her phone always dying? The Fluxmob Bolt works as a standard wall charger, juicing your device through a USB port. But there’s also a battery built in, so you can take the sleek three-ounce object along for on-the-go charging. fluxmob.com. Even better, there are battery cases made for most phones. Just search on Amazon for one that fits her particular phone model. They make the phone a little heavier, but for most people the trade-off is worth it because these battery cases act as a case and as a back-up charging system all in one.

Hope this gives you some ideas of gifts to get for your mom for Mother’s Day and/or her birthday!

Happy Mothers Day to all moms and grandmothers out there!

Magic

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About Renee Eder

Renee Eder is the Director of Public Relations for the Farr Law Firm, and gives the voice to the Critters of Critter Corner. Renee’s poodle, Penny, is an official comfort dog who she and her children bring to visit with seniors who are in the early stages of dementia at a local senior home once a month.

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