Taking an active approach to your health is important for enjoying a long and happy life in retirement. Seniors can benefit from a wide range of healthy behaviors, from regular doctor visits to following a diet and fitness plan. And, with 70 percent of seniors connected to the Internet, all kinds of handy tech tools can make healthy living easier to achieve. Learn how technology can help you maintain your health in your golden years.

Health tracking apps have become exceedingly popular as people of all ages strive to eat cleaner and get more exercise. Many health apps even sync with wearable tech like smartwatches, fitness wristbands, and blood pressure monitors to make health tracking even easier.

Seniors can take advantage of special fitness apps to monitor important health indicators like weight, physical activity, diet, sleep quality, and heart rate. For example, MyFitnessPal is a wellness app for tracking the nutrients in your diet so you can avoid the dangers of malnutrition. When it’s time to go grocery shopping, use apps like Shopwell to simplify nutrition labels and discover new products to fit your particular diet. Seniorliving.org recommends many other useful apps that can remind you to take your medications or compare the costs of prescription drugs at different pharmacies. Turn your smartphone into a health assistant by downloading apps that will simplify your life.

If your phone is outdated, you’ll have a hard time getting the most out of health apps. There’s nothing more frustrating than learning that your fitness tracker crashed during your daily walk. Consider upgrading to a new device that’s a little more powerful.

The Internet is a limitless resource for health and wellness information. Take advantage of this tech tool to review your Medicare coverage during the open enrollment period that runs between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7. During open enrollment, review your plan even if your coverage has worked well for you. Plans can change every year, and something new may pop up that will serve you better.

If your current Medicare plan is no longer meeting your needs, or you could use some extra coverage, consider switching to a Medicare Advantage plan to gain access to additional services like dental, vision, and hearing care. Seniors who use these kinds of services can save a lot of money with a Medicare Advantage plan, even if it means spending a little more on premiums.

Do some online research to learn about the various plans available in your area and compare their rates and coverage offers. It’s much easier to do this on a computer instead of trying to sift through a pile of flyers advertising various Medicare plans. Shop for plans based on your particular healthcare needs and budget. For example, if you rely on several medications, narrow your search to plans that include prescription drug coverage.

Analyzing your Medicare plan options can be complicated, so take advantage of online resources like Medicare.gov for guidance. If you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch plans simply by joining a new one during open enrollment. Your old coverage will be canceled when your new plan’s coverage begins.

Thanks to the tech resources of today, it’s easier than ever to maintain control over your health.

Katybeth Dee, who wrote this article,

created Self Exam (selfexam.org) after her sister received a cancer diagnosis at a young age. She encourages people to stay on top of their health so illnesses don’t go unnoticed and untreated.