The Proven Benefits of Hearing Aids for Seniors

Hearing loss affects more than 1 in 3 adults between the ages of 65 and 74 — and yet the majority go untreated, waiting an average of seven years before seeking help. New research is making the case more clearly than ever: treating hearing loss with hearing aids is not just about hearing better. It may be one of the most important health decisions a senior can make.

Hearing Aids May Reduce the Risk of Dementia

One of the most significant findings in recent years is the link between untreated hearing loss and dementia. A landmark 2024 study from the University of Southern Denmark, reviewing the hearing records of over 573,000 people, found that those with untreated hearing loss had a 20 percent higher risk of developing dementia compared to people with normal hearing. Crucially, those who wore hearing aids reduced that risk significantly — suggesting that hearing aids may help delay or even prevent the onset of dementia. The AARP Global Council on Brain Health has called hearing loss “one of the most important modifiable risk factors for dementia” in its 2024 report.

The Johns Hopkins University ACHIEVE study — the first randomized controlled trial of its kind — followed participants over three years and found that comprehensive hearing care, including hearing aid fitting, helped maintain stable cognitive health in older adults who received the intervention compared to those who did not.

Hearing Aids Are Linked to Longer Life

A 2024 UCLA study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity found that regular hearing aid users had a 24 percent lower risk of early death compared to those who never wore hearing aids. Analyzing data from nearly 10,000 participants in the CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, researchers found no mortality difference between non-regular users and non-users — pointing specifically to consistent use as the protective factor.

Mental Health, Social Connection & Quality of Life

According to a 2024 AARP poll of adults 50 and older, people who describe their hearing as excellent score significantly higher on mental well-being and lower on depression and anxiety compared to those with untreated hearing loss. Untreated hearing loss has been linked to social isolation, loneliness, and an increased risk of falls — because the ears play a crucial role in balance and spatial awareness. The American Academy of Audiology describes the energy spent trying to hear in noisy environments as “listening fatigue,” which creates cognitive, emotional, and physical ripple effects throughout daily life.

OTC Hearing Aids: A Game Changer for Access and Cost

Since the FDA began allowing over-the-counter hearing aid sales in 2022, the cost barrier has dropped dramatically. Research confirms that for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss, self-fitting OTC hearing aids work as well as those fitted by an audiologist. Devices like Audien now start at under $100 per pair — compared to $2,000–$8,000 for traditional prescription aids. In a 2024 AARP survey, 45 percent of respondents said they are more likely to use hearing aids now that they are available over the counter.

Sources: AARP Global Council on Brain Health (2024), UCLA/The Lancet Healthy Longevity (2024), University of Southern Denmark (2024), Johns Hopkins ACHIEVE Study (2023), American Academy of Audiology, FDA, AARP Research Survey (2024).

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among adults 65 and older. Yet despite the risks, less than 1 in 10 older Americans currently uses a medical alert system. Research increasingly shows that closing this gap could prevent thousands of deaths and hospitalizations every year.

The Scale of the Fall Problem

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 36 million older adults experience falls each year in the United States, resulting in over 3 million emergency department visits. Falls are responsible for 95 percent of all hip fractures and are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries in seniors. The CDC estimates that the cost of treating fall injuries in the US is on track to reach $101 billion annually by 2030.

A comprehensive study by The Senior List surveying 500 adults 65 and older found that 1 in 3 had experienced an accidental fall in the past year. More troublingly, 38 percent of those who fell required assistance from others to get up — and 17 percent had to wait more than an hour before help arrived. That waiting time is critical. The longer a person lies unassisted after a fall, the greater the risk of complications including dehydration, hypothermia, pressure sores, and psychological trauma.

Medical Alert Systems Enable Independent Living

Research published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society shows that personal emergency response systems (PERS) can significantly reduce response times after falls, directly reducing the severity of injuries and preventing hospital readmissions. The National Institute on Aging has found that seniors who use medical alert systems are more likely to live independently for longer and have fewer hospital admissions due to more timely medical intervention.

A University of Michigan poll found that while 49 percent of seniors have at least one smart home device, fewer than 10 percent have a safety device like a medical alert system — meaning the vast majority may be unprepared for a fall emergency at home. The CDC notes that approximately 60 percent of all falls occur at home, where medical alert systems provide the most direct benefit.

Peace of Mind for Seniors and Families

Beyond the physical safety benefits, medical alert systems provide measurable psychological benefits. Studies consistently show that seniors who have access to an emergency response system report lower anxiety about falling and greater confidence in their ability to live independently. For family members and caregivers, the peace of mind provided by knowing that help is available 24/7 reduces caregiver stress significantly — particularly for those who live far from an aging parent.

Sources: CDC Older Adult Fall Prevention (2024), The Senior List Medical Alert Research (2024), Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, National Institute on Aging, University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging, ConsumerAffairs Medical Alert Statistics (2025).

For many older adults, the idea of using a cell phone feels daunting. But research consistently shows that smartphone and cell phone use among seniors is associated with better health outcomes, reduced loneliness, and greater independence. Having the right phone — one designed for ease of use — can be genuinely life-changing.

Technology Use Reduces Loneliness and Depression

A landmark study published in the journal Gerontechnology, analyzing data from 591 older adults in the Health and Retirement Study, found that higher social technology use was directly associated with better self-rated health, fewer chronic illnesses, higher subjective well-being, and fewer depressive symptoms. The benefits were largely mediated through reduced loneliness — meaning that technology’s most important health contribution is keeping seniors connected to the people they love.

A 2021 systematic review published in ScienceDirect found strong evidence that digital technology use reduces social isolation in older adults. The review emphasized that accessible, affordable technology tailored to seniors’ needs creates the greatest benefit — which is exactly what purpose-built senior phones like the Jitterbug Flip2 and Smart4 are designed to provide.

Smartphones Are Linked to Reduced Frailty

A 2024 study published in BMC Public Health, using data from the Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study of 2,469 older adults, found that smartphone ownership was negatively correlated with physical frailty — meaning smartphone owners were less frail. The researchers found that health literacy mediated this relationship: seniors who used smartphones were more engaged in their own healthcare, better informed about managing their conditions, and more connected to social support networks that reinforced healthy behaviors.

Emergency Access Is a Critical Benefit

For seniors who live alone or spend time away from home, a cell phone with an emergency button provides a critical safety net. Features like the Urgent Response button on Lively’s Jitterbug phones connect users directly to a 24/7 US-based emergency response team — providing many of the same benefits as a standalone medical alert system, at no extra cost. Research by the National Institutes of Health has confirmed that mobile GPS tracking capabilities in phones have achieved over 90 percent accuracy in successfully locating seniors in emergency situations.

Senior Phone Adoption Is Growing Fast

Since 2013, the percentage of US adults 65 and older who own a smartphone has increased by 24 percentage points. Today, approximately half of older adults with a cell phone have a smartphone — up from just 23 percent in 2013. This shift reflects growing recognition that the right phone, used consistently, provides real health and quality-of-life benefits that outweigh any learning curve.

Sources: Health and Retirement Study / Gerontechnology (2017), BMC Public Health (2024), ScienceDirect Systematic Review (2021), National Institutes of Health, Pew Research Center, PMC/CINAHL Review of Mobile Health in Older Adults.

More than half of all Medicare beneficiaries — approximately 54 percent as of 2024 — are now enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan rather than Original Medicare. This dramatic shift reflects both the cost advantages and the expanded coverage these plans provide. But not all plans are equal, and understanding the research behind what Medicare Advantage actually offers can help seniors make better decisions during enrollment.

The Coverage Gap That Medicare Advantage Fills

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover routine dental care, vision exams, eyeglasses, or hearing aids — three of the most common and costly health needs of people over 65. According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), the absence of dental, vision, and hearing coverage in Original Medicare means seniors bear these costs entirely out of pocket unless they have supplemental coverage. Hearing aids alone can cost between $2,000 and $8,000 per pair, and routine dental care costs can accumulate quickly.

According to KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation), in 2025, 97 percent or more of individual Medicare Advantage plans offer some dental, vision, or hearing benefits. According to Healthline, the average monthly premium for Part C plans is around $17 in 2025 — making the additional coverage available at very low cost for most beneficiaries.

Out-of-Pocket Protection

One of the most important financial protections Medicare Advantage offers that Original Medicare does not is an annual out-of-pocket maximum. For 2025, this cap is set at $9,350 for in-network services — and many plans set a lower limit. Under Original Medicare, there is no annual cap, meaning a serious illness could result in unlimited out-of-pocket costs. For seniors on fixed incomes, this protection can be the difference between financial stability and financial crisis.

Additional Benefits: OTC Allowances, Gym Memberships & More

Beyond dental, vision, and hearing, many Medicare Advantage plans now include a range of supplemental benefits that Original Medicare does not offer. These include over-the-counter health product allowances (a prepaid card for items like vitamins, first aid supplies, and personal care products), SilverSneakers or other gym membership benefits, transportation to medical appointments, and even meal delivery after a hospital stay. The value of these extras can add up to hundreds of dollars annually for seniors who use them consistently.

The Importance of Comparing Plans Carefully

While the breadth of benefits is compelling, research including a 2025 study from the Center for Medicare Advocacy notes that actual utilization of supplemental benefits varies widely — and that plan networks, formularies, and coverage limits differ significantly between carriers and regions. The KFF recommends reviewing your doctors’ network participation, your prescription drug formulary, and the specific dollar limits on dental and vision benefits before enrolling. Working with a licensed Medicare advisor — which is a free service — is the most effective way to find the right plan for your specific needs and location.

Sources: KFF Medicare Advantage 2025 Spotlight, CMS Medicare Advantage Data, National Council on Aging (NCOA), Center for Medicare Advocacy (2025), Healthline Medicare Review (2025), NerdWallet Medicare Analysis (2025).

For seniors with mobility limitations, a power wheelchair is far more than a mode of transportation — it is the key to independence, social participation, and dignity. Research consistently confirms that access to powered mobility devices produces meaningful improvements in quality of life, self-esteem, and community engagement.

Independence, Safety & Self-Esteem

A prospective study published in Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology evaluated the impact of electric powered wheelchairs and scooters on 24 first-time users over four months. The results showed that powered mobility improved users’ daily lives and their ability to engage in mobility-related activities. For the majority of users, independence, feelings of safety, and self-esteem all increased. The study concluded that facilitating mobility is cost-effective both from a societal and individual perspective, and should be a key intervention in rehabilitation for older adults.

A qualitative study published in Disability and Rehabilitation conducted in-depth interviews with power wheelchair users and found that users described a synergistic relationship with their chairs — “It’s part of your body actually… It’s part of your sense of who you are.” Participants consistently described increased confidence, expanded social activities, and a restored sense of personal identity after gaining access to a power chair.

Community Participation and Social Engagement

A study published in Disability and Rehabilitation surveying over 200 powered wheelchair and scooter users found that the primary reported benefits were increased independence and quality of life, and increased ability to participate in community activities. Users described being able to attend family gatherings, go to stores, visit parks, and participate in community events that had previously been impossible. Research from a prospective cohort study found that the frequency of going for walks among wheelchair and scooter users increased by 26 percent after device adoption — and the gains held stable at the one-year follow-up.

Reducing Caregiver Burden

Power wheelchairs also benefit the family members and caregivers of seniors with mobility limitations. When a senior gains independent mobility, the demand on family members to physically assist with daily movement is reduced. This allows seniors to maintain dignity in daily life and reduces caregiver fatigue — a factor associated with improved family relationships and better long-term caregiving outcomes.

Lightweight Design Changes Everything

Modern lightweight power wheelchairs like the Journey Air Elite, weighing just 26 pounds with a carbon fiber frame, have removed one of the biggest barriers to adoption — the difficulty of transporting a heavy chair. Research shows that ease of transport and the ability to fold and store a chair are among the top factors in whether users actually use their devices consistently. Chairs that can be loaded into a car trunk by one person are far more likely to be used daily, producing the health and independence benefits that research confirms.

Sources: Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology (2014), PubMed: Power of Power Wheelchairs (PMC4818588), PubMed: Survey of Power Wheelchair Users (2010), NOMO 1.0 Prospective Cohort Study, National Institute on Aging.

For seniors who can no longer walk long distances comfortably but retain the upper body function to operate a scooter, mobility scooters represent a powerful tool for maintaining the active, engaged lifestyle that is strongly linked to healthy aging. Research from multiple countries confirms that scooter users experience significant improvements in activity, participation, and quality of life.

Dramatic Improvements in Daily Activity and Social Participation

A prospective study published in Disability and Rehabilitation followed 45 older adults aged 66–88 years who received their first powered scooter. Using WHO disability assessment measures, researchers found statistically significant improvements with large effect sizes across multiple domains: self-care (d=2.47), domestic life (d=2.40), interpersonal interactions and relationships (d=2.08), and community, social, and civic life (d=2.36). These are among the strongest effect sizes found in assistive technology research, indicating that scooters produce meaningful, real-world changes in how seniors live their lives.

Freedom from Housebound Existence

A comprehensive review published in Age and Ageing examined the research literature on mobility scooter impacts and found that users generally associate their scooters with “freedom to move independently outside the house” — and in some cases, described being housebound without their scooter. Users reported that their scooters enabled them to achieve desired activities independently, and that their ability to socialize, their sense of safety, independence, and self-esteem all improved after device adoption.

Supporting the Aging-in-Place Goal

Research from the National Institute on Aging, which partially funded a multi-year study on mobility scooter use through the Arizona Center on Aging, concluded that motorized mobility scooters “play an increasing role in supporting the independence and quality of life” of seniors who wish to age in place. As the US population ages, the importance of accessible mobility solutions in keeping older adults engaged and independent in their communities is only growing.

Practical Benefits: Travel, Events & Daily Errands

Modern lightweight folding scooters like Journey’s So Lite® and Adventure models have made the practical barriers to scooter use much lower. These devices fold without tools, fit in car trunks, and require no assembly out of the box — removing the transportation and storage challenges that previously limited adoption. Customer experiences reported by Journey Health & Lifestyle, now serving over 2 million customers, consistently describe scooters enabling seniors to take cruises, visit theme parks, attend family events, and shop independently — activities that dramatically improve happiness and social connection.

Sources: Disability and Rehabilitation (2015, PMC25799878), Age and Ageing/PMC Review of Mobility Scooter Impacts (PMC4510203), National Institute on Aging / Arizona Center on Aging (PMC4074432), WHO Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0).

Sleep apnea is one of the most underdiagnosed health conditions affecting older adults. Research estimates that between 30 and 80 percent of adults over 65 have some form of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) — yet the vast majority remain undiagnosed and untreated. The consequences of leaving sleep apnea unaddressed are serious and well-documented.

CPAP Users Live Longer

A comprehensive meta-analysis published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine in early 2025, analyzing data from over one million sleep apnea patients worldwide, found that people with obstructive sleep apnea who use CPAP therapy have a 37 percent lower risk of dying from any cause compared to those who go untreated. This represents the strongest evidence to date about CPAP’s impact on longevity, and was described by researchers as a “wake-up call” for anyone with diagnosed sleep apnea who is not compliant with therapy.

Protecting Cognitive Function and Memory

One of the most concerning recent discoveries is the link between untreated sleep apnea and cognitive decline. A 10-year study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine — the PROOF study — followed 126 patients aged 65 and older with severe OSA. Those who received CPAP treatment showed statistically significant improvements in mental agility and memory performance at the 10-year mark, while untreated patients declined. Research published in 2025 has also found that the same abnormal protein that damages brains in Alzheimer’s disease appears in the brains of people with untreated sleep apnea.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has highlighted CPAP’s role in improving cognitive function, with research showing users demonstrating sharper memory after six months of consistent use.

Cardiovascular Benefits

The Cleveland Clinic notes that consistent CPAP use is associated with improved blood pressure and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease events including heart attack and stroke. Untreated sleep apnea is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and cognitive impairment. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that CPAP treatment was associated with a modest but statistically significant reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events — particularly among patients with high-risk markers of severe OSA.

Immediate Quality-of-Life Benefits

Beyond the long-term protective effects, CPAP therapy produces rapid improvements in daily life. Users consistently report improved sleep quality, dramatically reduced snoring (which also benefits bed partners), less daytime sleepiness, and improved mood — often within the first few weeks of consistent use. For seniors who have been fatigued and groggy for years from undiagnosed sleep apnea, the effect of properly treated sleep can feel transformative.

Sources: The Lancet Respiratory Medicine (2025), Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine/PROOF Study (PMC4410925), Cleveland Clinic CPAP Guide (2024), American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine Meta-Analysis on CPAP and Cardiovascular Events, Mass General Brigham Research (European Heart Journal).

Research on aging consistently shows that the vast majority of older adults — over 90 percent according to AARP surveys — want to remain in their own homes as they age rather than move to an assisted living facility. This preference, known as “aging in place,” is deeply tied to independence, identity, and quality of life. But aging safely at home requires planning, and the right tools make all the difference.

The Gap Between Preference and Preparation

A University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging found that while 49 percent of seniors own at least one smart home device, only a small minority have taken steps to ensure their home is properly equipped for safe aging. Fewer than 10 percent reported having a safety device like a medical alert system — despite the fact that 1 in 4 older adults falls every year according to the CDC.

The True Cost of an Untreated Fall

When a senior falls and cannot get up or summon help quickly, the consequences extend far beyond the initial injury. Research shows that the longer a person lies on the floor after a fall, the greater the risk of serious complications: dehydration, hypothermia, pressure injuries, pneumonia, and psychological trauma that can lead to a permanent fear of falling. This fear of falling itself is a significant health problem — it leads seniors to restrict their activity, which accelerates physical deconditioning, increases social isolation, and paradoxically increases the actual risk of future falls.

The CDC estimates that fall injuries in the US cost the healthcare system $50 billion annually — and that figure is projected to reach $101 billion by 2030 as the population ages. A significant portion of these costs stem from delayed response times that turn manageable falls into serious medical events requiring hospitalization and long-term care.

Beyond Falls: The Full Value of 24/7 Emergency Access

Medical alert systems provide value far beyond fall response. For seniors with heart conditions, diabetes, or other chronic health issues, the ability to summon help in any medical emergency — at home or on the go — is a comprehensive safety net. Modern systems like Lively’s Mobile2 include access to nurses and doctors around the clock, GPS tracking so family members can locate a loved one at any time, and two-way voice communication that can reassure seniors and responders in any situation.

What the Research Says About Adoption Barriers

The Senior List’s 2024 research study identified the main reasons seniors who need medical alert systems don’t use them: perceived high cost, embarrassment, and misconceptions about complexity. All three barriers are addressable. Modern systems like Lively start at under $25 per month — less than $1 per day for round-the-clock protection. Devices have become sleeker and less clinical-looking. And setup requires no technical skill. For the 90+ percent of seniors who want to age in place, a medical alert system is one of the most practical and cost-effective safety investments available.

Sources: AARP Home and Community Preferences Survey, CDC Older Adult Fall Prevention (2024), University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging, The Senior List Medical Alert Research (2024), CDC WISQARS Cost of Injury Data.