| A Senior’s Guide to GPS Technology |
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| Written by David Delaney |
| Thursday, 09 October 2008 19:00 |
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One of the latest technologies to enter the mainstream that can provide great benefit for seniors is GPS technology. Simply put GPS, which stands for Global Positioning System is a network of dozens of satellites around earth’s orbit that allows gadgets on the ground called GPS receivers to pinpoint your location almost anywhere on earth. How is this useful? Well, used in tandem with maps of cities and town, you can find out exactly what street you are driving on and how far you need to go to reach your destination. It also helps authorities in locating people who are lost and in need of assistance among other things. Why Do I Need It? As a senior, it is but natural for your eyesight to falter as you advance in age. That does not bode well if you have to look at maps with teeny tiny markers and directions. It’s also hard to spot street signs and landmarks that can help you navigate your way through unfamiliar streets. When that happens, you usually either have to give up driving or have someone with you who can read maps always. Enter GPS receivers. GPS receivers are small devices that give you direction based on where you are and where you are going. You can input your destination into your GPS receiver and it will give you the best route to use based on where you are and the traffic conditions at the current time.
Some GPS receivers show a street-by-street map in a high definition LCD screen with arrows to guide you, and some models even have voice directions telling you what street you are on, how fast you are going and how far till the next turn. It will tell you the traffic condition of a particular route to help you avoid it and will tell you your estimated time of arrival based on your current speed, all the while telling you which avenue to take and what streets to turn in to.  With a GPS receiver, you don’t need a separate navigator – you’ll be able to find your destination every time anywhere in the country (or even some other countries for that matter). A GPS receiver liberates you from unnecessary assistance, giving you more freedom and independence. Another useful - and potentially life saving - function of a GPS is as a personal emergency alarm. There are many small GPS gadgets the size of regular mobile phones that serve as personal emergency devices. These devices are equipped with a GPS locator, and an emergency button and long-life battery. If you are suddenly in danger, or lost, or suffer an injury, you can simply press the emergency button and it will broadcast an emergency signal to alert the nearest authorities. The GPS locator in the device will lead them directly to you. These devices are useful for seniors who love to go camping or fishing, or those who are going on a lengthy vacation in an unfamiliar place. There are even GPS locators for your car, so that you can find where you parked it, or if it’s stolen, the police can track it using the GPS locator in it. These are just some of the innovative means GPS technology can have a positive impact on the lives of every senior. This technology will benefit not only the young, but also (and even more so) the old. |
