Smart Devices Can Help Seniors ‘Age in Place’
IoT technology can help seniors have greater independence
As we enjoy improvements in health care, the American population is aging. In fact, 24 percent of the U.S. population will be older than 65 by 2060.
Fortunately, technological advancements aren’t just reserved for the iPhone generation. Seniors can benefit immensely from smart devices and an expanding market for the Internet of Things.
Not only can technology make life simpler for seniors, but it adds an element of safety, social connection, and even improved health.
The right tech can help seniors age in place. Whether for yourself or a loved one, embrace independent living with these amazing technologies.
Smart speakers and voice assistants
Need an appointment reminder? How about someone to tell you the weather? Or play your favorite music?
Smart speakers and voice assistants, such as Google Assistant and Alexa, do just that.
Not only can smart speakers help you stay on top of the news, read to you, and remind you of important events—they can even help stave off loneliness. Smart speakers can even give a measure of independence back to seniors with visual impairments.
While a voice assistant can’t replace human companionship, it can certainly improve seniors’ quality of life.
Smart lights
Smart lights, like Hue, connect to both smartphones and voice assistants. Seniors can easily turn lights off and on from the comfort of their couch. Most smart lights can even operate on a schedule for hands-off management.
The Aladin light is also a great smart light designed for seniors. Aladin gives you local weather information, access to caregiver profiles and even telecare assistance.
Most importantly, Aladin monitors seniors’ activity and fall risks through motion sensors. If anything uncharacteristic happens, Aladin notifies telecare assistance and family members.
Smart thermostats
Seniors no longer have to feel too hot or too cold, or even go through the trouble of finding the ideal household temperature as the seasons change. Smart thermostats can be adjusted remotely with the push of a button, with no need to get up and fiddle with a thermostat.
Install smart thermostats, like Nest, to control the thermostat remotely. Best of all, the thermostat learns your preferences over time. That means the temperature automatically adjusts to your liking, so there’s one less thing to worry about.
Video doorbells
Video doorbells, like Ring, are amazing for all homeowners, not just for seniors.
Answer the door from the Ring app, whether you’re working in the garden or visiting your family two hours away.
Ring helps you check on the house when you’re out and about. You can even connect to your family’s Ring account and share video feeds with each other.
PillDrill
It’s so easy to forget daily medication, especially when you’re trying to stay active. The PillDrill smart hub helps seniors manage their medication with less fuss.
PillDrill is a medication tracking system. It can remind you when to take pills, track what you’ve already taken, and notify approved family members or caregivers when you take the medication.
PillDrill even has a Mood Cube to track your emotions. If you aren’t feeling well, you can register your mood and pain level with PillDrill, which will notify your loved ones.
The bottom line
The Golden Years should be a time of freedom, independence and comfort. Seniors can benefit tremendously from a few technological helpers around the house. The result is improved quality of life, peace of mind and a sense of independence.
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