Essential Technology for Seniors Living at Home
October 27 2022
These days, many seniors around the country prefer to stay at home as they age. For these people, leaving their homes can bring about unwanted fear, stress, and uncertainty about the future. Naturally, older adults would prefer to stay within their communities and continue to have more control of their lives.
Fortunately, there are many incredible technologies that are making it possible for seniors to live at home for longer safely. In addition to friends, family members, and caregivers, innovative tech tools bring an added layer of support and security to aging adults. By incorporating these technologies into their homes, seniors and their loved ones can gain added peace of mind and improve their quality of life.
So what are some essential technological tools for seniors living at home? Keep reading to learn more!
Baseline Tech Functionality
For today’s tech-savvy seniors, it is essential to establish some tech fundamentals before looking into tools that can help them at home. This includes a fast and stable wireless internet connection that other tech devices can connect to easily. The same goes for Bluetooth technology around the house.
Seniors should also become familiar with and comfortable using remote applications on their phones that allow them to control different things such as their lights. This also applies to voice-activated technology such as Alexa or Siri which can answer questions or control other devices in the house.
Smart Watches for Seniors
Today’s smart watches provide lots of beneficial features for aging adults looking to stay at home. Some of these devices can actually detect falls and specific cardiac events that may require medical assistance. Smart watches are also a sleeker and stylish alternative to older emergency systems that have been traditionally marketed to seniors in case of accidents.
In addition to support for emergency situations, smart watches can also help seniors track their fitness and health metrics over time. This can encourage movement and physical activity, all vital for senior well-being. Smart watches can also make it easier for seniors to stay in touch with their loved ones via phone calls, texts, and other communication channels.
Tech Savvy Lighting & Appliances
One of the best home technology tools today relates to indoor and outdoor lighting. Thanks to smart light bulbs, seniors can use their voice, smart phones, or smart watches to turn their lights on or off. This can be really useful for older adults that have mobility problems or aren’t able to get up for some reason.
In addition to lights, certain appliances around the home can also be controlled remotely. For example, smart stoves and ovens can alert seniors if the gas has been left on and shut it off automatically. This can be very helpful for people that forget that the stove was left on and actually prevent fire related deaths and accidents.
Smart Security Features
For seniors living at home, staying safe and secure is one of the most important things. Thankfully, there are now smart security systems that can detect movement, opened doors, windows, and unwanted intruders. These systems can also connect with response teams in case of a break in and notify the police if needed.
Aging adults may also appreciate cameras around the interior and exterior of their homes to monitor any suspicious activity or visitors. Cameras can also be connected to doorbells and send notifications to seniors when someone is at their door or close to their house. These smart features also allow seniors to lock or unlock their doors remotely whenever needed.
Another great addition to these security systems is smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These amazing devices can detect environmental dangers and notify seniors through their smartphone applications. Early notifications of smoke, fire, or carbon monoxide leaks can save lives that may otherwise have been put in grave danger.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many great tools that are making it easier and safer for seniors to live at home for longer. Building out a tech savvy home can bring peace of mind to seniors and their loved ones by adding in an extra layer of safety and support for daily activities. These tools can also enrich the lives of aging adults by making it easier for them to stay connected with loved ones and maintain a healthy and active life.
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