Published On
Since 2015, the number of older adults living in nursing facilities has decreased by 12%. It’s not hard to see why: Reaching a certain age or experiencing changes in mobility or cognitive function no longer automatically translates to giving up the freedom that has defined one’s life.
Enter aging in place. With this strategy, seniors can continue living in their homes, maintaining a sense of independence, health and safety. However, providing a safe, senior-friendly environment doesn’t just happen overnight. It requires careful consideration and planning.
Fortunately, in today’s tech-driven world, assistive technology is transforming how seniors age in place, empowering them to live at home comfortably and securely. This article explores how assistive technology is helping seniors age in place, making it possible to thrive in their own homes.
Types of Tech Products for Aging in Place
While some older adults need help managing their medications, others may benefit from tools that support physical mobility, monitor health or ensure safety within the home. Below are some common types of assistive technology that make aging in place possible for many seniors.
Home Safety and Security
Security devices enhance protection for older adults by monitoring potential threats both outside and inside their homes, ensuring they can respond to risks effectively:
- Video doorbell
A video doorbell at the home’s entry allows older adults to see, hear and speak with visitors without needing to approach the door. This not only reduces fall risk by letting them decide if each knock requires a response, but it also boosts security by allowing them to monitor unexpected visitors and potential intruders. - Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Connected to a smartphone app, these detectors alert users and family members immediately when they detect smoke or carbon monoxide. They also indicate the exact location of the threat, even if the homeowner isn’t present. With a paired app, users can silence the alarm remotely, eliminating the need to climb or manually disable the detector. - Automatic lighting systems
Motion-activated lights improve nighttime visibility, reducing fall risk by illuminating rooms or hallways as someone enters. They also conserve energy, automatically turning off when no motion is detected, which can help cut down on electricity costs.
Health Monitoring and Emergency Response
With the right assistive technology devices for seniors, it’s possible to monitor health and medical conditions and connect to authorities if an emergency arises:
- Wearable emergency response systems
For older adults at risk of an unexpected fall or sudden health issue, wearable response systems like Life Alert easily connect seniors to emergency assistance with the press of a button. - Smartwatches
What can’t modern smartwatches do? Many models can now track essential health metrics, including vitals and sleep patterns. Some even come with fall detection features, which can alert caregivers or emergency services in case of a fall, offering seniors and their families an extra layer of security.
Daily Assistance
While most of us — no matter our age — can benefit from a little daily technology assistance to make our lives easier, older adults with limited mobility or memory challenges may find these devices especially valuable:
- Robot vacuum
Ideal for seniors with physical limitations, robot vacuums keep floors clean with minimal effort, helping to reduce dust and allergens without adding to their to-do list. By automating this chore, they can maintain a cleaner living space safely and efficiently. - Smart thermostats
These thermostats allow users (or their family members) to control home temperatures via a smartphone app. Families can set customized temperature schedules for different times of day or year, reducing the need for seniors to adjust the thermostat manually and ensuring a comfortable environment. - Smart pill dispensers
Remembering daily medications can be challenging, especially when taking multiple doses at specific times. Smart pill dispensers organize medications and provide automatic reminders. Many also track missed doses and can send alerts to family members if a dose is skipped to ensure consistent medication management.
Communication and Staying Connected
As children start their own families and loved ones move away or pass on, older adults are prone to experiencing more frequent periods of loneliness. In fact, 43% of adults aged 60 and older report feeling lonely. However, with better technological methods of staying connected to family, seniors are more likely to maintain a strong sense of community and well-being:
- Digital photo frames
These frames allow family members to add photos directly from their phones, giving seniors a dynamic and updated view of their loved ones’ lives. Regularly updated with new images, these frames bring joy and connection as seniors can see recent moments from family trips, holidays and day-to-day life. - User-friendly tablets
Some tablets are designed specifically with seniors in mind, featuring a simplified user interface that makes it easy to participate in video calls, share photos and browse the internet. These tablets empower older adults to stay connected, regardless of tech experience.
Benefits for Family and Caregivers
Assistive technology for aging in place doesn’t just support older adults; it also provides significant advantages for families and caregivers:
- Reduced day-to-day demands
Devices that assist with daily tasks, such as medication dispensers and mobility aids, help alleviate the constant demands on caregivers by enabling older adults to manage more independently. - Increased peace of mind
With devices like Life Alert and other emergency response systems, families have the reassurance that seniors can access help whenever necessary, providing security even when loved ones are not nearby. - Remote health monitoring
Smartwatches and in-home security systems allow caregivers and physicians to monitor older adults’ health and safety from a distance, supporting timely care decisions and helping prevent potential health issues.
The University of Florida: Your Pathway Into the Field of Aging
Whether you’re considering a career in aging services or looking to advance in your current role, the University of Florida offers a range of online graduate programs tailored to your goals. These programs prepare you to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation or serve as an ideal foundation for those planning to apply to professional schools.
Explore our diverse entirely online graduate programs, and discover for yourself why the University of Florida is ranked one of U.S. News’ top 50 national universities.
Sources:
https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/a-look-at-nursing-facility-characteristics/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557972
