When used right and consistently, technology in senior living can make life better. There’s just so much technology available, and many solutions can be cumbersome to learn, adopt or frequently use. In this article, we will cover three easy-to-use, essential technology types for seniors.
While we don’t endorse any of the solutions offered here or get anything for recommending them, we do believe these and similar technologies can make life better for some older adults.
Smart Technology
Dr. Eric George reports in How Smart Technology Could Revolutionize The Senior Living Industry in Forbes, “From smart security to lighting systems, thermostats to pill dispensers and beyond, today’s devices enable caregivers to monitor the activity of residents and proactively intervene. They also enable adult children to maintain supportive home environments for their parents from anywhere, at any time.”
Indeed, older adults and senior living organizations across the U.S. have embraced in-home virtual assistant technology like Alexa or Google Home to stay in contact with friends and family, set alarms and reminders, easily keep grocery lists and order groceries and even submit maintenance requests in some senior living communities.
Health and Wellness Apps
In The Best Apps for Older Adults in 2023, Seniorliving.org recommends Medisafe for managing medications, Google Maps to remember where you parked and Magnifying Glass + Flashlight (yes, it’s a real app, and it’s free) for short-term reading in dim lighting. The site also points to Facebook Messenger for keeping in contact with friends and family, Empower– Financial App to manage retirement planning, Good Rx for prescription savings and LastPass for secure password management that can be shared with family. In a senior living setting, caregivers can suggest helpful apps to make life and care easier and more enjoyable.
Safety and Security Devices
As we age, simple household tasks can become trickier or even downright difficult to complete. Explore motion sensing lights to make it easier to move from room to room after the sun goes down, automatic stove shut-off devices to prevent fires, medical alert systems for fall detection and smart security systems to protect the home and older adults known to wander.
As Seniorliving.org goes on to say, “Aging in place is an attractive option for many older adults. And thanks to advances in technology, it’s a safe and realistic option for the majority of Americans enjoying their golden years. Assistive devices, mobile apps and medical alert systems can work together to keep you safe and independent in your home, even as your health needs change.”
If you have already tried many of these technologies and continue to face health and safety challenges in living at home, it may be a good time for a conversation about senior living.