The Benefits of Smart Homes for Seniors

In 2020, one in six Americans were over the age of 65. That percentage of the population grew at the fastest rate since 1880, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That number is only expected to increase, hitting 20% or more by 2030. And, as the AARP Home and Community Preferences survey reports, more than 75% of this booming older population wants to age in their homes for as long as possible.

Smart home technologies can help older adults do just that, remain in their homes while improving safety, accessibility, and healthy living. Internet-connected devices ranging from smart appliances to lighting and doorbells, to thermostats and TVs can help older adults age in place with ease and security.

What is a Smart Home?

A Smart Home is a home equipped with appliances and devices that are controlled remotely using an internet connection. Equipment, such as a smart thermostat, television, door lock, or lighting, is connected through the internet and can be controlled by other networked devices, such as a tablet, phone, or voice-activated speaker.

Smart Home technology can help make homes more accessible by adapting tasks, like turning off lights, to a single, simple voice command or click. It can also increase security by allowing systems–cameras, doorbells, or even fall detection devices–to connect with monitoring services, family, or caregivers.

How Does a Smart Home Work?

Essentially, a smart home is like giving your house a brain. It lets homeowners control all devices remotely using a central hub, such as a smartphone, computer, or voice-activated speaker. Think of it as your home having a bunch of interconnected gadgets that talk to each other, often wirelessly, providing you with convenience and, yes, some cost savings.

Smart home appliances can be programmed to follow certain schedules or commands. Many also come with self-learning abilities to adapt to individual preferences. For example, a smart thermostat can learn your daily habits and adjust the temperatures based on your preferences, potentially even helping you benefit from energy-related cost savings.

Smart Home Technologies for Older Adults

Nearly every home device and appliance, from lightbulbs to plugs, can be embedded with smart technology. Here are some of the most common and helpful options.

Safety

Smart home monitors are at the forefront of creating a safe home environment. These devices provide real-time monitoring, ensuring that any anomalies or potential dangers are promptly addressed. For instance, if you forget to turn off the stove or if there’s a water leak, the smart home monitor can send alerts to you, family members, or caregivers, allowing for immediate intervention.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, older adults are twice as likely to die in a fire compared to the rest of the population. Smoke detectors have always been essential for home safety, but smart smoke detectors elevate this safety to a new level. They not only sound an alarm in the presence of smoke but can also send notifications to smartphones or directly to emergency services, ensuring that even if no one is home, the danger is quickly known.

Similarly, the threat of power surges or water failures can be catastrophic, especially for older adults who might not be able to respond quickly. Smart home technology can detect these issues and automatically shut off appliances or the main water supply, preventing potential disasters.

Security

Smart home security technology offers a combination of convenience and protection, tailored to the needs of older adults.

Garage Door Openers: Modern smart garage door openers offer the convenience of opening and closing the garage door remotely. This not only ensures that seniors don’t have to physically exert themselves but also adds a layer of security. With features like remote access, they can check the status of their garage door from anywhere, ensuring it’s closed when not in use.

Smart Security Cameras and Doorbells: These devices have revolutionized home security. Smart security cameras and doorbells, such as Ring, allow residents to monitor their homes even when they’re away. They can view live footage, receive alerts for any unusual activity, and even communicate with visitors in real time.

Smart Motion Detectors: These devices can differentiate between residents, visitors, pets, and potential intruders. If any suspicious activity is detected, smart motion sensors can send immediate notifications, ensuring timely intervention if necessary. For seniors, this means an extra layer of protection, especially during nighttime or when they are alone at home.

Door Locks: Smart door locks provide homeowners with the ability to grant or deny access remotely. They can also detect when the homeowner is near and automatically unlock the doors, eliminating the need for keys and the potential struggle of manually unlocking the door. This feature is particularly beneficial for seniors with mobility issues or difficulty with manual tasks.

Accessibility & Ease of Living

As the aging population grows, there is growing need need for support systems that cater to common age-related challenges such as reduced vision, mobility issues, and the risk of falls. Many smart home devices address these concerns, making everyday life more manageable and easy.

Smart Entertainment: Modern smart TVs and speakers have voice-activated features, allowing older adults to easily access their favorite shows, movies, or music without fumbling with remote controls. Check out an excellent guide to the best smart TVs for older adults for detailed information. Smart TVs can not only provide entertainment but also help combat feelings of isolation.

Displays and Voice-Communication: Devices like voice-activated speakers can make daily tasks safer and more convenient. They can be used to set reminders for medication, make calls, or even seek assistance in emergencies, ensuring that help is always within reach.

Smart Lighting: Automated lighting systems can be programmed to illuminate dark hallways or rooms when motion is detected. This is particularly beneficial for older adults, reducing the risk of trips and falls during nighttime.

Smart Pet and Lawn Care: Automated pet feeders and lawn care systems ensure that pets are fed on time and lawns are maintained without physical strain.

Smart Appliances: Appliances that can be controlled remotely or through voice commands simplify daily chores. For instance, a smart refrigerator can notify when groceries are running low, or a coffee maker can have the morning brew ready at a set time.

Smart Thermostat: Regulating home temperature is crucial for older adults, especially those with health conditions. Smart thermostats allow for easy temperature adjustments, ensuring a comfortable living environment.

Smart Plugs: These devices can be programmed to turn off appliances at specific times, ensuring that devices like heaters are not left running, potentially preventing accidents.

Incorporating these smart home technologies can empower older adults to live more independently. Indeed, as the world becomes increasingly digitized, smart home technology stands out as a beacon of hope for older adults, promising a life of ease, independence, and connectivity.

Health

As the population ages, there’s a growing need for solutions that can help seniors live independently and safely in their homes. Smart home devices have emerged as a viable solution to address some caregiving needs, providing peace of mind for seniors, family, and their caregivers. These devices can even help to stave off the huge expenses associated with employing a home health aide (more than $5,000 per month) or even 24-hour senior care ($4,500-$9,000 per month), according to Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey.

Smart Pill Dispensers: Medication management is crucial for seniors, especially those with chronic conditions. Forgetfulness or confusion can lead to missed doses or overdosing, problems that can have serious health implications. Smart pill dispensers are designed to address this challenge. These devices can be programmed to dispense the right amount of medication at the right time. They can also send reminders to the user and alerts to caregivers if a dose is missed.

Smart Emergency-Contact Systems: Emergencies can happen anytime, and for seniors living alone, getting timely help is crucial. Smart emergency-contact systems, like those integrated with devices such as the Apple Watch SE, can detect falls and other emergencies. With a simple voice command or the press of a button, these systems can alert predefined contacts or emergency services, ensuring that help is dispatched promptly.

Fall Detection Sensors: Falls are a leading cause of injuries among seniors. In fact, more than one in four people 65 and older fall each year according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Immediate assistance post-fall can prevent complications and improve outcomes.

Fall detection sensors, often integrated into wearable devices or placed around the home, can detect when a person falls and automatically send alerts to caregivers or emergency services. Some advanced systems even integrate with voice assistants like Alexa to provide an additional layer of safety.

Final Thoughts

Smart home health technology is revolutionizing the way older adults live. It not only ensures safety and convenience but also empowers seniors to maintain their independence, dignity, and quality of life. As technology continues to advance, it’s expected that more innovative solutions will emerge, further enhancing the living experience for seniors and bringing peace of mind to their loved ones.

Check out these articles for more information on how technology is helping seniors age in place.