Whether you are helping your older parents to stay safely in their own homes, or you are a senior who wants to age in place for as long as possible, here is some great news: there is a wide variety of technologies that are user friendly and can benefit older adults.
Here are the top home technologies for senior citizens.
A Home Security Camera System
When it comes to helping seniors to feel safer when they are home, a great place to start is a home security camera system. For example, Smart Wi-Fi Security Cameras are easy to set up and operate. Wi-Fi cameras include a number of innovative features like infrared night vision and person and vehicle detection. This style of security camera system also comes with a downloadable Lorex Home app that will allow you to configure the camera settings, view live or recorded footage, activate a siren and more.
Voice-Activated Virtual Assistant
Another highly useful type of technology that can be very helpful to seniors is a voice-activated virtual assistant like the Alexa or Echo from Amazon. Not only is it a great tool that can help you or your older parent by delivering news, reporting the weather and playing music, if you are an Amazon Prime member you can also use the device to effortlessly order products that you need from Amazon. Many seniors enjoy interacting with Alexa or Echo; while it will not replace human companionship, having something to “talk to” throughout the day can be reassuring for many seniors.
Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats are another senior-friendly tech gadget that can help you or your elderly parents to save money and stay comfortable in their homes. Unlike a regular thermostat that you basically “set and forget,” the smart thermostat will actually learn from a person’s behaviors, allow you to control the temperature in your home from your smartphone and can adjust itself based on humidity and other factors. They can also work in conjunction with Alexa and other virtual assistants; when shopping for a smart thermostat, just be sure that it offers a “works with Alexa” feature. This way, if you are feeling chilly while watching a favorite movie on TV, you can simply ask Alexa to turn up the heat — all from the comfort of your couch.
A Fall Detector
Unfortunately, falling is a top cause of hospital visits for seniors, and if you or an older parent falls in the home and there is no way to call for help, the situation can become even more dire. Fortunately, a device called Walabot Home can assist with this common issue. Instead of wearing a device or pushing a button, the Walabot, which is attached to walls throughout the home, uses sensors and radio waves to monitor motion and detect falls, and can also open a two-way communication channel on the gadget.
Technology Is Here to Help Seniors
It is reassuring to know that there are so many types of technology that can make life easier and safer for older adults. From a user-friendly home security camera system to a voice-activated virtual assistant and more, home technology will make aging in place a lot easier for many seniors.