In less than 7 years, the entire baby boomer generation will be above the age of 65 and for the first time in history, more than 20% of the population will be at retirement age.
76% of Seniors don’t own any Smart Devices
Google Survey 2020
Although it may be difficult at first to master, older people are beginning to use modern technology.
And, while we may be conscientious of the benefits of smart home technology, we were curious if the aging population is aware and making their homes smarter and safer.
Benefits of Smart Home Devices for Seniors
- Increases Safety: Safety can often be a great concern for seniors, especially for those who live alone. Installing smart technology such as smart doorbells, smart locks can be a great way to protect their home and increase their safety.
- Emergency Assistance: Smart home devices can be configured to automatically text or call a relative or other third party, as well as 911 in case of an emergency.
- Comfort Control: Smart thermostats can help regulate the temperature in the house, ensuring that seniors are comfortable and safe from extreme temperatures.
- Safety Features: Smart smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors can alert seniors to potential dangers and help prevent accidents .
- Convenience: Smart home devices can make everyday tasks easier for seniors. For example, voice-activated speakers can help seniors make phone calls, send messages, and play music without having to use their hands.
- Independence: Smart home devices can help seniors maintain their independence by allowing them to control their environment and perform tasks that might otherwise be difficult or impossible .
- Entertainment: Smart home devices such as smart TVs and voice-activated speakers can provide entertainment options for seniors, helping them stay connected with the world around them .
It’s important to note that before installing any smart home devices, it’s essential to discuss the plan with the person who’ll be living with them. Besides providing installation, ensure that someone is available to troubleshoot inevitable bugs and keep software updated. If you want to use one app, all devices need to be compatible with the same smart platform, such as Alexa, Google Home, or HomeKit. Some devices, such as alarms, can be configured to automatically text or call a relative or other third party, as well as 911 in case of an emergency
Below are 20 of the best smart home devices for the elderly to have:
1. Smart Watch
Smartwatches can be a great tool for seniors to help them navigate the challenges of aging. They offer a range of features that can help seniors stay healthy, safe, and independent. Here are some of the benefits of a smartwatch for seniors:
- Emergency calls: Smartwatches with cellular capabilities can be used to call an emergency line or close relative in case of an emergency. Some smartwatches can operate independently of a smartphone.
- Fall detection: Some smartwatches have fall detection features that can alert emergency contacts if the wearer falls and is unable to get up.
- Health tracking: Many smartwatches offer helpful feedback on health and exercise levels, including step tracking, heart rate monitoring, and specialized fitness apps that create workout challenges and schedules. Some models can even evaluate heart rate to alert you of events like atrial fibrillation and overly high or low heart rates. Additionally, some will track nightly trends in oxygen level and provide feedback on sleep health .
- Useful reminders: Smartwatches are also a great way to set medication reminders and alerts for other daily activities or events.
Overall, smartwatches can inspire healthier habits, enhance safety, foster self-sufficiency, encourage social interaction, and even boost mental health. These multifaceted benefits make smartwatches an integral tool in promoting a high quality of life for seniors
2. Blood Pressure Monitor
As you age, having blood pressure checked during doctor’s visits is not sufficient enough to assess cardiovascular risks. Get instant, self-explanatory results to know where you stand, anytime you want. Knowledge is power, and peace of mind.
3. Smart Scale
Compared to traditional dial scales, smart scales also measure and track additional biometric information, which a person can access using a smart device. This may make it easier for a person to reach and maintain their weight loss or fitness goals.
4. Automatic Pill Dispenser
To avoid dosage mistakes, automatically dispense necessary medication on a prescribed schedule.
5. Smart speakers
Seniors can make appointment reminders, place outbound calls, and receive instructions and information using voice assistants.
6. VR
In addition to providing entertainment to older adults, VR technology can be used to improve medical care. Virtual reality can ease physical pain and help manage chronic diseases by providing a distraction during medical procedures that are uncomfortable or induce anxiety.
7. Tablet
Smart tablets also play a central role in home automation and smart home integration. With the rise of smart home devices, having a tablet can make it easier to control and manage these devices from a single device
8. Smart TV
Smart TVs are very much like smartphones; they stream entertainment straight to your TV via an internet connection. This means that you can watch all the latest films, box sets and play games on your smart TV without the need for an aerial, cable or separate streaming device.
9. Charging Station
A wireless charging station can eliminate the need to plug in your electronics for recharging.
10. Smart Wall Clock
11. Robotic Vacuum
Cleaning can be a major task for senior, but with vacuum-cleaning robots can help make cleaning quick and easy.
12. Smart Pet Feeder
Pets have been found to benefit the elderly but many report an inability to care for them. Smart pet feeders offload a lot of the responsibility for seniors.
13. Fall Detection
Alert friends, family, neighbors or others if an emergency is identified using strategically placed sensors.
14. Smart Locks
Wifi enabled locks allow senior citizens to manage who enters their home by unlocking and locking the door from their smartphone.
15. Smart Thermostat
Indoor temperature can be modified from the comfort and safety of a bed or chair, or while on the way home from an appointment.
16. Security Cameras
Cameras within the home allow the elderly to monitor their homes and caregivers. They also allow family or friends to check in and confirm safety.
17. Smart Light Bulbs
No, not the Clapper from the 80’s
Smart lights are a good idea for elderly homeowners because you can quickly turn lights on with your voice or smartphone when you need to get up, preventing falls and injuries caused by unseen objects in the dark.
18. Smart Plugs
Smart plugs or outlets are extensions of a normal outlet that allows you to turn devices on and off using a smartphone or voice assistant. These can be used to adjust your lights, start your coffee maker, turn off appliances, and more.
These smart plugs can be helpful for your appliances that are easily forgotten but pose potential fire hazards. If you leave the house with an oven, space heater, curling iron, or any other electronic device on and plugged into a smart outlet, you can turn the devices off remotely.
This is yet another way for seniors to use their devices to turn lights on to navigate a dark room. The ability to turn devices, lights, and more on and off from a smartphone is a great tool for senior citizens to have when staying at home or leaving on a vacation.
19. Smart Water Heater
Smart water heaters also allow seniors to manage their water temperature remotely and monitor energy usage. they are also easy to maintain and save on costly repairs from built in leak detection.
20. Smart Kitchen Appliances
From ovens and refrigerators to toasters and microwaves, these devices integrate with voice assistants to simplify food preparation and increase safety in the kitchen.
All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers. If you buy something through links on our site, Herstek.com may earn an affiliate commission.
