Technology has improved the lives of anybody living in the 21st century by making their lives easier and more convenient. As technology improves and evolves, it is becoming more and more abundant and crucial in people’s everyday lives. With that being said, people of all ages can utilize the copious benefits of technology; however, a particular demographic of people that should take advantage of technology in everyday life is senior citizens.
Technology for Seniors to Consider
Seniors should take advantage of technology and try to incorporate it into everyday life. A way to do that is by using technology around the house. An expert from a company that handles in-home senior care stated that home technology can drastically improve the quality of senior’s lives by not only making life easier, but by also making life safer. Below are some home technologies that seniors should consider.
Smart WiFi Systems
Smart WiFi systems, like Alexa or Google Home, are great home technologies for seniors to invest in. These systems are affordable and can be placed in any room of the house. In addition to being interesting and fun, smart WiFi systems can also improve a senior’s life by setting alarms and reminders for them. Some important ways that seniors can use these systems to their advantage include:
- Setting reminders to take medication at certain times
- Setting reminders to turn security systems on/lock up at night
- Sending notifications about upcoming appointments
- Setting reminders to take out or put food in the oven
Smart Lighting
Smart lighting is one of the most important technological innovations for seniors to incorporate into their homes. As a person ages, he or she may not be able to get around as easily as he or she used to; especially in the middle of the night. Because of this, seniors are more prone to injuries as they get up to turn the light on when it’s dark, and these injuries can be permanent and life-altering.
Now, with modern technology, a solution to this smart lighting. Smart lighting has a few forms, such as:
- Lighting that can be manipulated from an app on one’s mobile device
- Lighting that can be turned on and off with the sound of a clap
- Lighting that is controlled by high-tech motion sensors
Smart lighting can prevent seniors from tripping and falling in the dark, and it can make the lives easier for seniors that struggle to get up and down.
Smart Doorbells
Smart doorbells are an important home technology for all homeowners, but especially for the older generation. Smart doorbells are doorbells with a video camera attached to them. They are connected to an app on one’s mobile device. When a person is at the door, the device will show a notification, and people have the ability to see who is at their door before answering it.
This form of home technology is great to keep people – in this case, seniors-safe because it gives them the option to not answer the door if they don’t recognize who it is. This is especially great if the senior lives alone.
Smart doorbells are also great for seniors that have a hard time getting up and down. A senior can see who is at their door and decide if it is worth getting up for or not. For example, if it’s just a delivery service dropping off a package, a senior can wait to get up until it’s convenient rather than rushing to the door and causing physical discomfort for him or herself.
Senior Struggles with Smart Home Technology
While “smart home” technologies can offer significant advantages to seniors living in their house, the technological barrier may be significant. It is not uncommon middle-aged adults to be challenged by modern technology. Now imagine how it would be for someone even older. If you or someone you love struggles with computers, software, smart phones, and applications, you may need to employ the help of a friend or a professional. If seniors themselves cannot maintain the software needed to make a home “smart,” the caregiver might find it to be one more tool in his or her caregiving bucket.
Invest in Home Technology Today
Whether you are a senior yourself, or you have a senior in your life, it will be worth your while to consider investing in home technology in order to make you or your loved one’s life better. Home technologies are investments worth making, not only because of the ease and security they add to life, but also because they will last for many years. Consider one of these home technologies today and do research to find the make and model that is right for you.
