The Best Technologies to Make Aging in Place Easy for Anyone

When staying at home longer, seniors often look for ways to make life easier in the space they have. Modern technology is one of the best ways to make your home work for you when aging in place – the right tools can keep seniors safe and connected to preserve independence when they decide to stay at home.

Consumer technologies are available, affordable, and more ergonomic than ever before. The best part of these advanced technologies is that it's easier than ever to find, install, and use tech tools to make aging in place a possibility for almost anyone.

Age in Place Technologies to Help Seniors Live at Home Longer

Depending on your location and lifestyle, you might find a few of the following useful when aging in place. Here are a few easy-to-use gadgets that can make aging in place a reality for you or the at-home seniors in your life.

• Wifi-enabled doorbells or cameras like Nest can let you know when someone (or something) has arrived at your door, giving seniors a bird's-eye view of their home when expecting visitors or packages.
• Smart speakers like Google Home and Amazon Alexa feature Artificial Intelligence (AI) that can search the internet, make phone calls, send text messages, and contact emergency response services – all by voice command.
• Digital medication reminders make it easy for seniors with complicated medication schedules to remember which medications to take, when to take them, and how much to take by sending reminders to their smartphone. Some products, like Memo Box, notify you when you leave your pill box behind. They can also tell when a medication isn't taken on schedule, sending more reminders until it senses that the proper medication has been taken. 
• Digital picture frames like Aura keep seniors connected to family with photos without the need for a computer or messaging apps. Wifi-enabled frames even lets your family upload new photos from their phones to give their loved ones updates through their everyday moments.
• Fall sensors connect a discrete personal help button (worn comfortably on the wrist or neck) with receivers installed throughout a senior's home to immediately notify emergency services when the wearer falls.
• Motion-activated lights can illuminate darkened areas like walkways and bathrooms to help seniors move around their homes comfortably and safely. Smart lights with wifi-enabled cameras can also be placed at entryways to alert seniors when someone comes near the home.

New technologies can keep seniors safe and stimulated, create peace of mind for their families, and provide independence for seniors living at home.