Technology has become increasingly important in our daily lives, and when it comes to benefiting from the latest and greatest, seniors are no exception. According to a survey done by AARP, 48% of seniors would like to incorporate smart home devices into their lives. This number is only going to grow as technology becomes more accessible, affordable, and easy to use.
However, folks moving into senior living communities may still have concerns about how easily they will be able to adapt to these new tech features and amenities. Studies show that seniors are far more likely to adapt to new technology that meets the following criteria:
- Personalized and tailored to seniors’ needs
- Protects or enhances seniors’ dignity and independence
- Gives seniors a sense of user control
- Enhances seniors’ feelings of connectedness to the world around them
Technology to Help Seniors Age in Place
For many older adults living on their own, smart home technology can provide convenience and increased independence, allowing them to remain independent longer—achieving a primary goal of aging in place. One example of this smart technology is IoT (Internet of Things) devices, a wide variety of Internet-connected devices and home appliances ranging from speakers to picture frames and thermostats. This increased independence and ease of access enables seniors to stay in their homes longer, a major priority for many. In order to do this, seniors need to feel safe, secure, and independent in their homes while remaining connected to their families.
Seniors Can Stay Connected Through Technology
For many seniors, safety and security mean being able to communicate easily with their loved ones. Devices such as the Amazon Echo or Google Home can be used to easily make calls and send messages, as well as offer a variety of other features such as weather reports and music. This helps to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, a common concern for an aging population. Studies show that seniors who feel a sense of community and have strong social bonds are 50% more likely to live longer.
When it comes to technology, it can be difficult to know where to start, and even harder to find the right solutions to fit all of your community’s needs. Providing residents with heightened independence, a sense of security, the comfort of control, and community connection is a complex balance.
There's no one-size-fits-all solution, making it important to work with a trusted partner such as an integrated technology management company that can create the right set of tools for seniors. A good technology management partner will personalize the suite to meet seniors' mental, physical, and community needs based on their specific preferences and geography.
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