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An older woman smiling as she leans over the kitchen counter to talk to her smart home assistant and adjust her smart watch.

Important home technology for aging in place

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Feature Staff

Aging in place means staying in your own home as you get older. Instead of living in a nursing home or retirement community, you get to remain in a home that means something to you and keeps you close to your friends and family. It’s a popular choice for many seniors making decisions about their futures, and understandably so. Home is where the heart is! However, to do this successfully, you probably need to upgrade your home in many ways, one of which is technology related. Here is some important home technology for aging in place.

Smart home assistants

Smart home assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Home offer a no-contact way to communicate and perform basic daily functions. For example, without getting up from your chair, you can ask your assistant to call your doctor, alert emergency services, or just add something to your grocery list. You can have the assistant remind you to take your medication or leave for an appointment. And if connected to your lights and thermostat, these assistants can also turn these amenities on or off with your verbal instruction.

Basically, these devices are like having a helpful friend right in your living room, making daily tasks easier and keeping you well-connected.

Automated lighting systems

Imagine your lights turning on just as you need them, without moving a muscle. That’s the beauty of automated lighting systems. You can set them to respond to your movements or control them with your voice. This important home technology for aging in place ensures your house is well-lit and safe, minimizing the risk of falling at night.

Smart thermostats

Aging can make you more susceptible to temperature changes, and maintaining the perfect home temperature can be expensive without automated help. Smart thermostats learn your preferences and adjust the heating or cooling, ensuring your home is always at the right temperature. They’re easy to use and very energy efficient, saving you money on energy bills.

Health monitoring devices

Health monitoring devices like wearable fitness trackers and smart scales keep tabs on your vital stats. These tools can monitor your heart rate and sleep patterns, helping you detect potential health issues before they become serious. Keeping an eye on your health is important as you age, and this technology makes it simpler than ever to do from the comfort of your home.

Video doorbells

Video doorbells, such as Ring, allow you to see who’s at your door without getting up. They provide an added layer of security and peace of mind, especially if mobility is an issue. You can even talk to visitors using your smartphone, making safe interaction easy and convenient.

Incorporating these technologies into your living space makes aging in place easier in many ways. Also, remember that more comfort and convenience are just two benefits of adding smart tech to your home. All these devices improve your life in small and big ways, and you won’t regret making the switch. With the right tools, your home can adapt to your needs, making independent living simpler and safer.