Today’s seniors would rather stay in their homes and among their established communities as long as possible. According to AARP’s AgeTech Collaborative, 77% of adults ages 50 to 80 say it’s important to them to be able to age in place rather than move to a nursing facility or assisted living center.
It’s an understandable and worthy goal, but it can require some planning and the ability to count on a strong support system.
With a little help from the latest tech gadgets that offer health monitoring, home security, entertainment and more, seniors have an even greater opportunity to remain at home as long as possible.
Popularity of Tech Gadgets for Seniors
Today’s technology can greatly enhance seniors’ lives and well-being as well as those of family members and professionals providing them with everyday care. The enrichment potential of tech for people in their later years is one reason AARP launched the AgeTech Collaborative in 2021. The online platform connects innovators and investors who are focused on developing and marketing digital solutions for people ages 50 and older. AgeTech is putting effort behind everything from digital health equipment and mobility aids to financial technology and artificial intelligence with the intent of solving challenges associated with aging.
AARP’s 2024 Tech Trends and Adults 50+ report reveals people ages 50+ own an average of seven tech devices and that most of the devices are used daily. Since 2022, seniors have been buying significantly more smartphones, digital wearables and smart TVs — driven primarily by people ages 60 and older. The most popular tech owned and used by seniors also includes laptop and desktop computers, tablets and smart home assistants (such as Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant).
The tech-for-seniors industry seems to be booming. According to the AARP report, seniors spent $77 billion on technology in 2022, and market growth is projected to reach about $120 billion by 2030.
How to Know What Tech for Seniors to Get
Keeping track of what’s coming out in the marketplace can quickly become overwhelming. Checking out online product reviews can help along with guides for best smart gadgets to age in place from publications like Forbes, GoodRx and Healthline. Another valuable resource is AARP’s Caregiver’s Guide to Smart Home Technology.
The choices for technology to enhance the lives of aging adults are plentiful. Here’s an overview of some of the different types of senior tech gadgets and their capabilities:
Communication and Connectivity
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Smartphones and tablets can come with large screens and usually have simplified interfaces and emergency calling features. It’s also the ultimate way to stay connected with friends and loved ones whether it’s by texting a neighbor to check on them, reading updates from old buddies on social media, holding a Zoom call with the extended family or simply calling someone to hear a friendly voice.
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Smartwatches are like having a tiny wearable smartphone. Yes, they tell you the time, but you can also get texts, read email, check your calendar and listen to music. Plus many smartwatches offer features like health tracking, fall detection and GPS locators.
Health and Wellness
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Fitness trackers provide a way to monitor physical activity, resting vitals and sleep patterns with a device that’s usually no bigger or clunkier than a watch. They’re designed to be used with apps on smartphones and tablets so you can view a history of data at any time and, if needed, share it with a health care provider.
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Medical alert systems vary in the features they offer. You can find ones that remind a senior to take medication, monitor their blood pressure, detect if they’ve fallen and allow them to connect quickly to emergency contacts and services when needed.
Home Convenience
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Smart home assistants allow people to give vocal commands to a device powered by artificial intelligence that can relay instructions to control other smart home gadgets connected by Wi-Fi. They can be programmed to help seniors turn lights and appliances on or off, adjust heating and air conditioning settings, check a security system and even run a robot vacuum — all without getting up.
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Universal remote controls can let seniors operate complicated entertainment systems and smart home devices with one tool. The remotes can be set up so that one tap of a button turns on the TV, cable box and sound system and another easily brings up favorite channels or streaming services. You can often find ones with easy-to-use interfaces and large, back-lit screens or button pads.
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Automated dispensers can help you sort and distribute medication, vitamins and other pills. You can find devices that release the medicine at pre-programmed times or simply alert the senior or caregiver with lights or sounds that it’s time to take it. Some dispensers even have apps that alert family members or caregivers if medications are missed.
Entertainment and Recreation
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E-readers are remarkably lightweight and let you access thousands of books, audiobooks and games at the tip of your fingers. Today’s e-readers have adjustable font sizes, shapes and colors in addition to brightness and contrast options so you can customize the reading experience to your comfort. Plus, most libraries have added ebook services so you can borrow, read and return digital copies without leaving the comfort of your home.
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Gaming consoles aren’t just for kids. An AARP study found that 45% of people ages 50 and older consider themselves to be gamers, with most saying they spend time gaming every day, up to 12 hours per week on average. The most popular games among seniors are puzzle and logic games followed by card and tile games, both of which offer a fun way to stay mentally sharp and connect with others.
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Robots and remote-controlled gadgets have entertained people of all ages for decades, and they’re increasingly being designed with seniors in mind. The National Council on Aging points out that robots can be important support tools for seniors at home that perform useful tasks and bring joy at the same time — such as a tiny rolling robot with a screen for a face that follows simple voice commands and allows for remote communication with family members or a robot lawnmower you can direct with a smartphone app.
Safety and Security
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Personal safety alarms and GPS trackers can give an extra layer of security to seniors and their caregivers. Alarm devices may simply make a loud noise when the person feels endangered, or they may have a panic button that notifies specific contacts or emergency responders 24/7 when pressed. Devices with GPS location capabilities can be extremely useful to people caring for someone with a cognitive or memory disorder such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. These small trackers can be placed in the sole of a shoe or in a pocket, and they connect to an app that helps you geo-locate the person if they get lost.
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Smart locks and security cameras can provide some peace of mind for seniors who live alone. Digital entry systems can provide simple, keyless access and remote operation. Combined with smart doorbells and cameras, you can screen who’s at the door and decide if you want to let them in or ignore them without having to get up.
Aging in Your Own Home Is Possible With Help
Connecting with others, keeping track of health and fitness and maintaining dignity and independence are all motivations for aging in place at home. While growing older at home can take planning and adjustments, seniors and their caregivers have a great advantage with modern technology keeping people connected and engaged. Embracing tech gadgets for seniors can help make aging in place as manageable as possible.
BrightStar Care® and the Commitment to Home Care
BrightStar Care is at the ready with options to make aging in place possible for you and your loved ones. Skilled care combined with the advantages of technology can make the retirement years the best ones yet. Whether you're looking for in-home care services or a reliable medical staffing partner for your organization, our experienced local care team members are ready to help. Find a location near you, contact us online or call (866) 618-7827 to learn more about how BrightStar Care offers A Higher Standard®.