How Technology Can Help Seniors To Age In Place In Their Apartment

From TVs, tablets, and computers to helpful gadgets, there is no doubt that technology is instrumental to help seniors stay safe, active, and in touch with their family and friends. Integrating technology into the lives of seniors can also help them age in place in their apartments.  Nowadays, about 53% of Americans aged 65 or older possess a smartphone, and 73% connect to the internet with ease. Back in the 2000s, only 14% of senior Americans were internet users. That impressive change towards technology and its advances makes things easier for seniors wishing to age in place.

Start with the smartphone and tablet

Among others, smartphones and tablets are important gadgets seniors should use to help them age in place. With the use of these devices, older adults will feel more secure and they will be able to contact their loved ones whenever they wish to. By creating an email, seniors will be able to text distant relatives and friends. Meanwhile, learning how to set up a reminder or alarm will help the elderly remember any appointments with doctors, and they can keep track of when to take their medication or when it's time to renew their prescriptions. The variety of Health Apps on both smartphones and tablets can also help seniors track their blood pressure levels or weight. If they are using a smartwatch, they can connect it with their smartphone to track their activity levels and blood pressure with just a glance at their wrist. 

The number of seniors on Facebook and Twitter has increased considerably over the last few years. Social media can have a huge impact on seniors as they age in their apartments, since they allow them to feel less lonely and isolated. They also enable older adults to interact with friends by sharing thoughts, jokes, photos, and videos. Seniors may exchange thoughts and memories with other people of their age and keep aware of all political and social news.

Smart gadgets, sensors, and the elderly

The use of new technology for aging in place has nowadays become more important than ever. Technological advances have made the life of seniors much easier and safer. For example, the use of smart thermostats and humidity sensors can keep a senior's apartment comfortable and safe at all times. Low humidity can lead to dehydration that can, in turn, increase the risk of falls. Installing a sensor in a senior's living space can effectively protect the, from such incidents. Moreover, bed sensors could control both the respiration and heart rate of older adults living alone, along with the number of times they wake up and get out of bed during the night. 

Smart security systems

A major concern for seniors living alone is safety, both from intruders, burglars, disasters, and accidents. Thankfully, modern technological devices offer seniors all the safety they are in need of. Security systems can be installed on doors and windows and trace motion. In turn, an alarm may be triggered in case of a break-in and the local authorities may be notified immediately. This type of security system is also useful in case of a sudden fire, flood, or another natural disaster. Seniors may choose to share access to their apartment's security system with a caregiver so that they will be able to check up on them and keep them safe. A caregiver will be able to check if the temperature in the house is normal, if the doors and windows are secure and if there is any trace of smoke or CO in the air.

Remote monitoring

Monitoring devices that can be controlled remotely can be helpful for seniors wishing to age in their own apartment. There are smart devices that can tell whether other electrical devices are on or off in a house. For example, older adults could set an alarm to tell when the microwave is turned on and adjust it to automatically turn off after a certain amount of time so as to avoid overcooking a meal or even burning it. Meanwhile, another device can detect when a person falls and automatically calls for help. There is no need for seniors to wear a device or press any button. Such devices use sensors and radio waves to detect falls which remain the number one cause of hospitalization for seniors.

Technology can help seniors age in place in their own apartments. With all these great devices, sensors, and security systems, it is no wonder that seniors can nowadays feel safe and comfortable even when they are alone at home. Technology has also helped seniors to keep in touch with their family and friends and keep track of all the changes that keep happening in the world.