As people live longer, it makes sense that more people are choosing to live independently for as long as possible. However, around one in three adults over 65 and one in two over 80 have a fall at home every year, and for those living alone, these falls can be serious. Not to mention worrying for loved ones who can't be with them all the time.
Luckily, these days, there is a wealth of technology that is perfect for helping people stay more independent and gives help and reassurance to the whole family, so everyone can rest easy, even if something does happen.
Here are some smart tech pieces that just make sense for seniors living independently.
Smart Watches
Smart watches aren't just for counting steps and tracking fitness anymore. You can get smart watches that track a whole range of bodily functions and more.
Modern smartwatches track good locations, heart rate, oxygen intake, and some have built-in fall detection alerts too. You simply wear it like a normal watch, and if something goes wrong or is out of the ordinary, they send an alert to a nominated person or even a call centre who can provide help or call the emergency services.
Subtle, wearable, and extremely helpful!
Indoor Cameras
We're not talking about “Big Brother” full security, but discreet cameras for rooms that pose the most risks. Hallways, front doors, outside bathrooms, the kitchen, etc., they don't need to be on record 24/7, but they do need to be able to capture footage when required or make alerts of unusual activity that is noticed so a family member or carer can check in to make sure everything is ok. It's not interference; it's backup if things aren't going well.
Motion Sensors
You don't just need panic buttons dotted around the house; you need sensors that detect movement, or rather, a lack of it. They sit quietly and observe different places — bathrooms, hallways, bedrooms for movement.
If there's no movement where movement should be, for example, it doesn't detect footsteps when usually there are some or no doors open after a certain amount of time, the system notices and sends out alerts so someone can check in. This is a gentle backup choice designed to be discreet yet always watching.
Personal Medical Alarms
A personal medical alarm for falls can be the ideal safety net for those who are more at risk of falls. Especially if motion sensors are practical or an option, or smart tech isn't welcomed.
All the wearer needs to do is wear a pendant or wristband that covers their entire home — indoors, outdoors, and the bathroom. And if they fall and can't call for help, they simply press the button if possible, and you will be connected to a source of help who can come to their assistance.
It's a less obvious but most impactful choice for those who experience health conditions that affect balance or for people who are unsteady on their feet due to physical limitations or just need that bit of extra support when at home alone.
Smart Speakers
Smart speakers give you that hands-free kind of help. No reaching for the phone or fumbling with the light switch, just talk out loud.
“Hey — call my daughter.”
“Turn the lights off.”
“Remind me to take my pills.”
Ideal for the kind of help everyone needs once in a while, and when a full smart home system is set up, it can be programmed to be automated to send reminders, manage basics, even order essentials from a voice command or specific task being set in place.
Photo credit: Pexels