Smart Home Technology Allowing Seniors to Age in Place
In 2016 there were an estimated 74 million Baby Boomers living in the USA according to the Pew Research Center. Aging in place is very important to these Boomers who are very passionate about maintaining their independence. Despite the desire to grow old where you already live as opposed to in a special facility for the elderly, it is not always easy, especially in homes that are not designed to accommodate the changing needs of an aging individual. One area that is especially of concern both for the seniors and their loved ones is safety, both in terms of personal safety as well as being kept safe from intruders
Smart home security systems increase peace of mind
An increasing number of Boomers and their loved ones are turning to smart home security systems to improve security. This is not surprising considering that more than 1 million home invasions take place in the USA every year. Luckily a range of technological advances in the field of home security is making it increasingly safer for a senior to age in place. From smart locks and motions sensors to singular HD cameras and fully-integrated security systems, there is a system on the market that will meet the requirements and suit the pocket of just about every senior wanting to continue living at home.
Smart locks are a good place to start
While smart locks generally form part of an extensive home security system, they can be used on their own as well. There are a number of models such as the August on the market which easily transforms any Apple or Android smartphone into a virtual key to your home. Smart locks like these are easy to install and allows the user to create both temporary and permanent access schedules for family members, friends and even caretakers based on specific times and days of the week. Most lock applications boast features such as geofencing which uses your phone’s location to lock and unlock the door, voice activation via Siri, Amazon Alexa and Google Home.
Never wonder who is at your door again
Another free-standing security gadget that can help a Boomer age safely in place is a video doorbell. These handy devices allow you to see who is at the door without having to get up from your seat. The doorbell automatically connects to a smartphone via Wi-Fi, sending alerts to the mobile device as soon as someone approaches the door. Video footage, which becomes viewable on the phone, is recorded from the moment the doorbell is pressed, allowing the user to either unlock the door or, alternatively, ignore the would-be visitor. Video doorbells, smarts locks, and perimeter cameras make potent combinations when used together, providing the senior with a full real-time view of his property perimeter as well as secure access to authorized individuals only.
Aging safely in place is of great importance to the more than 74 million Baby Boomers resident in the USA and thanks to the numerous technologies making their way onto the market, it is becoming increasingly more viable to achieve. Investing in a few smart home safety devices is definitely a good step towards ensuring that growing old in your own home remains possible.
