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Planning for the Senior Years
In the United States, the senior population is now larger than the population under five years old, and it’s been reported that 87% of seniors prefer to continue living at home.
“Aging in Place” is seen as an important aspect of seniors’ continued health and independence. It means people decide to stay in the residence of their choice for as long as they are realistically able. As they age, additional support services may be required to supplement their choice.
Aging in Place is not just about maintaining a quality of life – it’s also about making life better whenever possible. And many seniors who remain in their homes may have increasing difficulties performing daily tasks. A good quality of life in our senior years can be supported in many ways by smart home technology. Luckily, these technologies and health solutions are steadily growing to help people live in their own homes long after they’ve reached senior age.
Integrated homes can actually adapt to people as they age. Seniors who live alone can be equipped with smart devices that send an alert right after a fall, safeguarding a timely response and a faster recovery. Some automated systems can learn activity patterns and quickly identify pattern breaks, like a reduction in trips to the kitchen or an increase in trips to the bathroom. The automated system can track and then report these changes as possible signs of a health issue in the early stages.
Automated smart home technology also allows people more autonomy and connection. Seniors with limited mobility can use voice or smart device commands to control automated lights, shades, security, climate, and appliances. Technology enables people to remain in contact with friends and family and a larger community, improving and maintaining their emotional health.
“Consumers 50 and older show strong interest in connected services that can support daily living needs that become more difficult with age,” Jennifer Kent, director of Research Quality & Product Development at Parks Associates, told Residential Systems. At the upcoming CES 2019 convention in Las Vegas, the 13th annual “CONNECTIONS Summit: IoT and the Smart Home” will include an independent living session highlighting trends and innovations designed to increase the quality and duration of the independent living experience.
Growing older in your own home requires vision and planning. If you’re interested in what integrated smart home technologies could mean for your long-term future, call us at Jackson Hole AV. We’d love to discuss the possibilities.
Works Cited
“Aging in Place – What Does Aging in Place Really Mean?” Seniorliving.org. https://www.seniorliving.org/lifestyles/aging-in-place/
Rafi Zauer, “Preparing for the ‘silver tsunami,’” Residential Systems. July 24, 2018. https://www.residentialsystems.com/features/preparing-for-the-silver-tsunami
“Research: Interest in Home Emergency Systems for Consumers Over 50.” Residential Systems. Nov 14, 2018. https://www.residentialsystems.com/news/research-interest-in-home-emergency-systems-for-consumers-over-50
