Brenda Lyle – Florida Today
By Brenda Lyle
Q:Is there really technology that can help me age in my own home?
A: More people than ever before are choosing to stay in the homes they love instead of moving to assisted living. Currently, nearly 58 million Americans over 65 live at home, and a 2024 AARP survey found that more than three-quarters of adults over 50 plan to do the same.
Of course, staying put comes with challenges. Checking who’s at the door, or calling for help can become trickier over time. Thankfully, today’s smart technology can make life easier, safer, and more comfortable.
Most smart devices are easy to use once they’re set up, and many can be controlled with simple voice commands. Setup not for you? A family member, friend, or technician can usually get everything running in no time.
Smart Safety Systems
Many people report feeling safer at home with a smart security system. The Ring Alarm system is a good example. It can monitor doors and windows, detect smoke and carbon monoxide, and even let you see who’s at the door through cameras and video doorbells. It’s dependable, easy to use, and can give you peace of mind knowing your home is being watched over—even when you’re not there.
Help When You Need It
Having a quick way to reach help in an emergency is important. Traditional medical alert systems often include a small device you wear on your wrist or around your neck. Devices can detect falls, show your location, and connect you with help 24/7. “A wrist-worn device can help identify falls and even serve as a communication device,” explains David Siegel, CEO of Nationwide Medical.
If you don’t like wearing a gadget, Alexa Emergency Assist is a great alternative. For about $6 a month, it lets you connect to trained responders or notify your loved ones. It works with any Amazon Echo speaker, like the Echo Dot. You can simply say, “Alexa, I need help,” and get connected immediately. Plus, Alexa can play music, tell you the news, or call a friend—just by using your voice.
Light the Way
Smart lighting might sound fancy, but it’s really about safety and convenience. You can set lights to turn on automatically at certain times, respond to motion, or be controlled with your voice. “Hands-free lighting can be a game changer,” according to Claire Perlman, accessibility editor at Wirecutter, the product recommendation service from The New York Times.
Today’s home technology tools can make everyday life a little easier and a lot safer. With the right setup, you can stay confident, connected, and independent—right in the comfort of your own home.
Brenda Lyle is a Certified Care Manager and Certified Dementia Practitioner with One Senior Place, Greater Orlando. One Senior Place is a marketplace for resources and provider of information, advice, care and on-site services for seniors and their families. Submit your questions to AskOSP@OneSeniorPlace.com. For immediate help, call 321-751-6771 or visit One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging.
