Smart Tech for Seniors

Highlighting Technology

Here is a guide of technical products which make the lives of seniors more convenient by highlighting existing technology.

Virtual Assistants:  What is a virtual assistant? It’s an application that uses voice commands to instruct your home’s smart devices. To enable your device, call it by name and vocalize your command.

Apple HomePod:  Voice Command: "Hey Siri"

Amazon Echo Plus:  Voice Command: "Hey Alexa"

Google Home:  Voice Command: "Ok Google"

Home Advancements:  How Does Smart Tech Help Seniors? Seniors can use smart tech throughout their homes by using virtual assistants to control applications. This is especially ideal for people with motor or cognitive difficulties.

In the Kitchen:  Wi-Fi enabled refrigerators have built-in cameras that reveal what’s inside the refrigerator via smartphone. Using this technology eliminates the need to memorize a grocery list, making shopping easier than ever.

Front Entrance Area:  There are many options for wireless door locks and security systems that ensure safety throughout your home by monitoring activity and sending notifications to your smartphone. Smart doorbells will notify you when someone is approaching your home and record any activity that may seem suspicious.

In the Bedroom:  Smart lighting allows you to turn on or off your lights, as well as, adjust brightness with a single voice command. Health monitoring sensors track toxins in the air and notify you recommendations on maintaining safe air quality.

In the Living Room:  Smart thermostats allow you to adjust room temperature from your smart phone, giving seniors the ability to determine comfortable climate without constantly returning to the thermostat.

Tech for Health and Safety:  Smart devices, apps, and wearables help seniors coordinate their health routines in complete safety, giving everyone peace of mind. Here are just a few:

AdhereTech: Internet-connected smart pill bottle glows blue when it’s time to take medication and chimes in the event of a missed dose.  Deep studies make it highly recommended by pharmacists.

MedMinder:  A digital pill dispenser that unlocks automatically, monitors dosage, and updates caregivers.

Reminder Rosie:  A voice-activated talking clock that issues medicine reminders.

Philips Lifeline with AutoAlert:  A personal help button that is worn around the neck or wrist and can detect a fall.

Health monitoring sensors:  Wearable Sensors communicate physiological data to care providers in real time.

Auto stove shut-off device:  Motion sensors assess whether you’ve gone out or forgotten about the stove. The timer turns stove off for your safety.

Tech in Day-to-Day Life:  Along with health assistance, smart devices can enable seniors to plan and organize their day-to-day lifestyles with ease.

Apple iPhone:  The smartphone voted best for seniors because it it easy to navigate, has options for large display, uses fingerprint to unlock, and has an ideal amount of storage.

Wi-Fi-enabled Refrigerator:  Leave notes and appointment reminders on the refrigerator’s front digital display.  It also tracks restock needs and sends grocery list to a participating store for home delivery.

Smart TV:  Change channels with voice commands and listen to a talking guide.  When shopping, look for a smart TV that is compatible with other household devices.

Smarter iKettle 2.0 Wi-Fi Kettle:  Everything on this kettle can be controlled from your phone.  The app shows you water level and temperature (set to avoid burns), and sets a time for water to be ready for daily relaxing drink.  It is so important to maintain hydration, and this is a great solution as a reminder.

Our source for Smart Tech for Seniors is provided by Frontier Internet.com.

Consumer Reports is also a good resource for product descriptions, quality, and userability. Our hope is that these suggestions will help you make smart choices, keeping you safe and entertained.