#27 - How Tech Can Transform Aging in Place

Got a comment or idea? Send us a text.

Today, we explore the incredible tech designed to help older adults maintain independence while feeling safe and connected at home. With a variety of gadgets that cater to health, safety, and daily living, there’s no reason why aging can’t be both enjoyable and empowering.

• Discussion of smart home devices enhancing accessibility and control 
• Overview of health and safety tools that provide peace of mind 
• Exploration of tech fostering social connection and engagement 

Thanks for tuning in and remember to subscribe to stay updated on our future episodes packed with tips and resources! 

Products mentioned in this podcast:

Amazon Echo Dot (Alexa) device: https://amzn.to/3DnwbpI

Ring Doorbell Camera: https://amzn.to/43eV3dO

Ecobee Smart Thermostat: https://amzn.to/4kl9jI4

Grandpad Tablet: https://amzn.to/43eVgh6

Thanks for listening!

Sign up to our Homeowners Newsletter - it's a weekly newsletter filled with expert tips and advice on how to age safely and more comfortably in your own home.

If you provide services for modifying homes for disabled or seniors aging in place, sign up to our directory and expand your business.

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:01):
Hi there, welcome to another episode of the Aging in
Place Directory podcast.
I'm Robin Schiltz and I'm soglad you're joining me today.
You know, one of the biggestconcerns for many older adults,
and really for their familiestoo, is how to maintain
independence while staying safe,comfortable and connected at
home.
The good news Technology hascome a long way and there are so

(00:25):
many incredible gadgetsdesigned to make independent
living not just easier, but alsomore enjoyable.
So in today's episode, we'regoing to review some of the most
useful tech and gadgets thatsupport independent living.
Whether you're looking forsmart home devices, health and
safety solutions or just somecool tools to make daily life

(00:46):
more convenient, we've got youcovered All right.
Here we go.
First up, let's talk about smarthome devices.
These little pieces of tech canhave a huge impact on making
your home more accessible anduser-friendly.
First thing is smart speakersand voice assistants.
You probably already know aboutdevices like the Amazon Echo,

(01:10):
also known as Alexa, the GoogleNest or Apple's HomePod.
These voice-activatedassistants are like having a
personal helper on call 24-7.
You can use them to setreminders for medications,
appointments or even when towater your plants.
You can use them to controlother smart devices like lights,

(01:31):
thermostats, door locks.
Just by using your voice, youcan call family members or even
emergency services hands-free.
You can play music, get thenews or even ask fun trivia
questions to stay engaged.
And the best part, they'resuper easy to set up and use.
Next is smart thermostats.

(01:53):
A smart thermostat like theNest or Ecobee can help regulate
your home's temperatureautomatically.
You can control it from yourphone, or even ask Alexa or
Google to adjust it for you.
This not only keeps youcomfortable, but can also help
to save on energy and lowerutility bills.
Plus, some models can learnyour habits and adjust the

(02:17):
temperature accordingly.
How about smart lighting?
Ever wished you could turn thelights on without getting out of
bed?
Well, smart bulbs like thePhilips Hue or LIFX can be
controlled with a voiceassistant or even a smartphone
app.
You can set schedules, dim thelights or even change colors to

(02:38):
create the perfect ambiance.
Plus, motion-activated lightscan be installed in hallways and
bathrooms to prevent nighttimefalls.
Devices like the Ring or theNest doorbell will let you see
and talk to whoever is at yourdoor without even having to get
up.
Pairing this with a smart lockmeans you can let trusted family

(03:00):
members, caregivers or evendelivery people in without
having to fumble with your keys.
Now let's move on to gadgetsthat focus on health and safety,
because peace of mind ispriceless.
A medical alert system likeLife Alert or Bay Alarm Medical
can be a literal lifesaver.
These devices often come aswearable pendants or wristbands

(03:23):
with a button that, when pressed, contacts emergency services or
a loved one.
Many of them also offer falldetection, which automatically
calls for help if it senses asudden impact.
How about smart medicationdispensers?
If keeping track of yourmedications feels overwhelming,
a smart pill dispenser might bea game changer.

(03:45):
Devices like MedMinder or Herodispense the right meds at the
right time and send reminders ifa dose is missed.
Some even notify a caregiver orfamily member if a dose isn't
taken.
Fitness and health wearableslike the Apple Watch, fitbit or
Garmin can track your heart rate, activity levels and even

(04:09):
detect falls.
Some smart watches also includeECG monitoring, blood oxygen
tracking and emergency callfeatures.
It's like having a mini healthassessment on your wrist.
How about smart bathroom safetygadgets?
There are now smart toiletswith bidet functions,

(04:35):
self-cleaning features and eventemperature controlled seats.
Plus, devices like anti-slipbath mats that have heat sensors
can alert if someone if someonefalls and the bathroom floor
becomes too slippery, whichreduces the risk of falls.
How about tech for stayingconnected and engaged?
Social connection is just asimportant as physical safety, so

(04:58):
let's talk about some tech thathelps with that.
I'm thinking about GrandPad anduser-friendly tablets, because
standard tablets can be trickyfor some, but devices like the
GrandPad or Amazon Fire tabletthat have accessibility features
make video calling, sendingmessages and browsing the

(05:19):
internet a breeze.
These are designed with largebuttons, simple interfaces and
fewer distractions.
They're fantastic for keepingin touch with family and friends
.
For those with hearingdifficulties, captioned
telephones like the Captel orClearCaptions phone display
real-time captions ofconversations.

(05:40):
If you prefer a moretraditional phone but need
better volume control, amplifiedphones like those from Clarity
can significantly boost soundclarity.
Did you know that virtualreality can be great for older
adults?
Devices like the Oculus Questoffer apps specifically designed

(06:01):
for relaxation, memory care andeven virtual travel.
Imagine taking a trip to Parisor walking through a rainforest,
all from the comfort of yourhome.
Lastly, let's talk abouteveryday tools that can just
make life a little easier.
Vacuuming can be a hassle, buta robotic vacuum like the Roomba

(06:22):
or Eufy can take care of it foryou.
There are even robotic mops nowthat can keep floors clean with
minimal effort.
Arthritis or reduced gripstrength can make opening jars
and holding utensils tough, soautomatic jar openers and
ergonomic utensils with built-uphandles can make mealtime much

(06:44):
easier and more enjoyable.
Smart plugs let you turnappliances on or off remotely
using your smartphone or voiceassistant.
It can even set schedules forthings like the coffee maker,
your lamps or space heaters, soyou wake up to a warm and
well-lit home.
Well, I know that was a lot oftech talk, but I hope this list

(07:06):
gave you some great ideas on howto use technology to make
independent living easier, saferand more enjoyable.
From smart home devices andhealth gadgets to tools that
keep you connected and engaged,there's no shortage of options
to help you or your loved onesage in place with confidence.
Do you have a favorite gadgetor piece of technology that's

(07:29):
made a big difference in yourlife?
We'd love to hear about it.
Send us a message or leave us acomment, and if you found
today's episode helpful, be sureto subscribe to the Aging in
Place Directory podcast so youdon't miss out on future
episodes that are packed withuseful tips and resources.
So thanks for tuning in anduntil next time, stay safe and

(07:53):
stay connected.
Thanks for listening.