Last week, we discussed strategies for quickly and inexpensively renovating a home, with an eye towards creating a safe, comfortable environment for aging in place. (Upwards of 90% of people over 65 express a strong desire to remain in their homes for as long possible, we should note.) Today, we turn our attention to the growing role of age tech as an important factor in supporting older adults who wish to age in place.
Age Tech. What is it, exactly?
Industry experts broadly define Age Tech as tools that support older adults. We’d push that further, to include tools that support caregivers entrusted with the health, safety and well-being of people growing older at home. In a recent New York Times article, Laurie Orlov, founder of the blog Aging and Health Technology Watch, has definition we find particularly relevant, “…technology that helps older adults stay longer in their homes and helps their family members feel good about it or at least tolerate it.” Notably, aging in place and the growing role of age tech are at the heart of this transformation.
According to AARP, 25% of caregivers already remotely monitor loved ones with apps, video or wearables — nearly twice as many as were using these technologies just 5 years ago. With aging in place now more common, the growing role of age tech makes these solutions even more accessible.
Here are examples of commonly used Age Tech solutions, which underscore how aging in place and the growing role of age tech is becoming increasingly central:
- Smart walkers that track and alert caregivers to changes in gait, as well as other balance issues.
- Smart glasses that provide real-time captions for those with age-related hearing issues.
- Concierge services that connect older folks to drivers and deliveries, even if they don’t have smart phone.
More advanced offerings include, reflecting aging in place alongside the expanding role of age tech:
- Programs that allow people to make video calls through their televisions.
- Robotic emotional support pets.
- Home-based radar that senses falls.
You bet there’s a role A.I.
Today, no discussion of technology would be complete without mentioning Artificial Intelligence. Indeed, older adults are already using conversational A.I. to access weather reports and information about their prescriptions, which only furthers aging in place by leveraging the growing role of age tech.
A.I can also alert caregivers to changes in speech or the frequency of leaving the house, things that may indicate issues with cognition or mental health. In fact, aging in place and the expanding role of age tech make these innovations increasingly valuable for monitoring wellbeing.
Tabletop companions are another burgeoning A.I.-powered tool. Often no larger than a small table lamp, these devices promise both practical and emotional support: Reminding people to take medications or drink water, asking how a person slept, telling jokes and asking questions are all part their companionship capabilities. For many, aging in place is enhanced by the growing role of age tech like these devices.
The promise of Age Tech works both ways.
Interestingly, the benefits of Age Tech are closely related for both caregivers and those being cared for. It’s clear that aging in place and the growing role of age tech intersect to create positive outcomes:
- Independence — technologies that make it easier for older people to live on their own also allow their loved ones to weave caregiving into their lives, without the responsibility taking over their lives.
- Confidence — technology and services that give older folks the sense that they can live independently also empower families and professional caregivers with the knowledge that they, too, have what it takes to manage the situation. The growing role of age tech is vital for aging in place with dignity and self-assurance.
Still, the proven, and potential, benefits of Age Tech also come with concerns. For example:
Caregivers should be open with the elderly about privacy issues. For starters, put yourself in the older person’s shoes. Would you comfortable with the level of monitoring and health information sharing being suggested? Keep in mind, research shows adult children often underestimate how much parents understand technology, as well as the degree to which they want to be involved in technology-related decisions. In light of aging in place and the growing role of age tech, being transparent is vital for fostering trust.
In conclusion: Age Tech is just getting started
This is only a cursory look at the technology critical to making aging in place a workable strategy. Advances, benefits and issues will continue. What won’t change is the importance of understanding these ongoing evolutions, as aging in place and the growing role of age tech go hand-in-hand for seniors and families. Doing so makes you an even more valuable partner to older people and their families.
And that’s something no technology can replace.
