I write about big data and AI technology for a living. However, I also live with older parents, which has made me think about the ways that AI can help them improve their lives.
As the population ages, we are becoming more aware of the health challenges that seniors face. Artificial intelligence is becoming more important as we strive to find solutions to this growing problem. One of the ways that AI technology is helping seniors live more comfortable lives is by providing new smart home technology.
Earlier this year, several researchers from Italy conducted a meta-analysis of 19 different studies on the benefits of smart home technology for aging seniors. The study found that seniors that used smart home technology had up to 15% higher quality of life than those that did not.
We mentioned that smart home technology can help with home security, but it can also be important for helping seniors living healthier lives. Growing evidence indicates that smart home technology is going to be very important as we strive to improve the quality of lives of seniors. Keep reading to learn more about some of the benefits it offers.
What Are Some Of The Benefits Of Smart Home Technology For Aging Seniors?
A number of new smart home technologies are making it easier for seniors to live healthy, comfortable lives. Some of the most significant are listed below.
Smart Lifts
A growing number of seniors are interested in installing smart lifts to improve mobility. This is particularly important for seniors that have needed knee or hip replacements.
One notable advantage of smart elevator systems is their ability to predict and address operational concerns before they escalate. Embedded monitoring technology promptly alerts operators to emerging problems and pinpoints their origins. According to home lift experts, this proactive approach to issue resolution not only saves on costs but also minimizes downtime significantly.
Medication Management
One of the biggest challenges that seniors face as they age is dealing with the pressing need to take medication. Keeping track of their medications to avoid accidental overdosing or missing doses is very important. The good news is that there are some promising smart medication systems that can help.
A 2020 study from Finland showed that these smart medication systems are very promising. Future research is likely to further demonstrate their effectiveness.
Smart medication systems enable precise control of medication schedules, dosages, and error detection. As these systems continue to advance, they hold the potential to become even more proficient in averting medication errors, enhancing adherence to medication regimens among older individuals, and liberating healthcare professionals to allocate their attention to other essential responsibilities.
Weight-Sensitive Pads
Through the utilization of weight-sensitive pads, motion sensors, pull cords, or call buttons, systems designed for fall prevention can relay alerts to caregivers when there is a heightened risk of a fall. These monitoring solutions enhance both the independence of the person receiving care and the capabilities of the caregiver.
Smart Thermostats
Over the recent years, there has been a consistent surge in the appeal of smart thermostats. These cutting-edge gadgets possess the capacity to autonomously learn and adjust to the unique habits and desires of users, thereby enhancing energy efficiency while ensuring optimal comfort. Their seamless integration with smart home ecosystems, voice assistants, and smartphones has revolutionized the way we control and maintain our indoor environment.
Smart thermostats hold the promise of transforming the experience of aging gracefully by establishing a secure, energy-conscious, and cozy home setting for seniors. Their capacity to align with users’ preferences, elevate comfort, and seamlessly mesh with smart home networks positions them as a priceless resource for enhancing the overall quality of life. As these innovations progress, it becomes essential for both individuals and caregivers to embrace the advantages they provide. Embracing technology like smart thermostats enables us to actively contribute to the well-being and successful aging of our elderly population.
Smart Technology Can Solve Challenges that Aging Seniors Face
Our population is getting older, so we need to take advantage of all the options available to us to help them live happy, safe lives. We talked about the benefits of AI with healthcare, but smart home technology is showing a lot of promise. We should continue investing in new smart home solutions to ensure they live the lives they deserve.