How Technology is Addressing "Aging in Place”

What is “Aging in Place” and Why is it Important in 2023? 

Aging in place is a term that refers to older adults (aged 65 and older) being able to live independently in their own homes without having to move to assisted living facilities. Although aging in place has always been important for seniors, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused an influx of older adults needing to stay in their own homes in order to prevent the spreading of the virus. As the population of older adults increases in the US, so does the need for assistive technologies and strategies that allow them to continue to live independently, decrease infection rates, and keep in touch with loved ones. 

Technology is quickly becoming the number one solution for allowing older adults to age in place. As care facilities get more expensive and staffing continues to dwindle, assistive technologies, smart devices and telemedicine are all ways to aid older adults in living in the comfort of their own homes. 

Types of Technologies Available 

Many types of technologies are available to aid older adults in aging in place. Assistive technology, for example, can be any type of item or software program that can improve the functional capability of a person with disabilities. They can help older adults adjust certain aspects of their homes, such as temperature and lighting, as well as answering the door.  

An example of an assistive device is smart speakers, such as Amazon Echo and Google Home which can be voice-controlled and help set reminders or even order groceries. Smart home security systems can also provide added peace of mind by allowing seniors to monitor their homes remotely and alerting them to any potential problems. Mobile applications can also be extremely helpful, as they can remind seniors to take medications, as well as remote patient monitoring devices that can track heart rate and blood pressure. 

Telemedicine also plays a large role in allowing older adults to age in place. The onset of COVID-19 pushed forward a new wave of telemedicine practices, allowing patients to stay at home while consulting with a practitioner. Despite the pandemic, being able to consult with a practitioner over video conferencing or other technologies can aid patients who have difficulty traveling or who live in rural areas. Telemedicine can also help seniors to stay connected with their healthcare providers and receive timely care, which can help to prevent minor health issues from becoming more serious.

Video conferencing technologies can also help seniors keep in touch with their loved ones if they feel isolated or have limited mobility. Zoom, Facetime or social media allow for instant communication and can combat loneliness. 

Challenges of Adopting Technology for Aging in Place

Technology can be an important tool in helping seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but it is not without its challenges. The biggest challenge of technology being used for aging in place is the process of learning how to use these technologies (also known as ‘adoption’). Many older adults can be resistant to using technology to aid them because of privacy concerns and simply because some technologies aren’t tailored to their needs. Visual impairments and manual dexterity problems are common in seniors, and if technology isn’t made with these aspects in mind, then using them can be difficult. Setting up devices can also be an issue, as it may be a new process for seniors. 

Using technology to help seniors age in place can also be costly. Home automation systems or telemedicine platforms are sometimes expensive, and seniors may not have the financial resources to afford them. There also are concerns around data privacy and security when using technology to help seniors age in place. It is important to ensure that any technology being used is secure and that sensitive personal information is protected. 

Finally, it is important to recognize that technology is not a one-size-fits-all solution for aging in place. While it can be a valuable tool, it is not a replacement for human interaction and support. It is important to consider the individual needs and preferences of seniors and to use technology in conjunction with other forms of support, such as home health care or social services.

Solutions and the Way Forward

Human-centered design would be the main way to solve the problems with adoption and implementation. This means having users in mind during all stages of the development process when creating a new product. In this instance, it would be essential for older adults to be involved in all stages, from inception to user testing. User interface and user experience designers should keep seniors in mind in order to adjust aspects such as font size, usability, and accessibility when creating an application, for example. 

Ensuring that seniors have help when setting up new technologies would also be a way to help with implementation, as they can become more familiar with what they’ll be using. This could include short training sessions or tutorials, or having professionals such as practitioners show them how to use their new tools so that they can continue to live independently. Financial aid can be provided for those who cannot afford some technologies, and security can be improved through password protection and two-factor authentication. 

Technology will only continue to make an impact on the world around us, and the role it plays in our lives is ever prevalent. Older adults are in need of these new ways to age in place, so that they can keep their autonomy and still feel attached to their surroundings and their loved ones. But these new technologies are not without their downfalls, and it is important to address these challenges so that seniors can continue to live comfortably and independently. 

SRG Software is currently engaged in several customer projects that directly or indirectly support aging in place.