News NOW the choices
Best Medicine Dispenser
Learn more
Best home voice assistant
Learn more
Best smart plugs
Learn more
Best hearing aid device
Learn more
As are the Americans live longer than everolder adults are increasingly prioritizing aging in place, which means living safely, comfortably and independently in their homes and communities for as long as possible. “It’s about maintaining routines, dignity and connections with people and places that are familiar to them,” says Dr. Lakelyn Eichenbergergerontologist and health care advocate Instead of home. “But getting there often requires thoughtful planning, support systems and proactive safety measures. » Technologies that solve the problems of older people and integrate seamlessly into their lives can help them. Smart devices, wearable health monitoring devices, medication dispensers and, more often, allow them to live independently and provide peace of mind to their loved ones.
I spoke with experts about the best technology to help seniors maintain their independence and put together a list of gadgets that match their recommendations. If you are a caregiver, I also share tips on how caregivers can help their loved ones integrate these devices into their lives.
Want to learn more about NBC Select? Register for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.
The best technology for seniors who want to maintain their independenceTo recommend the best technology that helps seniors maintain their independence, I found some highly rated options that match expert advice (read more about this here), many of which have been tested by NBC Select staff. It’s important to note that “technology can support independence in meaningful ways, but only if it is accessible, powered, and easy to use,” says Eichenberger. I’ve included some tips on how to integrate this technology into your life and how caregivers can help. below.
Additionally, while these gadgets are helpful, other home modifications may be necessary for you to age in place safely and comfortably. Dr. Zeeshan Khanthe head of the geriatric medicine department of Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Centerrecommends having a professional home security assessment performed to cover all your bases.
Best Smart Medicine DispenserMedication errors, such as missing doses and taking the wrong pill at the wrong time, are one of the leading causes of hospitalization among older adults, Khan says. Using an automated system pill dispenser and a reminder system like Mobi’s is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of errors. It has enough compartments to plan up to 28 days of treatment, and when it’s time to take your pills, an alarm sounds and a light flashes to alert you. If you connect the device to the Mobi app, which caregivers can also access, a notification appears on your phone or tablet. When the time comes, the device automatically rotates to the correct compartment, opening only enough for you to remove the pills you need to take.
This dispenser comes with rotating trays and customizable dosing rings. You can use its touchscreen or app to program medication schedules and adjust alert settings. The dispenser detects when you take medications out of a compartment, which the app keeps a log of, and it has a battery backup. Even if your power goes out while the Mobi is plugged in, you will be able to use it. The UV resistant cover also has a built-in key lock.
Best smart plugs“Smart home devices can help older adults manage their daily tasks more easily and safely without the need to climb stairs or dark rooms,” says Eichenberger. Wi-Fi enabled Kasa smart socketsdelivered in a pack of four, are a perfect example: once you have connected the lamps, the fanssmall kitchen appliances and other appliances, you can control them from anywhere using the brand’s app or voice commands. The app also lets you set schedules and timers for each device associated with an outlet, saving you the hassle of having to think about turning off your device. humidifier after hours of lighting or turn on the lamps in the living room when the sun goes down for example. The plugs are also compact, so they won’t block your second outlet and you can stack several next to each other.
Every expert I spoke with says the most beneficial way for seniors to use smart plugs is with lamps. “Poor lighting is one of the most overlooked problems and significantly increases the risk of falls,” says Israel Crosspublic health gerontologist, aging and care strategist, and CallieCare advise. In addition to being a safety issue, especially since older adults’ vision can change over time, darkness can also be confusing, Eichenberger says.
Once you pair a lamp with a smart plug, you can turn it on and off without walking to a light switch or encountering hazards like stairs. You can also set schedules, such as for lamps to turn on at the same time your morning alarm goes off so your room is bright before you get out of bed. Since the app lets you control your lights even when you’re not home, you can also make sure the lights are on before you enter.
Best smart bulbsIf you want to control your lights remotely but don’t want to use a smart plug, or if you have high hats in your home, try Govee’s smart bulbs. Once you pair them with the Govee app, you can turn them on and off from anywhere, set timers and schedules, control them via voice commands, and adjust their color and brightness settings. For those installing multiple smart bulbs in their home, the app lets you group specific lights so you can control them all together, as well as individually.
Best home voice assistantVoice assistants help seniors maintain routines by allowing them to set hands-free reminders, alarms and timers, and get quick answers to questions, says Julie Brownan AgeTech gerontologist, a certified aging-in-place specialist, and a CallieCare advise. Alexa, Amazon’s voice assistant, is integrated into the Echo pointa popular smart alarm clock with an LED screen, so you get visual and audio cues. You can ask Alexa to create wake-up, bedtime, and mealtime alarms; set reminders about tasks, appointments, to-do list items, events, and medications; and start timers, like for baked foods. The virtual assistant will answer questions on almost any topic, including the weather or traffic in your neighborhood. The Echo Spot, which pairs with the Alexa app, also connects to some smart devices like smart plugs, lights, and thermostats if you want to control them via voice commands. Additionally, it acts as a Bluetooth speaker to stream music, audiobooks and podcasts.
Best smart lockWith this Wi-Fi enabled smart deadbolt door lock, you don’t have to worry about forgetting your key or having trouble using it if you have mobility limitations due to arthritis, for example. Instead, you can unlock it with your fingerprint, a PIN, voice commands, or the Philips app (a key comes with the lock as a backup). The app also lets you lock and unlock your door remotely, send you alerts, and keep an activity log so you always know who’s coming and going. You can create up to 100 unique, permanent or scheduled access codes for your loved ones and caregivers so they have access in case of emergency. You can also set the door to automatically lock within 10 to 180 seconds after you leave.
Best hearing aid deviceDevices that increase volume help strengthen social connections among older adults with hearing loss, Brown says. Beyond using Apple AirPods Pro 3 to customize the volume of calls, music, and other types of media, you can perform hearing test with them and carry them like hearing aids. First, you take the hearing test, which you access in your iPhone’s Settings app under “your AirPods” or in the Health app. Once you get your results, you can start using AirPods as hearing aids – the headphones Use hearing test results to customize sound settings for voices, media, and phone calls. You can also manually adjust the volume, frequency, tone, left-right balance and more as needed, and download your Apple hearing test results to share with your doctor. If you recently took a hearing test from a doctor, for example, you can use them to set up AirPods as hearing aids by downloading a copy.
It’s also important to note that the AirPod Pro 3 has built-in sensors that track heart rate and calories burned using Apple Fitness and other compatible apps. This can help you, your doctor, and other caregivers monitor trends during physical activity.
Best Wearable for Health and Safety“Falls are common among older people, with around one in three adults over the age of 65 falling each year,” says Khan. “Wearable devices can automatically detect a fall and call for help, allowing for faster emergency response.” A smart watch like the Apple Watch SE 3, it’s a particularly interesting option. Not only does it have fall detection, but it also offers remote health monitoring, tracking your activity, sleep, heart rate, and blood oxygen level. It also has car accident detection and little t send you notifications about low or high heart rate, episodes of sleep apnea, irregular heart rhythms through Apple’s ECG app, and concerns about risk of falling due to lack of walking stability. “These devices have the potential to detect changes in health status earlier and reduce the number of emergency room visits,” says Khan. Since all your data is stored in the Apple Health and Fitness apps, you can easily share it with doctors and other caregivers. Additionally, you use the watch to make calls and send text messages, and the Siri voice assistant is built-in.
Best smart home monitorHome monitoring technology like smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can help seniors and families identify risks early, and they add an extra layer of reassurance for everyone around the clock, says Eichenberger. Kiddie’s battery-powered Wi-Fi detector pairs with the Ring app, which sends you notifications if it detects smoke or carbon monoxide, and sounds an alarm inside your home. (No Ring device or subscription is required for use.) You can also give your loved ones and caregivers access to your detector through the Ring app, so they receive notifications if something goes wrong.
Best tablet“Video calling devices like tablets and other simplified communication devices can help older adults stay socially connected, which is especially important to combat isolation and loneliness,” says Eichenberger. The Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet has a built-in camera for video calls and telemedicine visits, and it comes with the Alexa voice assistant, allowing you to set alarms, timers, and reminders hands-free, as well as ask questions. You can adjust the brightness, text size, and other tablet settings based on your preferences, and download apps to read, listen to music, watch TV and movies, play games, take classes, manage smart home devices and much more The Fire HD 10 gives you up to 13 hours of battery life on a single charge, depending on the brand.
How I chose the best technology for seniorsExperts recommend thinking about the following things when purchasing technology that helps seniors maintain their independence, which I considered when making the selection above.
What problem does this solve?:The most effective technology for seniors solves real problems, fits seamlessly into their lives, and eliminates (not adds to) stress and worry for them and their loved ones, says Cross. He recommends asking three questions before purchasing technology for yourself or a loved one: Does it really improve daily life? Does it promote independence and quality of life? Is it realistic and easy to use over time? If the answer is yes to all three questions, this is a useful tool.Ease of use: “Choose technology that feels intuitive and accessible,” says Eichenberger. “Features like large buttons, voice activation, simple displays and minimal setup steps can make a big difference. »Security and Privacy Protections: “Secure passwords, scam alerts and settings designed to help protect seniors from fraud and protect their personal information,” says Eichenberger. Required apps and devices: Many gadgets require a Wi-Fi connection for you to access their full range of benefits or pair them with an app on your phone or tablet. Make sure the technology you buy for yourself or a loved one is compatible with your existing home Internet setup and devices.Tips for Caregivers: How to Introduce New Technologies to Older AdultsBe proactive, not reactive:Focus on adding technology and other tools to older adults’ lives before a problem or crisis occurs, not afterward, Cross says. He recommends having ongoing conversations with your loved ones well before they turn 80, for example. The sooner you can help them add things to their lives that make their home life safer and more comfortable, the better the long-term results will be.Choose technology together: Don’t impose technology on your loved one. Involve them in choosing a device by asking them what problem they want it to solve, what they want it to add to or make their lives easier, and what their concerns are. Suggest devices from there and focus on their practical day-to-day benefits – don’t go into detail, which can be confusing.Talk about gadgets as helping to maintain independence, not replacing it: Instead of saying your loved one “needs help,” focus conversations about new gadgets on how they will help them maintain independence, improve their quality of life, and thrive at home, says Khan. Older adults may also be more likely to adopt devices if you connect them to something meaningful, like the ability to stay in touch with friends, children, and grandchildren.Introduce one gadget at a time: “One of the biggest mistakes families make is introducing too much technology too quickly,” says Eichenberger. “It’s important to start small and focus on tools that solve a specific challenge or improve daily life in a meaningful way. »Do practical demonstrations: When teaching your loved one how to use a new device, it’s best to do it in person. Sit down together, discuss each step, and allow them to practice and ask questions in real time, Brown says. Patience is very important here: making someone feel rushed decreases their chances of feeling confident with a product and may cause them to give up on using it. Your loved one may need a few hands-on demonstrations to master the device, and repetition is key, so encourage them to use it in their daily life.Provide instructions for future reference: Often when it comes to technology, the biggest obstacle older adults face is the confidence to use it, says Khan. After you demonstrate and practice together, leave easy-to-read instructions for your loved one to refer to. You can type instructions in large print and print them for them, or even make videos and voice recordings of them. Designate a “technical support” person“Set expectations early on about who in the family will serve as the go-to person for ‘tech support,’” says Eichenberger. “Having a trusted contact to resolve troubleshooting questions or configuration issues can reduce frustration for the older adult. »Use technology learning programs and groups: If you can’t always be there to help your loved one with their technology, lean on programs and groups that provide support. For example, many local libraries and community centers offer technical learning sessions, and AARP also has a helpline seniors can call with technical questions.Create a home charging station: If your loved one uses a rechargeable device, help them create a dedicated charging station with all the supplies they will need. Also suggest they create a daily habit of plugging in their devices, like before going to bed, for example.Reassess needs over time: Your loved one’s needs will change over time, so flexibility and consistent check-ins are crucial. Cross recommends constantly checking in on what’s working or not working for your loved one and whether their current living situation is becoming unsafe or unsustainable.Meet our expertsAt NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Dr. Zeeshan Khan is the head of the geriatric medicine department at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center.Dr. Lakelyn Eichenberger is a gerontologist and health care advocate Instead of home.Julie Brown is an AgeTech gerontologist, certified specialist in aging in place and CallieCare advise.Israel Cross is a public health gerontologist, aging and care strategist, and CallieCare advise.Why trust NBC Select?I am a journalist at NBC Select which covers various topics including health, wellness and fitness. For this article, I interviewed four experts on the best technology to help seniors maintain their independence and recommended products based on their advice. I also shared information about technology for seniors in a related NBC News NOW broadcast segment.
Find NBC Select’s in-depth coverage at technology and tools, well-being and more, and follow us Facebook, Instagram, Twitter And TikTok to stay up to date.