The best home tech for independent seniors

Whether they decide to stay on in their family home or downsize to a smaller one, a large number of retirees are choosing to "age in place" these days, and live independently for as long as they can among friends, family and neighbours in their own familiar communities.

And technology is making it increasingly easy for them to do so, says Gerhard Kotzé, MD of the RealNet estate agency group.

"Because lifespans have lengthened, senior homeowners who are 60 now are often a lot healthier and more active than their parents were at that age, and have no plans to move to an assisted-living facility for at least the next 10 or even 15 years. But they are increasingly making Smart home upgrades that can help them live a safer, more comfortable life."

These are some of the internet-enabled technologies most useful for those who are aging in place, he says:

Digital home security, which uses cameras and sensors to keep you safe, and can be linked to your security company. The system can be monitored from your smartphone and allows you to see who is at your property or in your home even when you are not there. Adding digital door locks means you don't have to worry about losing keys or remotes and also allows you to let family, friends or medical personnel in remotely if necessary. And you can system to check on your pets when you're out, or even to notify you if you leave doors or windows open by mistake.   

Installing smart lights means no more bruised shins in the dark and no more fumbling for light or lamp switches. Smart lights can be programmed to turn on and off at a voice command, or programmed according to a schedule so that it will seem as if there is someone home even when you're away on holiday. And if you've been delayed somewhere, you can also turn them on using your smartphone so you don't have to arrive home to a dark house.  

Emergency help systems. If you live alone, it's really important to have a quick way to get help in a medical or other emergency. Many security and medical aid companies now offer their clients wearable panic buttons that enable you to summon immediate help to your address if you fall, for example. There are also services that use the GPS system on your smartphone to find you and send medical or other help even when you're away from home. These are especially useful if you are in an accident, or are the victim of any kind of crime. Depending on your network, you can also use your smartphone to send emergency alerts and your location to certain family members or friends when you press and hold a certain number.

Digital assistance. A virtual assistant or home automation system like Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant will not only help you manage your digital security or smart lights, but can also be used to find and play music and audiobooks, stream podcasts, read you the news and weather reports, set alarms, make notes and put your to-do and shopping lists on your smartphone.

Reminder technologies are really great for seniors who are tending to become a little forgetful. These include things like a digital mediation dispenser that not only reminds you when to take your medication, but locks until it is time to take your next dose so that you don't have to worry about overmedicating. A digital monitor in your fridge can also take note of things you have run out of and remind you to buy them, while an automatic stove shut off will sense whether here is anyone near the stove and turn off the heat if it is unattended for a certain period.      

House robots. We may still be a few years away from having a humanoid helper in every home, but many individual home cleaning tasks have already been automated. For example, robot vacuums and mops are widely available and can ensure that you always have clean floors without any back-breaking effort. Even better, they and other Smart devices can all be controlled via your virtual assistant.