Aging in Place in the Tech Hub

“Aging in place” means older people continue living in their own home or community as they age – and there are many tools, trends, and breakthroughs shaping that trend.

Innovations from smart home devices to AI‑powered safety tools are transforming how people can remain independent, safe, and connected in their own homes. These new devices are designed not just for the tech-savvy but for everyday users…and here are some tools you can take advantage of today.

One place to start is AgingInPlaceAI (https://ageinplace.ai/Home). It’s a platform designed to use a visitor’s completed online assessment survey to create AI-generated insights to identify hazards and explore solutions for aging in place safely. It offers personalized safety recommendations, along with a “safety score” for your home. The website also offers product links and suggestions for products to purchase that might make independent living safer.

Safety at the Stove

An unexpected phone call or package delivery can distract anyone, but a distraction while cooking has consequences: an unattended stove is the leading cause of kitchen and home fires. Automated stove alerts and shut-off devices can monitor a stove’s operation, sound an alarm and even cut the power or gas if left unattended.

The market for such devices – for gas and electric stoves – is growing and spans simple reminders like BurnerAlert (audible/visual knob reminders), or Smarturns, to sophisticated systems that can automatically turn a stove off, like FireAvert (auto shut-off via smoke detector sync)  or iGuardFire (motion-activated, auto-shutoff) or CTS Smart Sensors. Some can even contact a relative or caregiver when activated.

Emergency Response Technology

Tools like Alexa Emergency Assist and the Apple Watch SE 3 demonstrate new ways people living independently can call for help.

For the Alexa Emergency Assist, users who have an enabled Alexa device within earshot can simply call out for help from anywhere in the home and Alexa will call emergency services or a loved one – no need to remember to wear something or charge something.

Wearables like the Apple Watch can extend that safety net with features like automatic fall detection (calling 911 or a loved one if a hard fall is detected), heart‑rate monitoring, and location‑based alerts. Today, many modern smartwatches serve as helpful companions and communications tools in the event of an emergency. They allow older adults to stay active, track wellness, and get help automatically if something goes wrong.

Home Security

In today’s ever connected world, home security also plays a vital role in aging in place. Smart doorbells have been around since the Ring was introduced in 2013 and have now spawned many other models (check this list here). Video or smart doorbells show you who’s walked up to your home—but that’s just the start. Today’s video doorbells can recognize objects like packages, let you talk to visitors through two-way audio, and even use AI to speak on your behalf if you don’t feel like answering. Some models can also integrate with your home security system.

The tragic kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie from her Tucson home highlights another feature to consider in selecting a doorbell camera: does the model have an anti-theft alarm? Models include the Philips Wireless Video Doorbell, the Tapo Doorbell, or the Arlo Essential Video Doorbell Wired, among others. These and similar models generally sound a loud siren; others send instant mobile notifications if someone attempts to rip them off the wall or cut the power. These services generally require a subscription and familiarity with how to activate or de-activate the alarm to change batteries or reprogram.   

There are many variables to consider before making a purchase (wired vs. wireless, storage options, one time cost vs. a subscription, video quality, range of motion detection, night vision, etc.) so it pays to do your homework.

Water damage from burst or freezing pipes is one of the most common property damage issues homeowners in the U.S. file claims for. Homeowners are especially vulnerable to burst pipes during record cold spells.

With many players in this field (a list is here) you can choose from a simple device placed under the bathroom sink to a house-wide system of sensors powered by WiFi.  Before you buy, consider battery life, connectivity, how you want to be alerted, and an automatic shut-off feature. (After all, who wants to get an alert on your phone during your beach vacation that your pipes burst after a snowstorm back home?)

There are other developments in products that harness technology to respect our autonomy, support home safety, and enrich our daily lives; Senior Planet’s recent report from CES highlights other products that could help you age in place….and new technology is being developed and released every day.

YOUR TURN

Would any of these be helpful to you personally, is so, why? Do you use any other devices that are helpful in your home? We want to hear from you!

 

Jeff Rose is the Director of Special Initiatives at Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP. He has been at the forefront of the intersection between aging and technology for more than 15 years in a range of settings, including life-plan communities, community-based organizations, and an age-tech startup. Based in Chicago, Jeff is active in a variety of local aging and community organizations and enjoys sharing his knowledge about how technology can impact and benefit older adults.

 

The content on the Senior Planet website is intended strictly for general informational purposes and does not constitute an endorsement or warranty regarding privacy, security, permissions, or changes in terms of service. Please scrutinize each app’s or device’s privacy policy, terms of use, data collection or other permissions before downloading or using the app or the device.