According to the WHO, one in six people worldwide will be over the age of 60 by 2030. The number of people aged 80 or older is also likely to triple between 2020 and 2050. Over half of nursing homes in the United States already have a waiting list for new residents, according to AHCA/NCAL, and nearly half are limiting new admissions. The situation is just as dire in many other countries.
As a result, many older adults are being encouraged to age in place, which means staying in their own homes and communities independently rather than moving into nursing homes or assisted living facilities. While home care and simple home upgrades are making it easier for many older adults to age in place, a number of technological advancements are also helping.
Medical Alert Wearables
In addition to having a home care company check in to provide the care an older adult needs, they can also experience peace of mind with a medical alert wearable. These smartwatches and pendants are designed to detect falls with built-in motion sensors and automatically alert emergency services or family members.
Medical alert wearables also have buttons to push, connecting the wearer to a 24/7 response center. In the event of a fall, injury, or illness, they can access the help they need without having to alert someone outside the home or use a telephone.
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Telehealth Appointments
For many older adults, there are significant barriers to accessing healthcare. A lack of transport and poor mobility often means they put up with health challenges longer than they should, with the potential for them to worsen.
Thanks to a digital transformation in healthcare, older adults can discuss their ailments with a healthcare professional without leaving the comfort of their own home. They can simply text, call, or have video calls with their doctor through a secure app or digital tool, and access the help they need when they need it.
Smart Health Monitors
Smart health monitors are wearable trackers that record blood pressure, heart rate, and daily activity levels. Many models also have fall detection and SOS. While anyone can buy smart health monitors or use those built into their mobile devices, more advanced monitors are available for older adults.
Provider-connected health monitors can automatically upload blood pressure, glucose, and heart data to clinical portals. They can also notify healthcare providers to provide remote monitoring or in-person healthcare if any vital signs are unsafe. Smart health monitors are integral to early medical intervention.
Automated Pill Dispensers
Many older adults struggle with their medication needs. One study on medication adherence reported that one-third of participants forget to take their medication. Ten percent admitted to being careless with it.
With many older adults on multiple prescription medications at any one time, the risk of forgetting to take them or not following instructions is high. That’s where technological advancements in pill dispensers come in. Automated pill dispensers feature lockable compartments, rotating internal trays, and programmable alarms. These help ensure proper medication management and reliably dispense the correct doses at scheduled times, preventing missed or duplicate doses.
Achieving aging in place is not guaranteed for everyone, but modern technology offers significant support. Innovations like telehealth services, wearable medical alerts, and remote health monitoring can often improve the chances of timely intervention and immediate emergency aid. The more support that’s available in a home environment, the easier it may be for older adults to remain in their own communities for longer.
