A common misconception associated with older adults is that they don’t understand or want to use emerging technology in their daily lives, but that isn’t true for every senior. In fact, the number of older adults (65 and older) who own a smartphone has increased over the years from 61% in 2021 to 76% in 2024 with 17% of seniors being considered “smart phone dependent” according to the Pew Research Center. But older adults are using more than just smartphones to make their lives easier, safer, and more enjoyable—and senior living communities are quickly following suit.
Let’s explore some of the latest innovations in senior living and how these up and coming technologies are improving so many older adults’ lives.
Breaking Down New Innovations in Senior Living
Innovations in the Living Space
Socialization is heavily encouraged in senior living, and many communities offer a multitude of activities, classes, and programs to get residents out of their living spaces and into communal areas and interacting with others. While this plays an important role in how older adults thrive in senior living communities, the reality is that seniors still spend downtime alone in their own space. Fortunately, there’s technology that can ensure when they’re alone that safety, engagement, and convenience are all still possible.
According to Forbes, smart devices can help accomplish everyday tasks that often fall on senior living workers, which saves time for staff to focus on larger concerns and provides an immediate resolution for the older adult who needs assistance. Technology such as smart home systems enable older adults to control lights, blinds, thermostats, and more using their phones, or they can even set a schedule where these basic needs are covered and occur automatically.
Other popular innovations found in seniors’ residential spaces include motion and pressure sensors and emergency response systems that alert staff, and even emergency response services in some cases, if someone has fallen or if there’s unusual activity that a staff member might need to check in on. These environmental innovations are especially helpful for older adults who have mobility issues or have had falls in the past.
With the rise of smart devices, it’s no surprise that voice-activated assistants are becoming more popular in senior living communities. In fact, in a 2021 study from eMarketer, 41% of older adults (65+) preferred using Amazon Alexa as their voice assistant of choice, with 28% preferring Siri (Apple), 23% preferring Google Assistant, 6% preferring Cortana (Microsoft), and 2% preferring Bixby (Samsung). Simply by using their voice, older adults can complete tasks, set reminders for important things like taking a medication or fun plans like an upcoming lunch with friends, connect virtually with loved ones, and even have their questions answered in seconds through a quick voice search. With the efficiency, ease, and accessibility of these devices, it’s not shocking that the number of older adult users continues to increase.
Innovations for Health, Wellness, and Engagement
Now that we’ve covered some of the innovations found in seniors’ living spaces, let’s discuss some of the devices that can help improve health, wellness, and engagement in senior living communities.
According to Forbes, technology can help senior living providers better monitor and track social determinants of health for their residents, as well as educate them on how to do this for themselves. Wearable devices—like glucose monitors for people who have diabetes or even Apple Watches that offer fall detection response and help people manage their heart rate, sleep, blood oxygen levels, and more—are a great tool for older adults to keep on them (literally). An added benefit of certain wearable health devices is that older adults can often use them for medication management or use the collected data to create a personalized wellness plan using artificial intelligence (AI).
Health and wellness support is also at seniors’ fingertips with telehealth appointments. This technology allows older adults to connect with their providers—including primary care providers, specialists, mental health professionals, psychiatrists, and more—without stepping foot outside of their senior living community. Telehealth is an extremely beneficial resource for older adults who may have difficulty leaving their community due to mobility issues or illness.
Last, but certainly not least, virtual reality devices are becoming a fan favorite among older adults. AP reports that a Stanford University study found a large majority of 245 participants (between the ages of 65 and 103) from 17 senior living communities across the U.S. claimed virtual reality improved how they felt and how they interacted with others in their senior living community. With virtual reality, older adults can explore their most far-fetched interests, interact with people from around the world, and most importantly, boost their engagement and cognitive functioning. Who wouldn’t want that?
So, Now You Know—Older Adults Can Benefit from Technology
While we only covered the tip of the iceberg of latest technological innovations that can improve seniors’ lives, the truth is older adults aren’t against technology as many people believe, and senior living communities are embracing this. If you plan to tour senior living communities in your area with or for your loved one, make sure to ask what technology the community and its residents are using to enhance the overall living experience. You might be surprised what you learn!
Silver Bridges Consulting is the industry expert when it comes to exploring senior living options and identifying the ultimate choice for you or your loved one. We support families throughout the process and help them find the ideal senior living community, including:
- Independent Living
- Assisted Living
- Memory Care
Contact us today to get started on a seamless, stress-free senior living search.
