Age Comfortably With These Smart Home Devices for Seniors
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The number of seniors in New Zealand continues to grow and is projected to increase in the coming years. As of 2023, people aged 65 and older make up about 16.8% of New Zealand’s total population. Stats NZ said this will reach 1 million, representing roughly 19% of the total population, by 2028.
Maintaining the independence of ageing Kiwis is vital. Smart home devices for seniors are excellent tools to encourage independence and maintain a good quality of life.
5 Best Smart Home Devices for Seniors
Smart vacuum cleaners
Smart vacuum cleaners, also known as robotic vacuums, are autonomous devices designed to simplify home cleaning by automatically navigating and cleaning floors with minimal user intervention. Equipped with advanced sensors and mapping technologies, these vacuums can efficiently manoeuvre around obstacles, adapt to different floor types, and ensure thorough coverage of your living space.
Smart fall detection sensors
Smart fall detection sensors are devices designed to automatically identify when a senior has experienced a fall. New smart fall sensors utilise radar technology to detect falls without relying on cameras, buttons, or wearable devices, ensuring privacy and allowing placement in private areas such as bathrooms and bedrooms. When integrated into a smart home system, these vital devices provide immediate alerts to carers and emergency services, enhancing safety and response times.
Smart thermostats
These smart home devices for seniors help maintain a pleasant temperature without the need for manual adjustments, which is especially beneficial for those with mobility challenges or memory concerns. Many smart thermostats also support voice commands and integrate with popular virtual assistants, allowing temperature changes through simple spoken instructions.
Smart kitchen appliances
Smart kitchen appliances are designed to enhance safety, convenience, and independence for seniors, addressing common challenges such as limited mobility, vision impairments, and memory issues. Smart stoves and ovens often feature large, easy-to-read displays, simple controls, automatic shut-off functions, and timers that prevent accidents like leaving the stove on too long, thus reducing fire risks. Meanwhile, smart refrigerators track expiration dates and send alerts if the door is left open.
Smart security systems
Smart security systems include video doorbells and surveillance cameras, which let you see and communicate with visitors without needing to get up, reducing the risk associated with answering the door to strangers. There are also smart locks that enable seniors to grant access to trusted carers or family members remotely while also preventing unauthorised entry.
The smart home revolution is no longer limited to the young and tech-savvy. As smart home technology continues to evolve, it opens up new possibilities for us to enjoy a higher quality of life and remain confidently independent in our own homes.
