Living alone, back in the day, in the later years meant being dependent upon your family, neighbors, friends, and scheduled visits from professionals. However, thanks to the advancement of technology, staying safe, connected, and independent has been made possible, and smart home devices can be given some credit for it. Contrary to public perception, these tools are designed not just for the younger generation but for everybody.
Let’s dive into the must-have devices for a safer, smarter home, especially for a senior living alone.
These are, frankly, a must-have for seniors or anyone, really, who lives alone. However, let’s focus on seniors for this one, as falling for them is a major concern. Thankfully, now exist devices like smartwatches that automatically detect a fall and call an emergency response center or emergency contact, even if the person cannot press a button.
If we talk about a non-wearable sensor, for those wanting a less intrusive system, wall-mounted sensors or radars are available that constantly monitor movement patterns and detect a fall without having to wear anything.
They preserve privacy by analyzing movement, not using video, which is a great feature for anyone concerned about their privacy.
A voice-activated assistant, like Alexa, is quite useful as one doesn’t need a remote or physical buttons to operate them.
Seniors are, alas, often afflicted with limited mobility. In that case, voice command capabilities of these smart home devices could help them do numerous things, such as turning lights on/off, adjusting thermostats, locking doors, controlling music, etc.
Furthermore, they can be used to easily make hands-free calls to family or, in some cases, to emergency services. Also, they are fantastic for setting daily medication reminders, just staying on schedule.
Physical and digital security matter to you might assume the latter isn’t important for seniors, but that is far from the case.
In terms of more real-life safety, video doorbells and smart locks really make things convenient for the latter, as they now do not have to physically walk toward the door to speak with visitors or invite them in.
As your home becomes smarter, the need for proper cyber security help becomes evident. Every device connected to the internet, from your smart speaker to your fall detector, is a potential target if not secured properly. Considering how seniors are often specifically targeted by hackers and scammers due to their perceived vulnerability or lack of technical familiarity, it is even more important. For online data protection, the following tips must be followed:
This may seem obvious, but using strong passwords is the very first thing you can do. Most people use extremely simple and easy-to-guess passwords. Make sure that every smart device, router, and corresponding app has a unique, complex password. A password manager will be your best friend if you don’t want to deal with memorizing them all.
Where available, always use two-factor authentication, for this feature makes guessing someone’s password almost irrelevant, as in order to log in, the person would need to put in a second, ever-changing code which is sent directly to the owner’s phone or email.
Yes, we know updates can be annoying but you need to perform them as they show up. Manufacturers issue them to fix newly discovered security vulnerabilities, and ignoring them means you’re leaving yourself exposed to known vulnerabilities.
The integration of smart home devices into a senior’s life is empowering them to be independent, not taking independence away. By adopting a few key devices and maintaining a focus on simple cyber security help and strong online data protection, seniors can enjoy their golden years with more confidence and connection than ever before. Your smart home is waiting to make your life wonderfully easier and safer.
Q: DO I NEED TO BE A TECH EXPERT TO USE THESE DEVICES?
A: Absolutely not! The best smart devices for seniors are specifically designed to be simple and user-friendly, relying heavily on voice commands, large buttons, or easy-to-use smartphone apps often managed by a trusted family member or caregiver. Start with one simple device, like a smart speaker, to build confidence.
Q: WHAT IS A “PHISHING SCAM” IN THE CONTEXT OF SMART DEVICES?
A: Phishing is when scammers try to trick you into giving them sensitive information, like passwords or credit card numbers, usually through fake emails, text messages, or even malicious pop-ups that look legitimate. In a smart home context, a scammer might send an email pretending to be your device manufacturer, asking you to “verify” your password, which they then use to hack your device or related accounts.
Q: CAN A SMART SPEAKER OR ASSISTANT BE USED TO TRACK ME?
A: Smart speakers are listening for their “wake word” (like “Alexa” or “Hey Google”). While they record and process your requests in the cloud, reputable brands are committed to privacy. For maximum Online Data Protection, always check the privacy settings and mute the microphone physically when you don’t want it listening.
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