4 Ways IoT-enabled smart homes can make lives of elderly people easier

A study conducted by AARP (formerly American Association of Retired Persons), revealed that over 85 percent of the respondents over the age of 65 years would prefer to stay in their own homes for as long as they’re alive.

However, about 20 percent of Americans over the age of 70 years said that they find it extremely difficult to perform their everyday tasks in their homes by themselves and are unable to manage without the help of caretakers or community resources.

However, with the advent of revolutionary technologies such as internet of things (IoT) and sensor-connected devices can convert homes into smart homes and enable the senior residents to maintain their lifestyle with dignity.

As per the projection of the U.S. Census, 20 percent of the American population will be equal to or more than the age of 65 years. So it makes a lot more sense to equip homes with sensor-connected devices that will help elderly monitor their intake of water and medication, homes, and many more. Sensors are getting more discreet and compact and can assist in monitoring seniors’ tracker and even reorder their essentials for them, saving them trips outside their home.

Here are the ways how smart homes can enhance the lives of the elderly:

Connected home appliances:

Connected home appliances are equipped with sensors that are connected to the users’ personal smartphone app. These connected home appliances can be controlled remotely by the users. The sensor-equipped gadgets include geysers, thermostats, refrigerators, ovens, security systems, and lighting fixtures all connected to the Internet to help people to track and control their homes.

Connected homes can make the life of so much easier for elderly people those with mobility issues. Smart lighting systems can brighten and darken homes to help the elderly to get a good night’s sleep and wake up gently.

IoT-equipped alarm systems can detect falls or fires and call first responders or home intruders and call emergency contacts.

Connected utility supply

Sensors-equipped water tanks can sensor when water is low and IoT-connected pump switch can automatically run the motor to fill the tank. When water reaches the maximum level, the switch can turn itself off stop the pumping of water.

IoT-enabled inverters and generators can turn themselves on during load shedding and power cuts, making sure that elderly people are not without light and electricity during power cuts.

Monitoring medication consumption

IoT technology can solve the challenge of monitoring medicine consumption by elderly people. The monitoring of medication compliance of older people is required as they forget to take it on time or are in denial about sickness or want to avoid the side effects.

Sensor-equipped packaging can monitor the number of medicines left in a container and send notifications through a smartphone app when it’s time to reorder a prescription or take medication. Sensors-enabled technology can be used to avoid dehydration by which they can monitor the amount of water remaining in a container and alert an elderly person when it is time to take another drink.

Restocking daily items

Sensor-equipped containers can track the usage levels and alert consumers when the containers require a refill. Kitchen containers can inform when they’re running out of stock. Shampoo bottles can let you know when they have a little amount of shampoo. Sensor-equipped caps can also inform people when the expiry dates of the products are near. Manufacturers are beginning to integrate sensors to product packaging that can reorder a product automatically when it needs a refill.

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