When it comes to the use of digital and advanced technologies, the generational gap is rapidly narrowing.
Although seniors, in general, may not be as familiar with such technologies and often rely on younger family members when learning how to use new devices and systems, most older adults now use some form of technology to stay connected, feel protected or make their daily routine more convenient.
At the same time, use of technology for seniors — such as wearable devices that can detect health issues and smart home sensors capable of identifying changes in daily movement patterns — is gaining ground.
In short, greater adoption of technology is reshaping how older adults live at home. It’s also modernizing the senior care industry, including in communities like ours.
Senior Technology at The Vered
As a brand-new community offering assisted living and memory care, we’ve had the opportunity to incorporate certain types of technology for older adults from the very beginning.
The Vered uses a powerful mix of hardware, software and clinical expertise to support residents in our care. AUGI by Inspiren, one example of that hardware, is designed to help staff monitor patterns and events that could indicate the need for assistance. Unlike a camera that monitors or records a resident’s movements, AUGI is an AI-enabled tool that helps keep residents safe by analyzing movement signals in a room, detecting changes that might signal a problem. Such changes could include a resident struggling with mobility and shifting routines like when and how often they’re getting in or out of bed. The tech alerts staff to these changes, allowing them to tend to residents faster and helping reduce the risk of falls.
We also provide residents with wearable pendants that are connected to AUGI and will alert the staff if a fall should occur.
Go Icon, a software platform residents at The Vered can use to stay informed about what’s going on just outside their front door, is another example of tech usage in the community. By turning on their TV and selecting the Go Icon channel, residents have an easy way to access activity calendars, check out our menus, and livestream town hall meetings or life enrichment opportunities. This helps them stay engaged from the comfort of their own apartment-home when social distancing or feeling under the weather.
Many residents have embraced artificial intelligence (AI). Some use an AI-powered assistant, such as Amazon’s Alexa, to turn their lights and home entertainment systems on and off, provide reminders and get information about nearly anything. Most use a variety of digital streaming services to watch their favorite movies and shows.
How One Resident Is Using Technology To Break the Ice
Dr. Michael Blumenfield, who began his career as a psychiatrist in the ’60s, has put his previous experience as a radio show host and podcaster to excellent use since he became part of our community this spring.
He’s been interviewing neighbors for his new podcast called “Voices From The Vered.” Not only has it been a great way to get to know other residents, but he also feels he’s contributing to the community.
The venture has been good for Dr. Blumenfield, and it’s been good for families who get to tune in for stories of their loved ones and their loved ones’ neighbors. “The purpose of the podcast was to give me something interesting to do,” Dr. Blumenfield says. “But I think others may also enjoy hearing about these extremely interesting people at The Vered!”
Technology Trends in Senior Healthcare
Senior care technology has made tremendous strides in the last several years, and many older adults are eager to embrace it. For instance, more seniors are using wearable devices like smartwatches to monitor their heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and sleep.
Some smartwatches also offer smartphone capabilities and can alert the wearer’s emergency contacts or 911 when warranted. Smartwatches and other wearable devices powered with AI can detect subtle changes that may indicate deteriorating health, permitting a more proactive and preventive approach to care.
A combination of technology and home care makes it possible for older adults to remain independent longer — though other factors such as social opportunities should also be considered. Even in senior living communities, advanced technology helps residents maintain a greater level of independence.
New in-home care technology can monitor seniors without using cameras, preserving their privacy. Along with identifying unusual patterns of activity, these systems can send alerts to staff when unanticipated periods of inactivity occur. Some can sense potentially problematic changes in room temperature and humidity, as well.
Virtual assistants can help with medication reminders and tasks such as making (and keeping up with) appointments. Smart pill dispensers can improve adherence by storing multiple months’ worth of medications and dispensing them at the proper dose and time.
AI Adoption Among Older Adults
Although seniors are still less likely to use AI technology than younger generations, a recent survey by AARP shows a steep increase in AI use among adults ages 50 and older. Just 18% of those AARP surveyed in 2024 said they had used AI. A year later, 30%, or nearly twice as many, said they had.
Roughly half of those who responded to the latest survey said they were using or were interested in AI-powered health devices.
For those interested in artificial intelligence , we’ve arranged for a volunteer high school student to offer regular sessions on AI for residents who want to know more about it. Attendance has been good so far, and we expect it to increase as we welcome more residents into the community.
Want To Know More About The Vered?
If you’re interested in learning more about our community and how the technology we have in place can make life more enjoyable, contact us. We’ll be happy to arrange a visit.
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