Connected at home by technology

 

Technology offers many opportunities to help older adults live at home. The pandemic has shown us the need for technology to help keep older adults living at home safe and connected. Older Canadians are embracing the idea that technological advances can help them safely live in their own homes longer and stay independent and active, better able to manage their health and overcome loneliness.

Connected technologies and tools

How smart is your home? From the front door to the backyard and every area of our homes, technology is changing our daily lives, allowing older adults and their caregivers to control and perform everyday tasks and activities remotely for greater safety and efficiency.

  • Media entertainment (Internet-connected audio systems and speakers)

  • Health and wellness management (remote monitoring and tracking health status)

  • Security management (security cameras and door locks)

  • Energy and resource management (lights and thermostats)

  • Convenience and comfort (washing machines and blinds)

Robotic technologies

Robotic technologies are rapidly developing with the potential to help older adults live at home, many providing practical assistance with daily tasks.

Companion robots

Address health and psychological well-being, including social isolation.

Telepresence robots

Provide two-way communication and help with social isolation.

Manipulator robots

Carry things and support independent living through arm-like attachments.

Rehabilitation robots

Provide mobility assistance, such as wheelchairs and assistance with walking.

Health-monitoring robots

Monitor physical health status (weight, sleeping patterns and blood pressure). Send feedback to caregivers.

Reminder robots

Assist with medication management and appointments.

Domestic robots

Help with daily living tasks (cleaning and cooking).

Entertainment robots

Provide connection to the arts and entertainment.

Fall detection

Help prevent or detect falls.

Almost one in three Canadians over 65 is caring for an aging parent.

Technology and aging in Canada

AGE-WELL is a Canadian network that brings people and organizations together to develop technologies and services for healthy aging.  An Environics poll commissioned by AGE-WELL indicates that over 50 per cent of older adults have taken advantage of telehealth appointments during the pandemic and that there is an increasing trend towards using voice-assisted technologies and wearables and connecting online. 

The AGE-WELL report Technology and Aging at Home focuses on future possibilities for the “tech-enabled home” for older adults and the issues that must be addressed to enable significant advancements.

74% feel comfortable using technology

86% say they are online at least once daily

63% have a Facebook account

58% own a smartphone, with 93% reporting they feel their devices are easy to use

 

Supporting caregivers

Almost one in three Canadians over 65 is caring for an aging parent. Caregivers for older adults living at home also benefit from technology, relying on alarm and monitoring systems, telecare, tracking and sensing devices and online systems to co-ordinate care. Access to digital information, online communities and follow-up advice helps caregivers with problem-solving and provides emotional and psychological support. The tangible benefits of technologies include more social connection, reduced caregiving hours and fewer hospital readmissions. Research indicates improvements for caregivers in quality of life, coping, decision-making and psychological health with less anxiety, depression, stress, burden, irritation and isolation.

 

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Designing the future

The pandemic has reinforced the need for technology to help keep older adults safe in their homes while connecting wirelessly with families and friends, engaging in new learning and accessing healthcare providers. Older adults welcome new technology and prefer a person-centred approach to support regular use. With an ever-expanding suite of connected technologies, tools and robotics, older adults will be able to access promising innovations and better ways to save energy, maintain health and wellness, feel connection and be entertained.

  • What helps?

    • Older adults’ positive attitude and confidence in using technology. Research shows that older adults have a positive attitude towards technology. This attitude comes with a perceived confidence.

    • A person-centred approach to implementation. One size does not fit all when it comes to offering new technologies to older persons. There is a need for person-centred guidance, training, peer mentoring and follow-up.

  • What hinders?

    • Lack of access to reliable and affordable Internet. Internet access has become seen as a necessity, on par with electricity and clean water. Over 94 per cent of Canadians now have Internet access; however, cost is a prohibitive factor to Internet use among older adults.

    • Fading interest and engagement with new technology. Engagement with new technology along with its positive health outcomes has been reported as fading over time as older adults lose interest.

Food for thought

  1. What experiences and lessons from COVID-19 related to older adults using technology can we build on and carry into the future? 

  2. What things are important to consider in developing technology for older adults to ensure it is person-centred and meets the needs of older adults wanting to stay in their homes?

  3. How can we ensure that older adults are engaged in the discussion around digital technology development?

  4. What is your comfort level with integrating technology into care and support? What questions or concerns do you think need to be addressed about the use of technology for monitoring and assistance in the home?

  5. How might digital technology support isolated seniors living in remote or rural areas? What cautions or barriers might need to be addressed?

Additional resources

The Path Forward for Aging in Canada discussion paper

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