Thanks to today’s smart technology, senior citizens have a much easier time remaining independent and self-sufficient. Due to the amount of smart tech out there, there is a vast number of devices that can improve your life. However, trying to decide which smart products are best for you is overwhelming to say the least. To help narrow down the options, I have compiled a list of the smart technologies most popular among seniors and explained how these devices can improve your quality of life or sense of security.
Smart Speaker: Amazon’s Echo (featuring Alexa)
Amazon’s Echo is far more than a wireless speaker to play your tunes! The Echo is equipped with Alexa, a smart assistant who follows your verbal commands to make your life easier. Alexa can control your smart home products, search the Web, tell you updated weather reports, set to-do reminders, create shopping lists, and much more.
Recommended companion technology that Alexa can control:
- Smart outlets
- Smart lightbulbs
- Smart light switches
- Smart deadbolt door locks
- Smart TV streaming devices
- Smart thermostats
Smart Doorbell: Ring Video Doorbell
Ring replaces your old doorbell with one that utilizes a Wi-Fi video camera, motion detector, and two-way speaker. Whether you are home or at the grocery store, Ring allows you to see, record, and talk to whoever approaches your door, providing you with much needed security.
- Compatible with Echo’s Alexa, allowing Alexa to notify you when someone is approaching your door.
Smart Fitness Tracker: Fitbit Versa
The wearable Fitbit Versa has the easy-to-read screen of a smartwatch but the fitness-focused applications of a fitness tracker. The main features of the Versa include a 24/7 heart rate monitor, a sleep tracker, 15+ workout modes with on-screen guides, and an activity tracker that counts steps, distance, and the number of calories burned throughout the day. The Fitbit Versa syncs with an app on your smartphone, which lets you set goals and keep track of your health and fitness.
- Compatible with Echo’s Alexa, allowing you to ask Alexa about your progress and fitness stats the Fitbit has been tracking.
Smart Sleep Tracking Mat: Withings Aura
Sleep is vital to the physical and mental health of seniors, so the Withings Aura can be a real life-changer. It uses a thin, highly accurate sensor placed under your mattress to monitor your respiration, heart rate, and sleep cycles. The sleep tracker delivers sleep reports, determines your optimal wake time, detects sleep apnea, and provides you with personalized sleep coaching.
- Compatible with Echo’s Alexa, the Fitbit Versa, and many health and fitness apps, providing you with customized reports and suggestions on your sleep and health.
Smart Video Calling: Portal+
Portal+ combines a smart camera, speaker, and mic, with a high-resolution display and Amazon’s voice-assistant Alexa, to provide us with the next generation of video calling. While on a video call, the smart camera and mic intelligently adjust to follow the action – so you can move around the room and your loved one will not lose you. The settings and interface were created with families in mind, so people of all ages find it very easy to use.
- Portal+ has Alexa built in, so you can use it the same way you can use your other Alexa devices!
