A Little Help from My Friends

Question:  

 Can you provide updates on how technology will make it easier and safer to remain in our homes as we age?

Answer:

Most people want to stay in their homes and digital advances help us do so while retaining a higher level of independence. Home is comfortable, happy, and cozy. If it’s important to our clients, it’s important to us.

Several years ago, I was invited to visit the MIT Longevity Lab in Boston. This remarkable experience evolved into becoming a member of our firm’s Longevity Board Advisory. This helps me stay current with advancements in this area and provide input about what our client’s face during this time of life.

As we age, it’s common to need help with everyday activities. Digital progress, smart homes, and advancing technology help loved ones remain at home with a higher level of safety and independence. Devices are Wi-Fi enabled, remotely accessed and schedulable. Many are equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) technology learning your habits and preferences to sense when something’s not right, then automatically turning on, off, or adjusting settings. From getting groceries to managing medication, AI can help with everyday tasks.

Hey Good Looking, Whatcha Got Cookin?

Smart refrigerators can be the epicenter of a home displaying calendars, playing music and showing recipes. The fridge will send an alert if milk goes sour or send a reminder when you’re low on eggs. You can see the contents of your fridge while at the store to see what’s needed, or a family member or caretaker can monitor contents from a distance and coordinate with delivery services to replenish - your garbage will even scan barcodes to see what needs to be restocked. 

Once the pantry is filled, the stove connects to Wi-Fi and your caregiver can see if you’re preparing hot meals and turning off the burners after cooking. Induction cooktops that stay cool to the touch are additional safety measures. Automatic lights in the kitchen and other rooms can make life easier too. 

Property Management

Floor sensors installed under decorative flooring alert caregivers that help is needed in the case of a fall. Fall prevention measures like smart lights that sense movement and automatically illuminate the pathway will learn your habits and come on at specific times of the day.

Facial Recognition

A smart drug-dispensing system provides medication at precise times throughout the day to ensure adherence to doctor’s orders. The app will ask you how you’re feeling, provide blood sugar tests and blood pressure checks. Caregivers have access to data if approved, and facial recognition oversees privacy.

Squeaky Clean

Smart washers and dryers can be remotely started after being filled. Robotic vacuums have been joined by robot window cleaners. Outdoor lights are programmed while driveways and front-steps are automatically cleared of debris or snow.

Keep Moving 

Video calls and remote access to health data let caregivers help you maintain independence. Smart watches with large touch screens motivate us to stay active and keep moving. Smart lavatories automatically measure weight while smart toothbrushes remind us to brush and floss.

Obviously, some of these technologies may feel like big brother is watching. Depending on your beliefs, the tradeoff might be worth it, especially since you can determine who has access to what information while staying autonomous.

Technologies evolve to become more accessible and cost-effective than they are today. Innovations in the pipeline include a robotic arm that can chop dinner ingredients, voice-activated controls that can operate from any room and mirrors to analyze skin and monitor health. 

AGNES

While at the MIT Age Lab, we were introduced to the Age Gain Now Empathy (AGNES) suit. AGNES simulates physical changes that we face as we age. AGNES has elastic bands to restrict movement and mimic arthritis, wrist guards, padding, gloves, and foam filled shoes to simulate neuropathy. Glasses blur vision and ear plugs reduce hearing. As AGNES, we were to drive a car, shop and conduct daily household chores. Wearing the suit curtailed movement, impaired vision, and made it quite difficult to perform basic tasks. This experience provided understanding and empathy for the challenges faced as we age. In addition, much of the research done at MIT results in not only new technology, but specific changes to everyday products. Car safety features, housing designs, and store layouts are examples of practical applications from MIT Age Lab research. 

Next Steps

With insight and preparation, it is possible to increase safety in your home. Talk to your family, caregivers, and financial advisor about what it takes to grow old at home the way you envision. It’s never too soon to incorporate these concerns into your life plan and financial plan. It’s an exciting time to be alive. Stay focused and plan accordingly.