Baby boomers are emerging as proactive users of smart home technology as they safeguard the future and consider the upcoming requirements of aging.
According to a recent survey the generation aged 55 and above comprises 25 per cent of the smart home market, meanwhile 80 per cent of this generation indicates an interest in smart home technology that will help improve their lives.
So what smart home technology are baby boomers seeking out and how can it assist them as they age?
A new type of retiree
The Huffington Post explains baby boomers comprise such a large portion of the smart home market because they have the funds to alter their home to their requirements, are knowledgeable about what technology can offer and are seeking a future where they stay within their home.
This is resulting in a major trend of renovating to suit their current and future requirements, with smart home technology a big part of their refinements.
It’s offering convenience in the early years of retirement but catering to health needs as they age.
The article notes this sees the implementation of new technology, from telemedicine to home sensors, that helps people live independently.
And there’s a host of smart features available to assist.
Security
A house that allows them to securely go about their retirement is one of the major elements baby boomers look to ensure.
Smart home features like security cameras and internal monitoring allow them the peace of mind that their home is safe from intruders whether they’re within it or away on holidays.
Meanwhile, smart lighting that comes on as a resident arrives home, or illuminates an area when it sense activity add further security to the baby boomer smart home.
Energy efficiency
As retirement sets in and financial resources become finite, smart home technology offers real benefits in keeping the costs of living down. Features like electricity usage monitoring, lighting control and the ability to gauge the energy consumption of individual appliances helps keep these costs at bay.
Smoke alarms
Simple safety becomes a more pressing requirement as this generation embraces age, with features like smoke and carbon monoxide sensors offering additional peace of mind. Coupled with the ability to alert residents or their families to the situation via a mobile phone, they offer a very real asset to maintain the safety of an environment.
Voice activators
Whether it’s due to deteriorating eyesight, decreasing mobility or just as an item of convenience, voice activators take the intuitive smart home to a whole new level. They allow residents a wealth of information at their fingertips and the convenience of implementing smart home actions like shutting off the lights with a simple voice command.
Automatic shut off features
It’s not just what smart homes can tell people about their living environment but how they can respond that is hugely beneficial as residents begin to age. Say a pot boils over on the stove top, and the smoke alarm senses a threat, alarms will automatically alert the resident and give the option of shutting off the appliance to mitigate the threat.
Into the future
While smart home technology allows current convenience for the baby boomer, it’s ultimate benefits may yet come as they age. The monitoring and alert capability can be utilised by family members to maintain the safety of aging parents from afar.
Ultimately the technology can be applied to assist residents in their daily lives, ensure their safety, and provide family members peace of mind, allowing this aging generation to maintain their independence for a long time yet.
About Lera
Lera Smart Home Solutions is a leading installer of smart home technology in the greater Sydney region. Our team boasts over 20 years experience in IT networking, programming and the electrical industry.
We have sourced the most reliable and cost efficient solutions from around the world to provide the very best in smart home solutions, and work with our clients to understand their needs. You can learn more about transforming your house into a smart home here, or contact us directly for further advice.
