Most people are familiar with ways to connect via video call with apps like Zoom, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams, as well as using a smartphone or Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp. Smart home options incorporating things like video doorbells, speakers to get voice commands and ways to control lights and entertainment systems can be found on Amazon. com and through Apple and Google home. You can also create a smart home system at the open source Home Assistant www.home-assistant.io.
Also, don’t forget about social media, like Facebook, Twitter (now X) and Threads, as a way to stay connected to the outside world. While you’re at it, you may want to check out the website of the National Council on Aging at www.ncoa.org/scams for ways to avoid being scammed while you’re in this tech environment. You should know to keep on guard for impersonation scams, tech support scams and romance scammers and others.
Here are some other examples of websites, services and other technologies that can help people age in place and help their loved ones provide care:
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Staying safe
- iGuard Stove: https://iguardfire.com/ stove turnoff device
- Eversafe: www.eversafe.com keeps track of finances, sending alerts when patterns change or bills aren’t paid.
- Alarm.com: https://alarm.com/wellness-independent-living integrates sensors and devices, including its camera, and uses artificial intelligence to sense differences that signify a risk. The company says it can report changes in activity levels, sleeping and eating patterns, bathroom frequency and medication adherence, as well as emergencies like falls or wandering out of the home.
Staying engaged
- EA virtual reality experience for caregivers:.www.embodiedlabs.com
- AARP site for learning technology and taking online classes: https://seniorplanet.org
- Classes given by older adults for older adults: www.getsetup.io
- Safe transportation: https://gogograndparent.com
- Assisted ride service: www.silverride.com
- Robotic pets: https://joyforall.com
- Robotic companion: https://elliq.com
- Live interactive virtual tours around the world: www.discover.live
- Live streaming interactive travel from home: https://wowzitude.com
Staying fit and healthy
- Spiro 100: www.spiro100.com
- Vitality Society: www.vitality-society.com
- Posit Science—brainHQ exercises: www.brainhq.com
Staying organized
- Everplans: www.everplans.com a digital tool that helps avoid document clutter
- PinnacleCare: https://pinnaclecare.com/ when receiving a serious medical diagnosis, use this site to find the right medical professionals and setting up appointments
- Wellthy: https://wellthy.com/ a resource for family caregivers to coordinate care
- Raymond James: www.raymondjames.com/commentary-and-insights/lifestyle-technology information on technology in retirement
Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger’s Retirement Report, our popular monthly periodical that covers key concerns of affluent older Americans who are retired or preparing for retirement. Subscribe for retirement advice that’s right on the money.
Related Content
-
Stock Market Today: Dow Climbs 288 Points After Amazon, Intel EarningsPost-earnings strength from Amazon and Intel helped cushion the blow of a disappointing October jobs report.
-
Nvidia Stock Is Joining the Dow. Is It Time to Buy?Nvidia will replace Intel in the Dow Jones Industrial Average this Friday. What does it mean for the stock?
-
Fell for a Financial Scam? Might Be Time to Test for Alzheimer'sFalling for financial scams may be an early indicator of Alzheimer's among older adults.
-
These Dementia-Friendly Places Welcome Alzheimer's PatientsDementia-friendly towns, restaurants and cruises can improve the lives of people with dementia by offering experiences that ease their isolation.
-
Want to Give Money to Your Adult Children? 10 Things You Should KnowIt’s less taxing to give money to your adult children than you might think. A good plan can help you avoid certain pitfalls — and drama.
-
How to Step Confidently Into Your Life After RetirementRetiring after decades in the work world can mean reckoning with issues related to identity and lifestyle. Here's how retirees can shed their career identities and embrace retirement.
-
Can You Define Baby Boomers? Look at Trump and HarrisTrump and Harris are bookends of the sprawling Baby Boomer generation, which spans 18 years. No wonder they have different world views.
-
Medicare Advantage Denials IncreaseYou might get a denial from a Medicare Advantage provider if you seek prior authorization for certain medical care.
-
Is an Annuity Worth It? Tax Pros and ConsRetirement Knowing how an annuity might impact your tax situation can be confusing. Here are some advantages and downsides to consider.
-
Why You Should Expect a Lower Social Security COLA for 2025Avoid the COLA social security dip in 2025 with a Health Savings Account
