Cool digital devices to help folks age safely at home | Column

Published: August 20, 2026

Updated: August 20, 2026

Category: Lifestyle

Author/Source: Jill Spencer, Ed Brazee and Chris Toy - BoomerTECH Adventures

Cool digital devices to help folks age safely at home | Column

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A fall doesn’t wait for a phone call. Neither should help. Today’s smart devices — watches that detect a fall in real time, sensors that quietly track daily routines, dispensers that never forget a dose — are rewriting what “aging in place” looks like. No emergency buttons to fumble for, no burden on family to check in constantly. Just quiet, reliable tech doing its job in the background, so independence doesn’t have to come at the expense of safety.

Thirty percent of the U.S. population is 55 or older. Here in Maine, that number climbs to about 38%. As a result of these numbers and the fact that folks are living longer, potential new devices and apps are being developed at a rapid pace. Let’s explore some of these options that help Boomers and seniors stay independent.

PHYSICAL SAFETY

After ridding a home of throw rugs that cause falls and perhaps replacing a tub with a walk-in shower, one ought to explore devices that make the home safer.

Auto shut-off stoves and irons. The automatic turn-off feature for irons has been around for many years, and now there are stoves with similar built-in features. Some devices can be attached to stoves that either turn off the power if a smoke detector sounds or use motion sensors to turn it off if no movement is detected after a set time.

Watches, phones, and medical alert systems detect falls and will alert emergency services if necessary.

Passive fall detection sensors use radio frequency and radar technology to detect falls and alert family and emergency services. There are no cameras involved so privacy is maintained.

Voice assistants such as Siri, Alexa, and Google Home provide all sorts of services when programmed. One can instruct them to call for help, turn on the lights, reset a thermostat, or remind their owner to take a specific action.

If one doesn’t have a “voice assistant,” there are now smart plugs and lights that can be activated through an app or voice prompt.

PEACE OF MIND

Many folks are installing video doorbells like Ring or Nest so activity at the door and yard can be monitored. A similar device is available that can be attached inside a window. A video is sent to a smartphone, computer, or tablet, and the homeowner feels secure in knowing who is outside.

Smart smoke and carbon monoxide devices now exist that will send one an alert even if they are not home.

There are motion sensors that learn daily activity patterns. If something unusual occurs, such as no movement, the family is alerted and they can check in.

Programming a smartphone maps app to give directions to get home provides a person with some memory issues a safety net if they are driving or walking.

HEALTH MANAGEMENT

Automatic pill dispensers remind the individual it’s time to take their meds. Furthermore, if a dose is missed, the family is notified.

Use the alarm and calendar features on your smartphone to set up alerts to take medications, be on time for appointments, or to keep to an exercise schedule.

“Wearable” health trackers can monitor many body functions. Heart rate, blood pressure, sleep patterns, as well as the number of steps taken and minutes exercised.

SOCIAL CONNECTIONS AND ACTIVITIES THAT BRING JOY

Knowing how to search the internet efficiently is a must. A quick search of “programs for seniors in Brunswick, Maine, area” brings up a list that includes the People Plus Center, Midcoast Senior College, the Good Morning Program (daily telephone safety-check), property tax assistance, and much more. Helping a senior learn to use the internet safely is a real gift. Even if they don’t have a computer, they are available in public libraries.

The same type of technology that Ring cameras use is now available on bird feeders and bird baths. Seeing avian visitors up close is a really neat way to continue to birdwatch even if one can’t go tramping along trails anymore.

Video conferencing with family and friends that gained such popularity during COVID is still available. I connect with my 90-plus-year-old cousins across the country once a month.

Virtual book clubs are very popular. Some, like Reese’s Book Club and Read With Jenna, are celebrity-based. There is even an online Silent Book Club where folks gather to read together with no discussion.

Multiple exercise opportunities exist via the web. Yoga, walking, dancing, Tai Chi, and many more types are often free to the user on YouTube. One of my favorites is Yes2Next (www.youtube.com/@yes2next) — it’s a mother-daughter combo, and mom is obviously a senior.

I asked my favorite AI pal, Claude, what its thoughts on the best digital devices/apps for seniors were. Claude’s advice: “Start with the device that matches your biggest risk.”

Seems like a first-rate idea to me.

Of course, there are many seniors without the resources or the skills to access techno devices and apps. Communities are stepping up to help them. Examples in our area include:

• Harpswell Aging At Home (www.hah.community)

• Age-Friendly Bowdoinham and the Advisory Committee on Aging (www.bowdoinham.com/ACOA)

• Bath’s Comfortably Home (www.bathhousing.org/2017/06/comfortably-home-
making-home-safer-place-stay)

BoomerTECH Adventures (boomertechadventures.com) helps boomers and older adults navigate the digital world with confidence and competence. Active boomers themselves, they use their backgrounds as Maine teachers to support individuals and groups with online courses through Maine Adult Education (tinyurl.com/BTAclasses) articles, videos and presentations to organizations upon request.