Smart home technology is revolutionizing how older adults age in place, with 89% of adults age 50-plus ranking aging in place as important according to recent AARP research. However, only 10% of American homes are adequately designed for aging populations. As occupational therapy professionals, understanding and recommending appropriate assistive technology devices can bridge this gap.
The aging technology market has expanded dramatically, with innovations in fall detection, health monitoring, home safety, and environmental controls now readily available. This article explores practical smart home solutions that occupational therapists can recommend during home accessibility assessments, focusing on evidence-based technologies that enhance independence while maintaining affordability and ease of use.
Categories of Assistive Technology for Aging in Place
Home Safety and Security Devices:
Recent research identifies several critical safety technologies:
- Video Doorbells: Allow older adults to see, hear, and speak with visitors without approaching the door, reducing fall risk and enhancing security. Users can verify visitors before deciding if physical response is required
- Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Connected to smartphone apps, these devices alert users and family members immediately when detecting hazards. They indicate exact threat locations and can be silenced remotely, eliminating dangerous climbing to manually disable alarms
- Automatic Lighting Systems: Motion-activated lights improve nighttime visibility, reducing fall risk by illuminating rooms and hallways automatically. These systems conserve energy by turning off when no motion is detected
Fall Detection Technology:
Advanced wearable devices now incorporate proprietary fall detection technology that detects falls and sudden movements, instantly triggering alerts for help even if the person is unable to call for assistance.
Adoption Considerations Across the Aging Journey
AARP’s 2025 qualitative research reveals that technology manufacturers must respond differently to consumers at various aging stages. Older adults age at different rates and require different technologies throughout their aging journey:
Ages 50-60 (More Active):
Focus on preventive technologies like fitness trackers, medication reminders, and general health monitoring devices. This demographic typically has higher technology comfort levels.
Ages 60-75 (Moderate Support Needed):
Emphasis shifts to home safety devices, fall detection systems, and communication technologies that maintain social connections. Video calling platforms and simplified smartphones become more relevant.
Ages 75+ (More Assistance Required):
Priority technologies include comprehensive monitoring systems, emergency response devices, smart home environmental controls, and devices supporting activities of daily living. Simplicity and reliability become paramount considerations.
Technology adoption strategies must account for these evolving needs to ensure appropriate recommendations at each life stage.
Evidence-Based Technology Recommendations
Digital Reminders and Ambient Technologies:
Home design, accessibility, and safety remain top priorities for older adults. Digital reminder systems integrated into the environment help compensate for memory challenges without requiring active user engagement.
Smart Home Integration for Environmental Control:
Temperature control, lighting adjustment, and security monitoring can be managed through voice-activated systems or simplified interfaces. These systems reduce the physical demands of home maintenance while enhancing comfort and safety.
Health Monitoring Devices:
Connected health devices that track vital signs, medication adherence, and activity levels provide valuable data for healthcare providers while supporting independence. Wearable technology and non-intrusive sensors offer continuous monitoring without compromising privacy.
Communication and Social Connection Tools:
Video calling platforms, simplified smartphones, and social engagement applications help combat isolation—a significant risk factor for cognitive decline and depression in older adults. Maintaining social connections through technology supports both mental and physical health.
Barriers to Technology Adoption and Solutions
Despite the benefits, older adults face several barriers to adopting home safety assessments and assistive technology:
Emotional Barriers:
A 2025 study (Lee et al.) identified emotional resistance as a primary obstacle, with older adults perceiving home modifications as acknowledgment of declining independence. Occupational therapists should frame technology as enablers of continued independence rather than symbols of limitation.
Aesthetic Concerns:
Many older adults resist modifications that alter their home’s appearance. Modern assistive technologies increasingly prioritize aesthetic design, with devices that blend seamlessly into home decor.
Access and Cost Issues:
Financial constraints limit technology adoption for many older adults. Therapists should be knowledgeable about funding sources, including Medicare coverage, state programs, and nonprofit organizations that provide assistive technology.
Practical Implementation Guidelines for OTs
When conducting home accessibility assessments, occupational therapists should:
- Assess Technology Comfort Level: Evaluate the client’s current technology use and comfort before recommending complex systems
- Prioritize User-Friendly Options: Select devices with intuitive interfaces, clear instructions, and reliable customer support
- Consider Affordability: Research cost-effective solutions and available funding sources
- Ensure Reliability: Recommend products with proven track records and positive user reviews from older adults
- Plan for Training: Include technology education as part of the intervention plan, ensuring clients and caregivers understand device operation
- Evaluate Scalability: Choose systems that can expand as needs change over time
Conclusion
Smart home technology offers unprecedented opportunities for occupational therapists to support aging in place through enhanced safety, independence, and quality of life. By understanding the range of available technologies, adoption barriers, and implementation strategies, therapists can make informed recommendations that truly meet client needs. As the assistive technology market continues to evolve, staying current with innovations ensures therapists provide cutting-edge solutions that empower older adults to remain safely in their homes. The key is matching appropriate technology to individual needs, capabilities, and preferences throughout the aging journey.
References:
Cha S. M. (2025). A Systematic Review of Home Modifications for Aging in Place in Older Adults. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 13(7), 752. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13070752
Department of Physiology & Aging (2025). Assistive technology devices: Helping seniors age in place. University of Florida, Online Graduate Programs in Innovative Aging Studies. Retrieved from: https://online.aging.ufl.edu/2025/03/19/assistive-technology-devices-helping-seniors-age-in-place/
Doyle, S. (2025). Advancing Home modifications in a Digital Age: Occupational Therapists supporting Older Adults. Retrieved from: https://thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.blog/2025/08/13/advancing-home-modifications-in-a-digital-age-occupational-therapists-supporting-older-adults/
Kakulla, B., David, P., & Skufca, L. (2025). Empowering Independence with Technology Among Adults Age 50 plus. AARP. Retrieved from: https://www.aarp.org/pri/topics/technology/internet-media-devices/aging-technology-agetech/
Lee J, Patel D, Gadgil M, Langness S, von Hippel C, Sammann A. (2025)
Understanding Barriers to Home Safety Assessment Adoption in Older Adults: Qualitative Human-Centered Design Study JMIR Hum Factors 12:e66854
URL: https://humanfactors.jmir.org/2025/1/e66854
DOI: 10.2196/66854
Lyons, S. (2025). Occupational Therapy Tech Tools (2025). Retrieved from: https://otpotential.com/blog/new-occupational-therapy-tech-tools
Orlov, L. (2025). Five Tech and Aging Products from 2025 Market Overview. Aging and Health Technology Watch. Retrieved from: https://www.ageinplacetech.com/blog/five-tech-and-aging-products-2025-market-overview
The Home Accessibility Therapist LLC 
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