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: Powell Rumors Spark Volatile Day for StocksStocks sold off sharply intraday after multiple reports suggested President Trump is considering firing Fed Chair Jerome Powell.
-
3 Things Dave Ramsey Says to Stop Buying — and 2 That Are Worth ItDebt-free living starts with smart choices. Here's what Ramsey says to avoid and where your money is well spent.
-
Can AI Help With Your Finances?ChatGPT and other artificial-intelligence tools will streamline certain tasks, but don't count on them to get everything right.
-
Nine Things You May Not Know About Social SecurityEven if you’ve been collecting benefits for years, you may have more to learn.
-
13 Answers to Pressing Social Security QuestionsFrom smart claiming strategies for couples to tips on maximizing your monthly check, we have advice that can help you.
-
Keep Tax Collectors at Bay with Muni Bond FundsMunicipal bonds can be good insurance against inflation — and interest is tax-free. But as with all investments, understanding risk is key.
-
Tips for Expat Retirees, From Expat RetireesYou may enjoy a lower cost of living by moving abroad, but it requires careful planning.
-
Why Retirees Need a Budget, According to a New RetireeA new retiree explains why retirees need a budget.
-
Hiring a Financial Adviser: 10 Questions to AskWhen hiring a financial adviser, ask these 10 questions to weed out the duds and find the right person to manage your nest egg. After all, you're the boss.
-
How New Retirees are Navigating Economic Uncertainty‘I Picked a Helluva Time to Retire.’ Six strategies for new retirees facing a dicey stock market and unpredictable economy.
