Smart Technologies and Internet of Things Designed for Aging in Place

One of the challenges accompanying the global rise in aging populations is the increase in demand for care services. With an increase in age, the need for medical support also grows, which may lead to unplanned and frequent visits to the doctor. Recent developments in Smart technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT) will play an important role in designing suitable home healthcare support services for older adults and enable self-care for people as they age at home. The current COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the push for telehealth technology solutions including remote patient monitoring for senior adults who are medically or socially vulnerable. Remote health services are being promoted as a means of preserving the patient-healthcare provider relationship at times when an in-person visit is not practical or feasible, especially during COVID-19 and beyond. Smart technologies and IoT could potentially improve health outcomes and save lives. This paper will explore issues and challenges in introducing smart technologies and IoT into the homes of older adults, as well as explore features of the technology and potential outcomes that could allow older adults to remain autonomous, independent, safe, and encourage aging in place. The paper also identifies technology gaps and areas for future research.