Smart Amenities Senior Renters Can Count on for Simpler Living
It is well known that the vast majority of seniors prefer to age in place for as long as possible and that technology can help to achieve that desire. But, maybe moving out of the family home into a new apartment is something to consider. Read on to find out what is happening with smart home technology and apartment living.
Technology can often make things simpler and more convenient. From the multitude of apps designed to make regular tasks easier to accomplish to the newest smart technology we can integrate into our homes, it seems like we’re heading toward an age of simpler living.
In particular, seniors — who are increasingly downsizing and choosing the renter lifestyle for their retirement years — can benefit tremendously from new tech. In fact, the senior renter is a whole new demographic for smart amenities, which are being tailored specifically to them and are focused on improved safety, security, and convenience.
Primarily Baby Boomers, these new renters want to downsize to an apartment for less maintenance and cleaning, as well as a more convenient location. And, with modern communities being developed around the country and an increase in smart apartments in Miami and other major renter hubs like Austin or Raleigh, there are many opportunities for senior renters to find what they need.
In addition to the perks of renting in a bigger city, these developments also frequently come equipped with newer tech designed to make life easier for their tenants. Below are some of the most useful amenities for a simpler living — especially for seniors.
Security Amenities
Smart Locks
Safety is always a top concern, and smart locks are among the top-ranking amenities for everyone, including seniors. Yet, apart from the added safety, they’re also beneficial for seniors because they no longer need to handle small keys, struggle to unlock doors, or remember codes and pins. In fact, some smart locks only require a tap on the sensor with an individual card. Some can also be triggered upon exit and entry by automatic presence detection of the resident’s smartphone.
Doorbell Cameras
These devices can be quite helpful — especially when physical distancing is key to protecting each other. Doorbell cameras connect to your Wi-Fi and use motion sensors to detect movement outside your door. They also record high-quality videos of the people who come to your door. Some even have night time vision so you can see who’s knocking and only open the door when you know it’s safe.
Wearable Health Monitors
Smart bracelets for seniors are extremely beneficial, even for those who don’t live alone. You can never be too careful when it comes to your health, and time is often of the essence. As such, being able to quickly notify others in the event of a fall or another incident can be lifesaving.
Some devices also include health monitoring systems and can be connected to the local healthcare provider to notify them in an emergency. However, not all such devices are wearable. Therefore, it’s of the utmost importance to find a device that’s comfortable and that you’ll want to wear every day.
Smart Ovens
Forgetting to turn off the oven can be dangerous, and smart ovens are a great solution to this. Equipped with sensors, these appliances turn themselves off when forgotten, thereby preventing hazards and dangerous situations.
Convenience Amenities
Online Portals for Rent & Maintenance
Most communities now offer online portals — platforms where residents can log in to make payments, submit maintenance requests, or find news about the community. With some, you can even set up automatic payments for your monthly costs and never have to worry about forgetting a payment again.
Plus, it’s possible to really get to know your neighbors by engaging in the various programs the community puts together. Typically, you can use an online calendar to find out what’s going on around you.
In fact, a large number of trending amenities address the value of community and belonging. As a result, many property managers offer these community benefits, even in times like these when physical distancing is required.
Grocery Delivery Programs & Special Lockers
Grocery Delivery Programs & Special Lockers
Although delivery programs existed before the pandemic, there’s been an increase in both the demand and supply for these businesses since COVID-19 hit. Specifically, many apps now offer the option for takeout and for groceries and anything else you might need — from fresh produce to meats and personal hygiene items to cleaning products.
These can help seniors who could do their shopping from their home and have everything delivered without having to go out and carry so many items by themselves.
What’s more, many communities offer another amenity that’s been on the rise: special lockers for deliveries. These include temperature-controlled lockers for food and groceries and tall lockers for dry cleaning deliveries, and more. Plus, these smart lockers can even alert you when your package has arrived, so all you need to do is go to the locker and pick it up.
Efficiency Amenities
Smart HVAC System
Another smart amenity that’s great for comfort and efficiency is a smart HVAC system complete with a smart thermostat. With these, you can easily control your home’s temperature and make sure you get the highest amount of comfort for the lowest price.
Energy-Efficient Appliances
Along the same lines, energy-efficient appliances can also help lower your utility bills. Our consumption tends to go up during the winter months, especially as we spend more at home. As such, these appliances can help reduce the overall cost of energy and water.
In Conclusion
While all of these amenities can help make life simpler, safer, and more convenient, smart tech will continue to evolve, and more innovations will come to market. As senior renters become more common, developers will likely cater to this demographic’s needs in newer apartment communities. All in all, it seems as though we’re evolving together with technology and embracing a more innovative — and more effortless — way of living.
Designing Products for Aging in Place
