From smart home devices to health monitors and apps, learn how tech tools can help keep you safe, support your health, and help you stay connected as you age.
The world of technology can seem overwhelming and complex. But with the right devices, technology can truly make your life easier. After all, isn't that what it was invented to do?
Smart devices offer a powerful way to take control of your daily life. Many people have turned their houses into “smart homes,” while others rely on just a few tools to make life easier. Choose the approach that feels right for you. As you make your choice, consider these 3 big ways that technology can lighten your load.
1. Use technology to keep your health in check
Technology can be a helpful partner when it comes to staying healthy. With the right tools, you can stay on top of appointments, medications, and daily habits that support your well-being.
Wearable devices
There are a plethora of health and fitness trackers on the market today. They can help monitor anything from how many steps you take each day to vital signs like breathing and heart rate. The most popular wearable health trackers are smartwatches and rings. Their sensors track your activity and vital signs, then upload the data to an app on your smartphone.
These smart devices allow you to set up reminders, which can be a very helpful feature when managing health conditions. Plus, they encourage regular activity and send you real-time health alerts if something seems off. If you’d prefer certain insights or need help with specific health concerns, there are specialized devices as well. These include cuffs to monitor blood pressure and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to track blood sugar levels.
In most cases, you control how much—or how little—your wearable health tools tell you. But keep in mind, wearable tech isn’t perfect. The data may not always be completely accurate, and most devices require consistent wear and setup to work effectively. Cost can also be a rather large downside—many wearable trackers come with hefty price tags. But with a bit of research, you can find less expensive tech that still meets your needs.
Telehealth and remote care
If your healthcare providers offer telehealth services, take advantage of them! Having the option to get medical care online brings many benefits. For one, it provides easier access to specialists without needing to travel. This is especially helpful for older adults with mobility issues or those living in rural areas.
Scheduling telehealth visits doesn’t mean you’ll never see your provider in person. When it’s convenient, you can always plan an in-person visit. Your care clinics may also have an online portal, which is another way technology can help. A portal allows you to message providers, view test results, schedule visits, and more. This enables continuous monitoring and follow-up care, which is another big benefit of telehealth.
2. Use technology to connect with friends and family
Technology can foster human connection. And staying connected can reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, which is key to maintaining your mental health. Here are a few ways you can leverage technology to build your relationships with others:
Video calls and messaging apps. These are great tools to help you avoid feeling isolated when loved ones aren’t nearby—they’re truly just a call away!
Online communities and support groups. These offer a safe space to engage with your community and share thoughts with like-minded people. Social engagement, peer support, and shared interests are linked to better mental health outcomes. Get involved, and you may even be able to turn your online interactions into in-person connections.
Virtual classes and events. These can help people stay engaged in their hobbies or learn new skills—all from the comfort of home. It’s never too late to learn something new. Technology is a helpful tool for honing your craft, whatever it may be.
3. Use smart-home technology to stay comfortable and safe as you age
About 77% of people hope to remain at home as they age . Smart-home technology can help you do just that. While it has advanced significantly in recent years, that doesn’t mean these tools are harder to use. In fact, many home devices are designed with ease of use in mind. They can support greater independence, helping you stay comfortable and confident in your own home. This is especially useful when things don’t feel as easy as they used to. So, while smart-home devices aren’t meant to replace human care, they can be a great option to provide comfort and safety.
Here are some examples of smart-home technologies you can try:
Home automation includes features like automated lighting and temperature control. With apps, you can set up routines on your smart devices to suit your needs throughout the day at home, helping you to age in place.
Security systems can help you feel safer at home. Doorbell cameras make it easy to see who’s at the door and send alerts if something seems unusual. Many systems also give your family a simple way to check in or talk with you when they can’t be there in person.
Safety features like fall detection systems and emergency response tools can be helpful in some cases. If aging is making you less steady on your feet, these tools can help you and your loved ones feel more at ease.
Voice assistants offer hands-free help with daily tasks and reminders. Using an app or voice control, you can accomplish a range of things. With simple voice commands, you can call family members, set medication reminders, check the weather, and create shopping lists.
One family’s experience with smart technology
Two sisters, Georgia and Lynn, have found many tech tools helpful for staying connected with their mother, Ruth. They rely on smart-home controls, virtual assistants, and security systems to, as Lynn says, “make life more convenient for everyone.” Lynn also mentions, “Mom’s smart home devices have allowed her to live independently at home when it otherwise would have been more of a challenge.” With a 2-hour drive between them, it’s tough for Lynn to visit often enough to provide an ideal level of support for Ruth.
Luckily, Ruth is able to stay in touch with her daughters by simply telling her virtual assistant to call them. She also uses her smart devices to set reminders to take her medication, stay hydrated, and get a little movement. Georgia has access to the tech settings and security cameras as well. She can easily set reminders, fix any issues, check in when she can’t visit, and even send encouraging messages.
“Having a security system at my mom’s house makes it easier for us to stay in touch. I can talk to her at any time [through the speakers]. It keeps us connected even when we can’t be together,” reflects Georgia.
Lynn is grateful that technology lets her support her mom from afar. She says, “Smart home devices and the security system give me peace of mind. I can help Mom feel comfortable and safe as we figure out this new stage of life.”
Tips for getting started
Before you go out and buy the most popular device on the market, start by making a plan. Take small steps and think about which tools you’ll feel comfortable using. Do some research and choose devices that are user-friendly. You may also want to keep in mind which devices offer helpful customer support.
Setting up a new device isn’t always simple. If you’re concerned about running into issues, arrange for some tech support by enlisting a family member, friend, or service. They can also help troubleshoot if issues arise. It’s OK—even encouraged—to ask for help.
Keep in mind that while technology is useful most of the time, it isn’t perfect! So, have a plan in place for those moments when things aren’t working as they should.
With the right tools and support, embracing technology can be empowering. Try testing out one smart device and see how it might improve your well-being, independence, and quality of life.
Not a Silver&Fit® member? Learn more about everything the program has to offer, including more helpful healthy living tips like this, here on our website.
This information is not intended to take the place of regular medical care or advice. Please check with your doctor before using this information or beginning any self-care program. Images used for this article do not depict any members of the Silver&Fit Program.
References
AAARP. (2024, February). Smart home technology for older adults. AgeTech Collaborative from AARP. https://agetechcollaborative.org/insights/smart-home-tech-for-older-adults/
Berlyn, D. (2023, February 10). Tech innovations that are improving the way we age. National Council on Aging. https://www.ncoa.org/article/tech-innovations-that-are-improving-the-way-we-age/
Bowman, A. (2024, November 1). Benefits of a smart wearable for your health. Mayo Clinic Press. https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/living-well/benefits-of-a-smart-wearable-for-your-health/
Chu, R. Y. K., Cheng, C. H. G., Leung, K. M. C., Ezulike, J. C. D., & Montayre, J. (2025). Technology-enabled interventions promoting healthy ageing: An umbrella review. Discover Public Health, 22, 661. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-025-01066-8
Cleveland Clinic. (2025, February 6). Assistive technology. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/assistive-technology
Collier, S. (2022, August 16). Apps to accelerometers: Can technology improve mental health in older adults? Harvard Medical School, Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/apps-to-accelerometers-can-technology-improve-mental-health-in-older-adults-202208162801
Mayo Clinic. (2024, September 5). Telehealth: Technology meets health care. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/telehealth/art-20044878
Mayo Clinic. (2025, March 27). Support groups: Make connections, get help. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/support-groups/art-20044655
This article was written by Celina Johnson, edited by Stephanie Ruiz, and clinically reviewed by Elizabeth Thompson, MPH, RDN, on February 4, 2026.