Impact of Smart Home Technologies on Elderly Care: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Directions

Abstract

As the world\'s population ages, smart home technologies are increasingly seen as critical tools for improving aged care, particularly for those who live independently. This research inspects the impact of smart home technologies—such as wearable health monitors, motion sensors, voice-activated assistants, and automated medication dispensers—on the safety, health, and overall well-being of elders. By analyzing the capabilities of these devices in fall detection, chronic disease management, emergency response, and social engagement, the study assess the effectiveness in supporting aging in place, reducing healthcare costs, and decreasing caregiver burden. Additionally, it explores the barriers for adopting, including privacy issues, data securities, and the digital divide among elderly population. Through a mixed-method approach which is a combination of qualitative interviews with elderly individuals and caregivers and quantitative analysis of health and safety outcomes, this paper provides a thorough investigating the potential of smart home technologies in elderly care. The findings highlight both the opportunities and challenges of implementing these digital technologies, suggesting that while they offer significant benefits, a customized, all-encompassing strategy is necessary to optimize their influence.

Introduction

With the global population aging rapidly—expected to reach 2.1 billion people aged 60 and older by 2050—there is an increasing need for innovative elderly care solutions. Smart home technologies have emerged as a promising approach to help older adults live independently, safely, and with improved quality of life. These technologies include automated medication dispensers, motion sensors, wearable health monitors, voice assistants, smart safety devices, telehealth platforms, and cognitive aids.

Smart devices can assist with fall detection, chronic illness management, emergency response, social interaction, and environmental control, easing the burden on caregivers and reducing healthcare costs through proactive monitoring. However, adoption among the elderly remains limited due to concerns about privacy, technology complexity, and accessibility challenges.

The study uses a mixed-method approach combining quantitative health and safety data with qualitative interviews of elderly individuals and caregivers to assess the effectiveness of these technologies. The research aims to explore their benefits, challenges, and future potential in enhancing aging-in-place.

The overview categorizes smart home technologies relevant to elderly care, including sensors and monitoring systems, wearable health devices, medication management, voice assistants, safety devices, telehealth, smart mobility aids, cognitive assistance technologies, environmental controls, and social connectivity tools, all designed to improve convenience, health, safety, and social engagement for seniors.

Conclusion

As the global population continues to age, the demand for innovative solutions to support elderly care is becoming more urgent. By 2050, the number of persons aged 60 and older is expected to reach 2.1 billion, nearly twice the 1.1 billion reported in 2019.This demographic shift poses enormous problems for healthcare systems, families, and caregivers as they work to provide adequate care for an older population with a wide range of requirements.Smart home technologies have developed as a promising solution to addressing these difficulties, allowing older individuals to live more freely, safely, and with a higher quality of life.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Anila Nair. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.