A new report from U.S. News & World Report reveals two important priorities for adults at least 55 years of age.
The first is that the overwhelming majority (93%) see aging in place as an “important goal.” The second is that about half (49%) view aging as a primary reason for adopting assistive technologies at home.
The surveys, conducted in 2023 and 2024, highlight the growing trend of older Americans embracing technology to maintain independence and remain at home. The results also offer a mixed bag for providers across the continuum.
To be sure, home care will largely benefit as tech tools emerge and improve. But nursing facilities and senior living communities could see admissions delayed or prevented, thanks to tech tools that might help undermine their necessity.
The 2023 U.S. News and World Report survey found the most valued technologies for aging in place included medical or health-related mobile apps, service-related apps like food and grocery delivery, wearable health trackers, assistive smart-home devices such as Google Home or Amazon Alexa, hearing-assistance devices, and medical alert systems like LifeAlert. These technologies were seen as particularly beneficial for addressing general aging, mobility impairments, hearing and vision impairments, and cognitive challenges.
Ease of use (75%) and ease of setup (50%) were the primary considerations for older adults when deciding to adopt new technologies in 2023. Accessibility via mobile apps (38%) and wireless operation (37%) also played significant roles.
These technologies have positively impacted the quality of life for many seniors. In 2023, 55% of respondents reported feeling more independent, 47% felt safer, and 33% felt healthier due to using assistive technologies. By 2024, a greater number of respondents (32%) reported improved mobility compared to the previous year (20%).
