Technology is evolving at lightning speed, bringing us gadgets that do everything from speeding up dinner prep to making everyday tasks safer and more manageable. With the rise of AI-driven tools, the possibilities seem endless—and the benefits are closer to home than you might think. But how does all this innovation translate to aging gracefully and affordably?
While smart home technology has become a household staple, a growing trend focuses on tools specifically designed to support aging. According to a 2024 AARP survey, 71% of Americans aged 50 and older are interested in tech support services tailored to older adults.¹ More than 60% already use smart devices for tasks like security, lighting, and appliance control, and 66% believe these innovations make aging easier.¹
In the spirit of AARP’s “AgeTech Collaborative” at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), it’s the perfect time to explore how technology is reshaping the way we age. From smart home devices that simplify chores to personal gadgets that enhance safety and connectivity, these tools are tailored to the needs of older adults.
By easing the burden of daily tasks, smart tech can reduce physical strain, address healthcare needs, and even help save money over time. The tools you choose will depend on your priorities and the assistance you need, but they generally fall into two categories: home-based tools and personal-use gadgets. Let’s dive in!
Gadgets and Tools for Your Home
Smart technology is making it easier than ever to stay safe, comfortable, and connected at home. Whether you’re looking for ways to simplify daily tasks, improve home security, or add convenience to your routine, there’s a smart gadget designed with you in mind. Just consider some of these standout gadgets and tools that are poised to maximize efficiency and improve your quality of life:
- Smart Security Systems
Enhancing home security doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. You can start small with gadgets like security cameras that deliver real-time activity alerts, smart locks, or sensors for water leaks and door/window activity.3 These devices provide peace of mind by monitoring your home for you and sending immediate insights, reducing both physical and cognitive effort. - Smart Speakers
Setting up a smart speaker system is one of the easiest ways to incorporate technology into your home. Popular options like Amazon Echo, Google Nest, and Apple HomePod can do more than play music—they can remind you to take medication, provide fitness programs, detect falls, and even relay or receive emergency alerts and calls.4 These devices simplify daily routines and enhance safety, making them invaluable for maintaining independence and well-being as you age. - Smart Plugs and Lighting
Idle electronics like TVs, computers, and speakers can quietly drain energy, leading to higher utility bills.3 Smart plugs can help by cutting power to unused devices. Similarly, smart lighting offers versatile benefits: you can schedule lights to turn on and off automatically, reducing energy consumption while maintaining routines. Motion-sensor lights are also particularly helpful in illuminating dark areas like stairways, reducing the risk of falls and improving safety.3 - Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats let you adjust your home’s temperature using your smartphone or tablet, providing convenience and comfort without the need to get up.4 For those with mobility challenges, this can be a huge game-changer. Scheduling your thermostat can also help reduce energy usage and lower your utility bills while lightening your mental load—letting the technology do the thinking for you.4 - Adaptive Kitchen Tools
Not all helpful gadgets are high-tech. Adaptive kitchen tools, such as ergonomic jar openers, safe-cutting devices, and easy-to-use measuring gadgets, can make meal preparation safer and more manageable. These tools are especially beneficial for those with reduced hand strength, helping you stay self-sufficient in the kitchen as you age.
Gadgets and Tools for Your Health
Maintaining your mental, physical, and cognitive health is vital for living your best life as you age. With 70% of older Americans managing chronic health conditions, health-monitoring devices and well-being tools can be incredibly beneficial.1 Fortunately, there’s a wide range of gadgets available to help you prioritize your health and fitness.
- Wearable Devices
Modern wearable technology is designed to be discreet while offering powerful health-monitoring features. Smartwatches and fitness trackers go beyond step counts and heart rate monitoring; many can detect falls and alert medical professionals in an emergency.4 For those seeking advanced options, some companies offer AI-powered hearing aids tailored to individual needs,5 while others transform existing headphones into comprehensive health-tracking devices that capture heart bio-signals and provide actionable insights to improve wellbeing.5 - Emergency Alert Systems
Emergency alert systems can make a life-saving difference, providing timely connections to medical professionals in critical situations—and there are a variety of ways to implement them into your gadget arsenal. Wearable options like necklaces or bracelets with emergency buttons remain popular, but innovative non-intrusive alternatives are also available. For instance, certain companies offer radar-based appliances that can detect falls throughout your home,6 or devices that use Wi-Fi signals to monitor body movement and alert emergency services in case of a fall.6 - Medication Organization
Keeping track of medications is essential for maintaining health as you age, and today’s options range from simple to high-tech. Traditional day-of-the-week pill organizers help with basic management, while smart pill dispensers provide illuminated cues to guide you on the type and quantity of pills to take.4 These tools ensure you stay on top of your prescribed regimen with minimal effort. - Devices Facilitating Human Connection
Staying connected to loved ones, friends, and even healthcare providers is easier than ever, thanks to modern technology. Tablets, smartphones, and other devices enable video chats, virtual appointments, and phone calls, helping combat loneliness and isolation. And many of these devices include voice-activated features, making them accessible even for those with limited mobility or physical strain. - Cognitive Health Technology Cognitive health is as important as physical health, and technology is making great strides in this area. Some tools use AI-powered music therapy and cognitive games to support those with dementia, while other apps provide brain training to enhance cognitive function.5
Financial Benefits of Smart Tech
Integrating smart technology into your home doesn’t just make life easier—it can also help you save money and improve your overall well-being. While the upfront cost of smart tech devices may seem intimidating, the long-term financial benefits are significant. In the home, energy-efficient products can lead to substantial savings. For instance, switching from incandescent to LED bulbs can save the average household $225 per year, and using power strips can cut down your bill by another $100.7 Setting your smart thermostat to adjust automatically while you’re asleep or away can also reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 10% annually.7 These savings can add up over time, making a noticeable difference to your budget.
In addition to utility savings, investing in health-focused devices can also deliver financial benefits. Fall-detection systems, medication organizers, and health-monitoring gadgets help prevent potential medical issues and keep you healthier longer. By prioritizing your physical and mental health, you can reduce future medical expenses and potentially extend the time you spend living independently in your own home. These devices not only improve the quality of your care, but they may also help you avoid the high costs of assisted living by enabling you to stay in your home longer.
There’s No Place Like Home
Incorporating smart tech and gadgets into your home not only creates a more comfortable living space but also contributes to energy efficiency and long-term savings. However, everyone’s needs are unique, so it’s essential to consult with loved ones and medical professionals to prioritize what’s most beneficial for you. For many older homeowners, balancing the cost of these devices with rising living and healthcare expenses can be challenging.
One option to help cover these costs during retirement is a reverse mortgage. This loan, available to homeowners aged 62 and older, offers a significant advantage: income-tax-free funds8 that you can use as you wish. What’s more, monthly mortgage payments are optional as long as you stay current with property taxes, homeowners insurance, and home maintenance.
You can use the funds from a reverse mortgage to enhance your home with smart gadgets or to support home renovations, enabling you to comfortably age in place. With 88% of adults aged 50-80 believing it’s important to remain in their homes as they age,9 a reverse mortgage could play a key role in helping you achieve this goal.
Here at Longbridge, we understand the importance of a financially secure future. We’re committed to helping homeowners achieve this goal by responsibly accessing their home equity with a reverse mortgage. By tapping into the power of your home, you can make the best decisions for you, and prioritize your health along the way, without compromising your quality of life. To learn more about using the power of your home to reshape your financial future, contact our team today!
