The best technology tools tried and tested by WIRED

There’s a lot to think about before you invest in age technology. I spoke with Ed Page of AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons) about what you should consider.

Do they want that?

The critical first question to ask is: How receptive is an older person to having this technology in the home? Before you consider purchasing, you should have a conversation with the seniors and everyone living in the home, and make sure they are on board with the idea. While many of these technologies are intended to help older adults and perhaps enable them to remain in their homes longer, none of them can replace human contact or human caregivers.

stabilizing

Installation complexity varies from device to device. Many seniors are tech-savvy and will have no problem setting up these tools, while others will need assistance. It is also important that they understand how to use the device and how to get technical support if they encounter problems. It is a good idea to take some time to help with installation and operation through the user guide. Some services also offer step-by-step guides or even live setup sessions with support staff.

Costs

Most age technologies are expensive and involve upfront fees and an ongoing subscription. If you stop the subscription, you will often be asked to return the devices (always check the terms). Although monthly costs tend to be quite high, there are often discounted rates if you pay longer upfront. It is also worth paying attention to sales events. Some devices and services may be available to you free of charge or subsidized by health care or insurance plans. Most devices require a Wi-Fi connection at home.

privacy

Privacy is a critical concern with legacy technology in many different ways. Any device in the home with cameras and microphones that can be accessed remotely poses a privacy threat. It is important that the user is ok with this, and you need to be careful about its placement. The devices generally have a light or some sort of indicator that indicates the camera is on, and some come with a privacy shield.

Another concern is what data the service provider or manufacturer collects and what they might use it for. Check privacy policies. Some data processing, which may include audio and video, will likely be necessary for the device to offer its full range of features. It’s also helpful to think about what might happen to that data if the company goes out of business or is acquired by another company.

Other considerations

While age technology can help improve the quality of life for older adults and reduce the burden on caregivers, it is important to avoid over-reliance. One concern is that it may discourage in-person visits and check-ins, rather than facilitate them. In practice, it will also become useless if it is disconnected or there is a power or Wi-Fi outage.

Try to talk about the pros and cons of any device or service before purchasing. It can be a great investment. Make sure you understand what your obligations are and how you can terminate the service or return the device. Many offer a short trial period, so you can test on site before deciding if it will work for your family.