The Best Age-Tech Gadgets Tried and Tested by WIRED

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

Do They Want It?

A crucial first question to ask is: How receptive is the older person to having this technology in the home? Before you think about buying, you must have a conversation with your elder and everyone else who lives in the home, and ensure that they are on board with the idea. While many of these technologies are intended to help older folks and maybe enable them to stay in their own homes for longer, none of them are a replacement for human contact or human caregivers.

Installation

The complexity of installation varies from device to device. Plenty of older folks are tech-savvy and will have no trouble setting these gadgets up, while others will need help. It’s also important that they understand how to use the device and how to get technical support should they run into issues. It’s a good idea to take time to help with the installation and run through the user guide. Some services also offer step-by-step guides or even live setup sessions with support staff.

Costs

Most age tech is very expensive and involves an upfront fee and an ongoing subscription. If you discontinue the subscription, you will often be required to return the hardware (always check the conditions). While the monthly costs tend to be very high, there are often discounted rates if you pay for a longer period upfront. It’s also worth watching out for sales events. Some devices and services may be available at no cost to you or subsidized through health-care schemes or insurance. Most devices require Wi-Fi in the home.

Privacy

Privacy is a serious concern with age technology in a few different ways. Any device in the home with cameras and microphones that can be remotely accessed is a threat to privacy. It’s important that the user is OK with this, and you should be careful about placement. Devices generally have a light or some indicator that the camera is on, and some have a privacy shield.

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

Other Considerations

While age tech can help improve the quality of life for the elderly and reduce the burden on caregivers, it is important to avoid overreliance. One concern is that it may discourage in-person visits and check-ins, rather than facilitate them. From a practical point of view, it will also be rendered useless if it is unplugged or there’s a power or Wi-Fi outage.

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