A recent Newsweek article boldly declared: "[o]lder adults who frequently use digital technology may experience slower rates of cognitive decline." The article continues, "sweeping new analysis challenges previous research that has suggested digital technology could reduce cognitive function as we age and instead suggests that use of technology may be linked to lower rates of cognitive decline in older adults."
- Non-Intrusive Observation: Cameras with two-way audio and motion detection (e.g., Ring, ADT, Vivent, Arlo, Google Nest) can be placed in common areas like living rooms or kitchens, allowing children to "drop in" virtually without disrupting their parents’ routines. For example, children can view live feeds to ensure their parent is active or safe without needing to call or visit. Systems like Amazon’s Echo Show or Google Nest Hub also enable video calls where seniors can accept or decline, preserving their autonomy and privacy.
- Health and Activity Monitoring: Some security systems integrate with wearable devices or smart sensors (e.g., FallCall or GrandCare) to detect falls or unusual inactivity. If a senior hasn’t moved past a motion sensor in a set period, an alert can notify children to check in. This is discreet, as it doesn’t require constant video surveillance.
- Privacy Considerations: To avoid intrusion, cameras can be set to record only when motion is detected or during specific times. Privacy-focused systems allow seniors to disable cameras or set “do not disturb” modes. Clear communication about where cameras are placed and their purpose ensures seniors feel respected.
- Convenience and Accessibility for Remote Monitoring: The design of modern security systems prioritizes ease of use for both seniors and their children, ensuring monitoring is seamless and non-disruptive.
- Mobile Apps for Remote Access: Systems like Vivent, ADT, Blink, Wyze, or Eufy offer user-friendly apps that let children check camera feeds, review recorded footage, or receive alerts from anywhere with an internet connection. For example, a child at work can quickly open the app to confirm their parent answered the door safely or check if a package was delivered.
- Customizable Alerts: Families can set up notifications for specific events, such as motion in the backyard at night or a front door left ajar. This reduces unnecessary interruptions while ensuring critical events are flagged. For instance, SimpliSafe allows users to prioritize alerts (e.g., “urgent” for a door alarm, “informational” for a delivery).
- Voice-Activated Systems: For seniors, voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant can control cameras or locks hands-free, reducing the need to interact with complex apps, devices, or keypads. With many, a smartphone or doorbell can be linked to voice or facial recognitions so that a senior can verbally open a door. Children can also use these platforms to drop in via voice or video, making check-ins feel like a casual conversation.
- Doorbell Cameras for Fraud Protection: Video doorbells (e.g., Ring, Nest Doorbell) allow seniors to see and communicate with visitors without opening the door. Adult children can receive notifications when someone rings the bell and view the feed to identify potential scammers or unrecognized visitors. For instance, if a fraudster poses as a utility worker, children can intervene by calling their parent or contacting authorities. AI features in some doorbells can detect suspicious behavior, like loitering, and send alerts.
- Door and Window Sensors: Smart security systems (e.g., Vivent, SimpliSafe, ADT) include sensors that automatically lock doors, notify users if a door or window is left open, or is tampered with. This is particularly useful for seniors with memory issues who might forget to lock doors or secure windows. Children can receive these alerts via an app and remind their parent or take action remotely, such as locking a smart door lock
- Integration with Smart Locks: Smart locks (e.g., those with security systems, or stand-alone products from August, Schlage) allow family members to lock or unlock doors remotely if their parent is unable to do so or if a caregiver needs access. This ensures security without requiring the senior to manage physical keys.
- Emergency Response Integration: Many security systems connect to 24/7 monitoring services that can dispatch emergency responders if a fall or intrusion is detected. Children are notified simultaneously, ensuring rapid response even if they’re far away.
- Smart Home Integration:: Cameras and security systems often pair with other smart devices, like smart lights or thermostats, to create a safer environment. For example, motion-activated lights can prevent falls at night, and children can adjust settings remotely if needed.
- Data-Driven Insights: Advanced systems use AI to analyze patterns, such as a senior’s daily routine, and flag anomalies (e.g., no activity in the kitchen by noon). This helps children intervene proactively without constant monitoring.
- Technology Adoption: Some seniors may resist or struggle with new technology. The solution is to choose, at least initially user-friendly systems with simple interfaces (e.g., Ring’s plug-and-play cameras) and provide training or involve tech-savvy grandchildren to assist. Don;t forget to encourage seniors that using tech may help them retain cognitive capability!
- Privacy Concerns: Seniors may feel "watched" or "dependent." Use cameras with clear indicators (e.g., lights when active), limit their placement to non-private areas, and involve seniors in setup and deployment decisions.
- Cost: Systems can be expensive, with cameras costing $50–$200 each and monitoring services adding monthly fees. Opt for affordable options like Wyze or Blink, which offer robust features without subscriptions, or prioritize key devices like a video doorbell and door sensors. Another strategy is to spend the money for a high-end system from a good security system provider (ADT, Vivent), take advantage of discounts, and terminate monthly monitoring as soon as possible. Having their tech supoport later may be worth the investment.
- Home Security: A senior’s Ring Doorbell detects a stranger at the door. The adult child, at work, receives an alert, views the feed, and uses two-way audio to deter the visitor, protecting their parent from a potential scam.
- Arlo Cameras with Motion Detepreventing a security riskction: Motion sensors in an Arlo system notice no activity for several hours, sending a notice to all users. A child checks the camera feed, and sees their parent on the floor, calling emergency services while heading to the home.
- Apple Watch Passive Fall Detection: A senior falls walking to the bathroom in the middle of the night. The watch detects the fall, and notifies an emergency contact and local emergency services. After the child rushes across town, she arrives to find that EMT has treated the parent and preparing for a trip to the local hospital yo make sure no injuries are severe.
- Life 360 Collision Detection: A senior is involved in a single car accident travelling from an event in the late evening. Life 360 detects the collision and notifies the family group and emergency services.
- Door Sensors: A senior forgets to close the back door. The child gets an alert after 15 minutes, checks the parent's safety on a camera, and calls the parent to remind the senior to close the door, preventing a security risk The child can lock the door remotely via a smart lock.