Emerging Senior Living Technology Trends Shaping the Industry’s Future

Technology adoption among today’s seniors is rising, and so are their expectations for how senior living communities incorporate emerging tech. Seniors are increasingly keeping abreast of changes in this industry, with 64% of 50-plus adults interested in learning more about at least one upcoming technological innovation. Seniors are also flexing their buying power, with 70% polled in 2022 saying they made a major tech purchase in the last year.  

Emerging trends go beyond the latest gadgets, though. The latest technology trends are taking aim at improving the day-to-day lives of seniors with totally integrated and responsive care environments. Predictive analytics will help identify health issues before they escalate, and seniors will start expecting more smart home features to customize their everyday experience. 

Here are four emerging technology areas that will be shaping residents’ expectations in the senior living industry.

Increasing Desire for Custom, Personalized Environments

Smart home technology has become increasingly ubiquitous. From refrigerators that can tell you what’s in your fridge without opening it to smart thermometers that can be adjusted via voice assistant, the possibilities of this technology are only just beginning. Seniors will come to expect smart home integrations like these in senior living residences. 

Comfort and accessibility will also be key, with more attention paid to customizable and adjustable living spaces. Augmented reality applications can provide interactive experiences, whether that’s offering personalized views from smart windows or layering views of schedules, maps, or meals on smart surfaces. 

Virtual reality is another senior living technology trend, as it is increasingly being used to give seniors more immersive experiences, such as virtual travel or therapy sessions, offering both mental stimulation and entertainment. These types of experiences may see increased demand for seniors experiencing mobility challenges, recovering from an illness, or experiencing cognitive decline.

Mobility, Monitoring, and Companionship

Staying on top of healthcare technology trends is also important for senior living providers. New advances in AI technology, integrated with smart devices, may allow for early detection and intervention in potential health conditions. Future seniors will start to expect personalized care and wellness plans based on this data, which could be a differentiating factor for senior living communities that offer this perk. 

Memory care programs are another aspect of senior living care that can benefit from AI-powered tools, which assist with cognitive function. This includes memory aids and problem-solving tasks specifically tailored to the senior’s needs and ability. Assistive device innovations are also on the horizon. 

While it may seem that robots designed to provide companionship and assistance are a long way off, it may happen sooner than you think. The impact of this healthcare technology trend is  already being studied. These robots could also be used as assistive devices, manage deliveries, or provide medication and appointment reminders. This may increase the number of seniors seeking to age in place. Conversely, senior living communities that invest in these emerging technologies may gain a competitive advantage in service offerings. 

Resident Engagement Technologies

The greatest benefit of community living for many seniors is the connection it provides to others. Strong social connections are vital to our overall well-being. Social engagement technologies can further help bring residents together. 

Today, many senior living communities are investing in customized phone applications that help them manage and promote community events and activities. Residents can easily see upcoming events, RSVP, and receive notifications about activities that match their interests. This is another great place to add features where residents can provide feedback or suggestions on activities and services. Interactive kiosks in common areas can provide information about daily activities, community news, and upcoming events, encouraging residents to participate and engage. 

Senior living technology trends like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) will increasingly offer more interactive games and experiences that residents can enjoy together. These can range from virtual travel experiences to collaborative puzzle-solving games. While some senior living communities have started integrating these technologies, what exists today only scratches the surface of what’s possible in the near future. 

Greener Technology Solutions

While technology trends in healthcare are important, seniors are also increasingly focused on sustainability, especially as it relates to community life and technology use. 

Green technologies and energy-efficient systems are a smart way for senior living communities to promote their commitment to sustainability while reducing operational costs. The use of eco-friendly materials in construction and renovation projects is on the rise, too, reflecting a broader trend in customizing today’s projects for the preferences of tomorrow’s seniors. 

Group purchasing power will continue to offer advantages to senior living providers who want to upgrade or enhance their green technology practices and technologies, too.

Smarter Group Purchasing with CPS

Whatever the future brings, you can rely on the power of group purchasing from Care Purchasing Services, an LCS company to help you prepare. Since 1999, we have helped senior living communities stay on top of technology trends in healthcare while containing the purchasing costs of consumer goods, business products and services, medical equipment, clinical programs and more. Contact us to get connected with an expert team dedicated to your success.