By Kinsuk Maitra and Veronica Vasquez

This past January, the first Baby Boomer turned 65. Since then, every day 10,000 adults reach that milestone, in a pattern that will continue for 19 years. By 2020, 20 percent of America’s population will be 65 years old and older. Not only are Boomers aging, but also they’re living longer, and they want to live independently and remain socially connected for as long as possible.

To alleviate the potential burden this population imposes on healthcare, the best option may be to keep them safe and functionally independent at home. Unfortunately, living independently comes with challenges from physical impairments, such as chronic health conditions, postural sway, decreased muscle strength, slowed reaction time, slowed gait and increased risk of falls.

Fifteen percent of adults older than 65 have trouble walking, which adds to their risk of falling. More than 81 percent of those ages 65 and older are at risk of death after a fall. A fall can cause physical and psychological damage. And it often introduces a fear of falling, which can lead elders to limit daily activities and reduce mobility at home. Vision loss or low vision is another safety concern associated with advancing age. Cognitive problems such as decline in memory functions, among others, are also common.

Despite these limitations elders still favor “aging in place” over nursing homes or in long-term care facilities. One way to improve quality of life and independence is to adapt the home using technology to ease basic and instrumental activities of daily living. Such homes have been dubbed “Smart homes.”

Smart homes are increasingly popular and already a multibillion-dollar industry.  A Smart home can mean computers systems, sensors and appliances embedded in the home offering access to information and communication technology; or they can enhance safety by monitoring routine activities and the health status of inhabitants, maintaining appliances, stimulating mental and physical exercises, and providing information and entertainment. A Smart home may also improve feelings of comfort, health, and self-worth.

Sensors can be installed to detect falls, or they can be embedded in walls or walkers to monitor health, or they can be worn on the body to monitor physiological changes. Smart homes can also be equipped with personal emergency responders, cell phones, two-way video-conferencing equipment and personal entertainment systems such as the Wii used for leisure and exercise.

Occupational therapists are experts in home modification and adaptation. They work with technology, vendors and their clients to transform homes. Four principles that need to be taken into account when selecting a device is whether it is unobtrusive, personalized, adaptive, and-or anticipatory. The devices should be customized to foster self-worth, independence, safety and mobility. Studies have shown that elders are willing to use technology as long as it allows them to maintain independence.

Even though older adults can be reluctant to make use of or accept technology, educating them on what is achievable in the comfort of their home can make a difference. Controls and signals such as light switches, electrical switches, thermostats, alarms and security systems can be modified to adapt to a client’s physical disabilities.

Simple on-off light switches can replace others types of switches that might require tight pinching, gripping, twisting, and other fine motor manipulations that can be difficult for elders. Moving switches to be within easy reach can also influence a client’s comfort and reduce risk of falls from reaching. Increasing the height and number of outlets will also help decrease fall risk by preventing unnecessary bending. Fine print can be replaced with larger print on thermostats, and knobs should be easy-to-control and effortless; these will serve seniors who are visually impaired and have decreased muscle strength in their hands.

Seniors must adjust to living independently. Professionals such as occupational therapists can assist clients in this process by helping them regain a good fit in their home. These “intelligent” environments can access information wirelessly and help control the home, improving elder’s ability to perform tasks. Ultimately, intelligent devices and Smart homes will be able to enhance security, save time, augment memory, and support daily occupation as well as simple and complex tasks around the home. It is better to be safe than sorry, and even better to prevent harmful events while living independently.

Kinsuk Maitra, PhD, OTR/L, is chair and professor in the Occupational Therapy Department in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Florida International University in Miami, Fla.

Veronica Vasquez is a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy student at Florida International University.

This article was brought to you by the editorial board of ASA’s  Network on Environments, Services & Technology for Maximizing Independence (NEST).