So maybe you’re the adult child of an older adult who lives alone, maybe even thousands of miles away. Or maybe your loved one lives close by, yet you can only get there after work or on weekends. “Aging in place,” rather than in a facility, is preferred by the majority of older adults, yet there are always concerns that the “place” may not be safe enough or may not sufficiently provide for a loved one’s needs. Increasingly, in place of people, the solutions are technology-driven, and this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas had multiple high-tech “solutions” on display for you to consider. 

The website Aging In Place Technology Watch has a list of 10 of the most intriguing new high-tech innovations on display to help you or a loved one safely age in place. What’s on the list? Sensors throughout the house to detect movement and falls, apps that analyze balance and scan the setting for safety improvements and even devices that can facilitate telemedicine visits and hearing assistance. You can also click here to read about trends in weaving sensors into clothing and other materials to allow for “unobtrusive” monitoring of such concerns as heart health and other vital signs that may signal health problems or worrisome trends.

If these sound like cutting edge solutions to your caregiving concerns, take note: Every upside has a downside and when it comes to high-tech “smart” innovations that analyze and transmit data, there’s always a concern about cyber-hacking and breaches of privacy and safety. So while your loved ones may be physically safer, these devices may be setting them up for a new sophisticated form of elder abuse and exploitation. For further understanding of this 21st-century quandary, put down your cell phone and read here.