Most Seniors Are Ready for Smart Homes

Kim Dalla Torre and Linda Hill of EY Global and America conducted a research study about senior consumer preferences toward technology. In their research, "How will you deliver the care that consumers want as they age," they used this methodology:

• 4,501, 20-minute online surveys of consumers aged 50 and over.

• 6 markets - the US, Canada, Australia, Germany, the UK, and The Republic of Ireland

• Random stratified sampling approach with quotas on gender, age (50 years and older), and market based on census data.

• The sample was drawn from an approved sample provider.

Key findings were:

• Nearly 75% of respondents said they would like to take advantage of a "smart home" equipped with sensors and devices to monitor and alert their healthcare team and family to potential emergencies.

• Nearly 60% of respondents rate the system of care as they age as fair to poor.

• 67% of respondents were moderately to extremely likely to use digital technologies that collect health data such as blood pressure to send to their healthcare team.

• 64% were open to digitally enabled healthcare that provides both virtual and in-person options.

• 54% were moderately to extremely likely to use genetic tests that show whether they are predisposed to certain health conditions as they age.

• 56% said they were open to voice-enabled digital assistants that offer reminders to take medicine, drink water, exercise and help make appointments.

• 49% indicated openness to artificial intelligence (AI) technologies that analyze their health data to identify health risks as they age as well as suitable treatments.

The report makes 5 specific recommendations to health organizations and government policy makers. In brief, they are:

1. Empower consumers to manage their own health destiny.

2. Transform care models to improve community-based support and navigation so people can remain at home longer.

3. Take advantage of consumer openness to digital technologies to deliver care where they want it.

4. Build awareness of the benefits of community care to involve stakeholders in shifting investment from acute to preventative care.

5. Support caregivers to alleviate burden and create a more transparent, accessible system of care and support.

To read the complete research study, click here.