📋 How a Smarter Home Can Make Daily Life Easier (AARP Article)

[Winter2024]

FROM THE ARTICLE - SEE ARTICLE FOR MORE!!!

Technology can help older adults and the caregivers who love them.

By Jim Lenahan, AARP. Published November 05, 2024.

Getting older doesn’t have to mean leaving your home.

New technology promises to make aging in place easier, safer and more satisfying. In some cases, it can even lend a hand to caregivers.

Smart tech that is connected to the internet often can be controlled from anywhere — inside or outside the home. Some of the most useful devices learn your preferences and routines and adjust to you. Or they can provide insight to a loved one who helps out.

https://www.aarp.org/home-family/personal-technology/info-2024/smart-home-daily-life-easier.html

[GAKKIEZ]

 I still don't trust many smart tech devices that are connected to the internet because they could be controlled from anywhere and do have security issues.  So far, many of these devices are cost prohibitive for many people and have recurring maintenance issues.

[Winter2024]

I agree with you @GAKKIEZ !!! I already get p.ssed off when I CANNOT access ONLINE BANKING when they are having "issues" = I NEED my money. Way too much DEPENDENCY on technology with NO BACK PLAN IN PLACE. Yes, I will keep my NORMAL living arrangements thank you.

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[*** GAKKIEZ  wrote: I still don't trust many smart tech devices that are connected to the internet because they could be controlled from anywhere and do have security issues.  So far, many of these devices are cost prohibitive for many people and have recurring maintenance issues. ***]

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[GAKKIEZ]

  I agree with you!  I get so frustrated with online banking issues since my Credit Union always seems to be doing maintenance after 2AM.  I'm usually up and trying to pay bills online (I use Bill Pay) at this time.  I hate setting bills up for a 'recurring payment' and actually pay them monthly.

  Hate cable tv as well, since they also like to push updates over night. This also affects people with phone service through cable.

[Winter2024]

And @GAKKIEZ , my bank NEVER announces when they will be doing maintenance. Gosh, suppose I have an EMERCENCY. Lol, waste of time calling bank to assist. No, there should be an OPTION to access YOUR money. Grateful my bank has NOT been hacked so far. Or my account. Again they are assuming you can pay BILLS whenever.

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[*** GAKKIEZ wrote: I agree with you!  I get so frustrated with online banking issues since my Credit Union always seems to be doing maintenance after 2AM.  I'm usually up and trying to pay bills online (I use Bill Pay) at this time.  I hate setting bills up for a 'recurring payment' and actually pay them monthly.

  Hate cable tv as well, since they also like to push updates over night. This also affects people with phone service through cable. ***]

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[GailL1]

Maybe I am not understanding you - but why would you not have access to your account?

My bank notifies me in advance of scheduled maintenance so I can plan around that date if need be but if I pay when the bill comes out that gives one several days to make the payment.  

I don’t use reoccurring payment either since the majority of my bills are not of a reoccurring amount.  

You still have access - checks, ATM - you just have to revert back to the old method but those still get processed albeit slower.  

Mow speaking of other types of Smart Tech - 

I had a friend that bought a new dishwasher and I guess she didn’t think about it having newer technology but the only way she can figure out how to turn it on is via her smart phone.  

Now my kid’s house is I guess what you call a “smart” house everything is turned on and off by Siri - volume adjustments - Siri Lights on or off - Siri. Oven Temp - Siri .  Add all that to the Teslas (2) in the household and I guess you would say they are really living “smart” - UGH !!  🤣

[Winter2024]

Gail @GailL1 , not sure IF your comment is for me or @GAKKIEZ . Anyway, for me, as stated in my post - my bank does NOT announce when their ONLINE banking will be down. Now I understand IF like this site, stuff happens which shuts it down = unplanned.

And I donot do ATMs, not safe at my age. Too old to be running after someone who snatched my cash from my hands.

And it may be late at night or at my mechanic when I need to TRANSFER funds from Savings to Checking to cover a surprise expense.

And I donot use checks.

Usually when their website is down, it affects ALL transactions from my experience. Not saying it will be for everyone.

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[*** GAIL wrote: Maybe I am not understanding you - but why would you not have access to your account?

My bank notifies me in advance of scheduled maintenance so I can plan around that date if need be but if I pay when the bill comes out that gives one several days to make the payment.  

I don’t use reoccurring payment either since the majority of my bills are not of a reoccurring amount.  

You still have access - checks, ATM - you just have to revert back to the old method but those still get processed albeit slower.  

Mow speaking of other types of Smart Tech - 

I had a friend that bought a new dishwasher and I guess she didn’t think about it having newer technology but the only way she can figure out how to turn it on is via her smart phone.  

Now my kid’s house is I guess what you call a “smart” house everything is turned on and off by Siri - volume adjustments - Siri Lights on or off - Siri. Oven Temp - Siri .  Add all that to the Teslas (2) in the household and I guess you would say they are really living “smart” - UGH !!  🤣 ***]

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