In recent years, the home automation aimed at seniors is gaining prominence in the social and healthcare sector. There are more and more initiatives that seek to leverage technology to prevent fragility, increase security, and promote the independence of those over 65. From intergenerational residences to private homes, home automation and assistive robotics are changing the way we care for and support those most in need.
The convergence between universities, foundations and public entities This has enabled the development of pioneering projects, specifically aimed at people experiencing unwanted loneliness or with special daily support needs. These advances aim, above all, to enable seniors to enjoy a more comfortable, protected, and higher-quality life, without sacrificing their independence or the privacy of their surroundings.
Living projects: residences and home automation laboratories for seniors
A prominent example of real-life application is the collaboration between the Poncemar Foundation and Polytechnic University of Cartagena (UPCT) for the creation of a chair dedicated to the development of technologies that monitor and assist older people. This living laboratory, located in an intergenerational residence in Lorca, has 18 apartments designed for those over 65—especially those who live alone—and young people seeking collaborative living.
Within this space the system is being tested ADDIM (Comprehensive Digital Home Support for Seniors), a technological solution that allows monitor physical and emotional activity of users, detect falls, bumps or unusual behavior, and offer personalized assistance in case of emergency. All of this is developed under a model that respects the people's privacy, using non-intrusive sensors and devices that barely disrupt the daily lives of residents.
Furthermore, Researchers from the UPCT and the University of Murcia They collaborate to improve these solutions, testing them in both day care centers and private homes, as in the case of a nonagenarian woman who lives alone and uses this support ecosystem daily. These experiences allow the technologies to be tested and adapted so that they are truly useful and easy for older adults to use.
Robotics and company: more than surveillance, emotional and social support
At the heart of these initiatives is not only accident prevention or rapid response to emergencies, but also company and cognitive stimulation that new technologies offer. The ADDIM system, for example, integrates an assistance robot capable of interacting with users, providing them with conversation, reminders and emotional support on a daily basis, reducing the feelings of isolation common in older people who live alone.
This friendly robotics It is able to offer each user a personalized experience, adapting to their mood and level of autonomy. This reinforces independence, confidence, and peace of mind, both for the elderly themselves and their families, knowing that a system is in place to respond to any incident, and also to maintain routines and social ties.
The development of these solutions is carried out in constant contact with the elderly themselves and the teams that assist them, gathering suggestions and adjusting the technology to their real daily needs. This approach focuses innovation not on the machine, but on the person. person and their well-being.
This advancement in home automation and robotics aims to offer more effective and personal care, making it easier for seniors to live in their homes with greater security and social support.
