HELP IS AT HAND

In-ceiling speakers can assist those with hearing issues

UK maker of smart light switches, Retrotouch, offers some thoughts on the future and potential of this key sector.

The so called ‘silver tsumami’ of an aging population offers a huge wave of opportunities for installers. The UK’s population is ageing as there are currently nearly 12 million (11,989,322) people aged 65+ in the UK, and the general population is projected to continue to age. Figures show that 20% of the UK population or 14.3m people, will be over 65 by 2025; and by 2030 one in five people in the UK (21.8%) will be aged 65 or over. With an aging population comes the challenge of providing quality enabled assisted living – something that is increasingly being helped by technology.

As well as the boom in vitally important health tech such as Telemedicine/Telehealth (enabling residents to connect with doctors virtually via web portals linked to smartwatches or other wearables) there are several other key growth areas in ‘silver tech’ offering huge opportunities for installers. Infrastructure and AI: technologies including updated networking (5G), telecommunications and IoT, are helping senior citizens to retain independence and flexibility in their daily lives – a priority for many as they seek to stay in their own homes for as long as possible.

Security and Safety: with the desire for independence comes the equal desire for optimal security and safety. In this key sector the growth areas include smart door entry systems, smoke alarms, in-room activity sensors and security cameras.

Smart Home Technology: this significant growth area includes AI and voice controlled devices eg. Amazon Alexa, smart appliances, smart speakers, smart thermostats (like Nest), and smart lighting.

It’s in sectors such as smart lighting that brands like Retrotouch are constantly investing in new technology, with a view to increasing its focus on providing assisted living solutions. The Retrotouch range of remote switches and Friends of Hue smart switches are ideal for less mobile seniors.

Wireless place anywhere light switches can deliver big benefits

The smart switches are wireless, stick-anywhere, battery-free and can control up to 50 Philips Hue lights and lamps simultaneously. They’re easy to control via voice-command or a dedicated app, and are compatible with Apple HomeKit. In addition (and making them easy to fit) the Switch connects directly to the Philips Hue Bridge. No additional Smart Home Hub is needed.

If an elderly resident has limited movement, this type of switch is ideal as it can be placed anywhere within their reach, as well as being controlled remotely via voice or an app on their phone or tablet. For those who are still mobile, the motion sensors help ensure a safe home environment as living spaces – and any obstacles - are always automatically well lit.

Other types of smart lighting solutions – such as those provided by EnOcean, wireless Kinetic switches, bring huge assisted living benefits. Paired with an EnOcean relay, the switches are app controlled and voice enabled so you can use Alexa to activate/control your lights or open/close garage doors or driveway gates. They also adapt to outdoor brightness so they can turn indoor and outdoor lights on/ off automatically at sunrise and sunset, during specific weather conditions or at pre-set times for added security and peace of mind.

For the hard of hearing or anyone who just wants an easy way to enhance their home entertainment experience, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth ceiling speakers from companies like Lithe Audio are an ideal solution. As well as being easy for the users to control via voice or app, Lithe Audio ceiling speakers are designed to make it as easy as possible for installers to fit – or retrofit - into any type of home. There’s no need for speaker cables or servers, thanks to the amplifier and Wi-Fi being built-in, so they’re really easy to install.

“Most installers already have transferrable skills that can be employed in the assisted living domain,” says Amit Ravat, MD of Retrotouch & Lithe Audio. “And those installers that develop and enhance their specific expertise in smart home, security and infrastructure systems will undoubtedly benefit from the 75+ demographic acceleration alongside the senior housing boom.”

In conclusion, smart home systems and AI are unlocking an ever-growing number of possibilities for assisting – and maximising the quality of life of - seniors as they age. As such it’s a growth area that should be high on the radar of installers who want to benefit from riding the ‘silver tsunami’.