Keeping Up with the Jetsons? The Age of the Smart Home

What if your phone could control your living room lights? What if your refrigerator could update your grocery list? What if you could be teleported to Tahiti just by tapping your television? OK, the last one was a stretch, but the others are all possible in a “smart home”. A smart home is the concept that your home electronics, appliances, utensils, security systems, doors, lights, windows and even locks can all be connected and automated.

With a smart home, you could even set your smart thermostat to monitor your phone’s location so the thermostat will turn off when you leave the house. . . that’s pretty smart!

Jane Ratliff is an entrepreneur who is passionate about teaching adults how to use today’s technology to stay connected to family, friends, community and the world. Jane is the executive director and spokesperson for Bluehair Technology Group.

While new and fun, is a smart home really a must-have? No, but for anyone who suffers from mobility or accessibility issues—or even anyone who prefers a more convenient lifestyle—some smart home gadgets could be useful.

Having access to appliances and entrances from a smart phone or device could be a key element to successful aging in place. Here are a few products to ease you into the age of the smart home.

Smart Home Brands

• Doorbell Cameras

• Locks

• Smoke Alarms

• Leak Detectors

• Thermostats

• Security Systems

• LED Light Bulbs

• Plugs and Switches

• Robot Vacuums

• iRobot

• Kuna

• Nest

• Philips Hue

• Skybell

• Sonos

Embracing new technology can be a daunting task! Learn about smart homes, cyber security, social media and more through group or private in-home lessons with Bluehair Technology Group, which also provides customized, in-home computer technical support. Additionally, Bluehair Technology Group has manuals for smartphones, tablets and software—all available for download and in book format.