According to the latest Census figures (Census 2000) nearly 35 million people in the U.S. are 65 and older. Many senior citizens continue to live in their homes until they find they are unable to care for themselves or their property.

Some elderly people prefer to live in communities or housing areas that are reserved strictly for seniors. Independent living communities, also known as retirement communities, senior housing or senior apartments, are designed for seniors who are able to take care of themselves and want to continue living independently, but don't want to be burdened by home maintenance.

Aging, Disability and Living Needs

More than 28 percent of those 65 and older have some kind of physical disability (such as difficulty climbing stairs, getting out of a chair, walking, reaching or lifting). Nearly 11 percent have trouble with learning, memory or concentration. About 14 percent have vision or hearing problems. And 9.5 percent report needing help with self-care activities (like bathing or dressing).

Despite having some physical or mental disabilities, many older Americans want to live independently. Researchers are looking for high-tech ways to help seniors remain independent and stay well. Scientists at the University of Florida Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Technology for Successful Aging have developed the Gator Tech Smart House - a home wired for the future.

The Smart House is a 2400-square-foot prototype home with all the conveniences of a traditional home. But unlike the traditional home, this model of the future is based on intelligent design and contains many different kinds of computerized amenities. A Smart mailbox senses mail delivery and notifies the occupant. A Smart front door has a radiofrequency tag that enables keyless entry for occupants. Speakers at the door enable the resident to communicate to visitors. A Smart bathroom measures body weight, water temperature, and use of soap (even reminding the resident to use soap and wash hands after using the bathroom). If the resident spends too much time in the bathroom, sensors can alert a monitoring service that help may be needed. Smart thermostats automatically set and control temperature in the home. A Smart stove monitors usage of the stove/oven and notifies the occupant if the stove has been inadvertently left on. A Smart microwave automatically adjusts for proper cooking time and temperature for meals and even shows the owner how to properly prepare the food. A Smart refrigerator monitors the food supply in the refrigerator, creates shopping lists, and notifies the occupant when food has expired or is no longer safe to consume. A Smart bed monitors sleep patterns and keeps track of potential sleep problems. Smart blinds automatically adjust (or can be adjusted by remote control) for outdoor light conditions and privacy. An ultrasonic location tracker senses and detects the location of the resident. There are even cognitive assist services to remind residents to take medications or leave for an appointment. Another assistance feature will enable residents to call for help when needed.

The Smart House is located in the Oak Hammock retirement community in Gainesville, FL. The location allows scientists to have volunteer residents live in the home to test its capabilities and usefulness. Designers acknowledge that most people will never need all the services being tested. However, they envision the availability of a basic package that could be hooked up to a personal computer with additional features added as necessary.

SOURCES

For information about the Gator Tech Smart House, http://www.icta.ufl.edu/gt.htm

For general information on housing for seniors: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, http://www.hud.gov/groups/seniors.cfm