Page 26 - Green Builder Magazine May-June 2019 Issue

continued from page 23
Study: Once Seniors a full-blown health station, de-
Another example would be

Understand Tech, signed to look like a vanity. As
the user sits down to brush their
teeth and wash their face, they
They’re Loyal Fans are being weighed and checked

Younger generations can imagine high-tech for cholesterol levels, blood
pressure and even cancer. This
gadgets, but older buyers put them to work. technology is right around the
corner, although perhaps too
EW RESEARCH FROM PWC confirms what we already knew expensive for homes—for now.
about market barriers to IOT acceptance, but also offers some Ultimately, the best and most
good suggestions on how to overcome those roadblocks: humane healthcare for seniors
N Generational differences play a major role in whether is one that emphasizes good
smart technology is embraced, but not always in predictable ways. health to forestall or avoid as
For example, home safety is the most consistent feature attractive to people many of the in rmities of old
who do not currently own smart gadgets. About 75 percent of respondents age as possible. The U.S. system
said they would be willing to pay more to secure their home. is heavily skewed toward treat-
Also, people over the age of 50 are not interested in “advanced features.” ment of disease, rather than pre- Self service. Now being rolled out at
They generally want products that are reliable, easy to use and show a cost- vention, but the ALT home of the Sam’s Clubs, this health station offers
an early glimpse at what could become
savings benefit. In other words, they’re not as easily charmed with novelty future doesn’t have to adhere to the only affordable healthcare option
as their younger cohorts. Win this audience, say the researchers, and you that short-sighted model. But we left to aging Americans.
tap into a huge white space of potential buyers. should insist on the right combi-
nation of privacy safeguards (limits on who gets the data) and fea-
tures that serve the elderly, not simply the caregiver. Manufacturers
should not double dip and pro t by selling the data collected, as so
many do currently.

The right pitch. Older Americans will embrace tech, but on their
own terms.
Senior Attitudes Toward Smart Home Tech
■ The majority of consumers are familiar with smart home technology.
■
■ One in four U.S. internet users currently owns a smart home device.
■
■ Device adoption results from four main motivators: savings, safety, Load up. The Medacube can supply up to 90 days of meds, and is
■
convenience and control. controlled via smartphone.
■ Price is currently the No. 1 purchase barrier.
■
■ Security around one’s data is a concern but often overlooked, when the The Right Dose
■
value of a product is proven.
■ A payment plan for smart home devices would be a persuasive offering. EVERAL SMART DEVICES that dispense medications have hit
■
■ Smart devices focused on safety command the highest price. the market lately. While the technology doesn’t address the
■
■ Consumers are willing to spend on additional services and features after crushing costs of prescription drugs (perhaps later iterations
■
purchasing a smart home device. Enhanced security features top the list. S will act as a pharmacy, and mix generic brands from raw
■ The majority of consumers say they are excited about the future of materials), for seniors, they offer a reminder and a safe way of doling
■
smart technology in their home. out the right dose of the right product at the right time.
24 GREEN BUILDER May/June 2019 www.greenbuildermedia.com

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