Smart, safe and seen: designing tech older adults actually want
In our last post, we explored what older adults really think about smart home technology. Not surprisingly, we found that the clichés don’t hold up. Far from being baffled or fearful, affluent over-70s in London are curious, capable and increasingly connected. Nearly all go online regularly. Nine in ten use smartphones. Around a third already use Alexa or similar assistants, and a majority say they’d like to do more with smart tech in future.
But openness isn’t the same as adoption. To move from “that’s interesting” to “I want this in my home”, the technology has to feel useful, supportive and, above all, designed with their needs in mind.
So what does that actually look like?
It starts with purpose
For this audience, the appeal of home automation rests on clear, tangible benefits. In two recent studies with Londoners aged 70+ (all with household assets of at least £2 million and open to a future move within zones 1–6), the most consistently attractive features were those that improved safety, comfort or day-to-day ease.
Top of the list were:
Leak and gas detection systems (favoured by 63% of respondents)
Smart security and entry systems
Heating and air conditioning control
Curtain automation (which many described as unexpectedly delightful)
Lighting and appliance control
These features weren’t seen as gimmicks. They were perceived as quality-of-life upgrades. Subtle interventions that could make living independently easier for longer.
Support is non-negotiable
Even the best-designed tech falls flat without decent support. Two-thirds of those surveyed said it was very important to have help on hand if anything went wrong, ideally through a combination of phone support, in-person troubleshooting, and hands-on training.
This was the clearest deal-breaker across both studies. Participants weren’t worried about learning new systems. What they didn’t want was to be stuck, especially if it meant losing access to heating, lighting or security features. Several also emphasised the importance of being able to override any system manually, just in case.
So while user-friendly design is essential, it’s the wraparound that builds confidence: responsive support, clear guides, and reassurance that you’re never stranded by your own tech.
Offer control, not compromise
When it comes to how people interact with smart home systems, one size definitely doesn’t fit all.
Some participants loved voice control. Others preferred a sleek control pad or a mobile app. Many wanted to use all three, depending on the situation; hands-free for lighting, app-based for heating, and physical switches for day-to-day use.
In fact, 83% said they’d want the option to use either voice or a control pad in a future home. This is an audience that values flexibility and dislikes being funnelled into a single mode of interaction. They don’t want to feel forced into a way of living that doesn’t suit them.
The takeaway? Give people choice. Let them mix and match. Let them personalise. The more control you give, the more likely they are to engage.
Don’t tip into over-design
One of the most common complaints in the broader smart home market is over-complication. Too many screens. Too many logins. Too many moments of “now what?”
Older adults, like everyone else, respond well to clarity. In the studies, respondents spoke positively about clean layouts, discreet hardware and systems that "just work". There was real appreciation for thoughtful placement of controls and voice cues that weren’t overly chatty or intrusive.
This is a generation with a strong sense of taste. They’ve spent a lifetime investing in homes, and they don’t want that environment cluttered by clunky panels or plastic voice assistants. Simplicity, elegance and familiarity all go a long way.
Medical tech? Make it optional, not obvious
When it came to health-related technology (wearables, fall alerts, environmental sensors) most participants saw clear value, so long as it didn’t define the space.
The idea of an SOS button in the shower was seen as smart and unobtrusive. A discreet wristband that could detect changes in movement or health was welcomed. But what people didn’t want was a home that shouted “this is for old people”.
72% said they viewed these features as a future benefit, not something they needed immediately. That distinction matters. It allows people to move into a space and feel optimistic - not pre-labelled as vulnerable.
Designing for optionality, rather than inevitability, keeps the sense of agency intact.
Think lifestyle, not just longevity
There’s a wider opportunity here, too. What older adults value in smart home systems (comfort, ease, quality, discretion) is actually what many people want, regardless of age.
The more we listen to this audience, the more we see that good design is universal. The tech that works for them is also the tech that will work for busy professionals, families with young children, and anyone who simply wants a calmer, more streamlined home.
This isn’t about targeting an age bracket. It’s about meeting high standards.
Designing for the 70+ audience: six things that matter
Clarity of purpose: Focus on features that enhance safety, comfort and day-to-day living.
Support that’s human and fast: Training, troubleshooting, and simple guides are key to confidence.
Multiple interaction options: Voice, touch, app, manual. Let people choose how they engage.
Elegant, intuitive design: Prioritise calm interfaces, discreet hardware and ‘it just works’ experiences.
Optional health tech: Design medical features to be supportive, not stigmatising.
Personalisation, not prescription: Let people tailor the system to suit their habits and preferences.
The bigger picture
Older adults are not a niche. They’re a growing, affluent and discerning segment of the population. One that’s ready to embrace home automation on their own terms.
For developers, tech providers, housing operators and designers, the opportunity is clear: stop thinking in terms of limitations. Start thinking in terms of standards.
Smart home systems for this group don’t need to be simpler. They need to be better; more supportive, more thoughtful, and more human.
Because this generation doesn’t want to feel managed. They want to feel seen.
source: Boomer + beyond_CHANGING THE CONVERSATION