The Converged Blog

Technology usage is growing among older adults, and has certainly had a big impact on senior living operations and its residents.

The outbreak of COVID-19 this year shows just how important it is for seniors to have the ability to stay virtually connected to loved ones. Solutions such as television systems and building-wide managed Wi-Fi can’t be overlooked, as they deliver much needed entertainment and connectivity for residents.

The evolution of the Internet of Things (IoT) has also brought us voice recognition solutions, safety sensors, and smart home technology for security cameras and thermostats. These applications can provide users with more freedom and a higher quality of life, making the senior living environment better for both residents and operators. Additionally, older adults are continuing to adopt more devices like smartphones and smart speakers.

Many healthcare IT leaders are also looking ahead to increasing numbers of Baby Boomers retiring and seeking to prepare to match their expectations for a connected technology experience. 

Based off recent research completed by AARP, we've put together this comprehensive infographic on growing technology trends for adults 50+.

Television is still very relevant in the Hospitality industry for a simple reason: You need video services to make your guests feel comfortable. Even if that content isn’t delivered over traditional cable wires, guests still enjoy television programming—even as over-the-top (OTT) disruptors like Netflix have shaken up the industry.

That said, not every hotel television solution is alike.

As the manager of a senior living property or skilled nursing facility, you’re focused on doing everything you can to ensure your residents are comfortable in your community. One of the more streamlined ways to accomplish that is to offer your residents television services that mimic the experiences they’ve grown accustomed to in recent years.

The rise of the Internet and the proliferation of high-speed networks have transformed the way people watch television and movies—and, by extension, have changed the way they consume content at hotels and other Hospitality properties. Thanks to the emergence of over-the-top (OTT) content and on demand streaming solutions, people can watch shows and movies at their own convenience, instead of relying on hardware technology such as a VCR or DVR.

As the manager of a property in the Hospitality or Healthcare industry, you’re focused on delivering great experiences to every person who passes through your doors. One of the best ways you can do that is by investing in up-to-date data, video, and voice solutions that give guests access to things they’ve grown accustomed to in recent years—such as Wi-Fi and over-the-top content.

Guests at Hospitality properties and residents at Senior Living communities increasingly expect up-to-date technology experiences. In an increasingly digitally connected world, people rely on their devices to carry out everyday tasks.

The addition of Wi-Fi services to senior living properties is quickly becoming more of a standard amenity and less of a diamond-in-the-rough offering. Many Healthcare properties offer Wi-Fi to their residents, either to drive competitive advantage or as an opportunity to upsell them on additional services.

In the age of rapid Internet searches and online reviews, guest satisfaction plays an increasingly important role in the success of any Hospitality business.

That’s because there’s a 91 percent chance customers won’t do business with a company again after a bad experience. Making matters worse, guests who have bad experiences are much more likely to share details about those experiences with their family, friends, and colleagues, or publicly on social media. In an age where 84 percent of people trust online reviews as much as they trust recommendations from their peers, these factors can have tremendous implications on hotels.

As you begin your quest for Hospitality technology solutions, you’ll likely run into industry jargon—some of which might not be familiar. Read on for some of the most common terms you’re likely to encounter during the buying process.

Truly taking your senior living community to the next level starts with offering a modern digital experience—one that replicates or even exceeds what is available in many of our homes. To deliver on that promise, you need to consider the three critical technologies that make it all possible: a robust data network, quality video services, and a dependable voice system.