The Converged Blog

For years, the guest room television wasn’t a high priority for many hotel operators unless the property had free HBO. While consumer technology quickly advanced, from picture and performance to over-the-top (OTT) capabilities, the hotel TV remained stagnant, taking years to even bring high definition (HD) to the guest room. However, the television is a vital part of the guest experience, and you need comparable video services to what your guests are accustomed to at home to make them feel comfortable.

It’s no secret that consumer expectations continue to rise. The digital age has led the hospitality industry to become more competitive than ever, and the pandemic has only accelerated the need for modern hospitality technology.

The senior living technology boom has been a long time coming. Tech was not always a priority for older adults, but in recent years, usage has skyrocketed among seniors. More seniors are moving into communities with smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other wireless gadgets, and the number of devices will only increase as time goes on. The shift towards connected communities has been gradual—when the pandemic hit, however, the industry was forced to jump headfirst into modern technology in order to keep residents safe and healthy while maintaining their quality of life and mental health.

The Ray Baum's Act, which expands upon Kari’s Law, was signed into law on March 6, 2018 and goes into effect on January 6, 2021. This act requires a “dispatchable location” be transmitted when a 911 call is initiated, including calls from multi-line telephone systems.

Properties like hotels and senior living communities must ensure their phone systems are up to date, or they can be subject to fines of up to $10,000.

It is clear that a multitude of industries have been turned on their heads this year. According to Stanford research, 42 percent of the U.S. labor force is now working from home full-time. In fact, another 33 percent are not working, leaving only 26 percent, mostly essential service workers, working on site. In addition to telecommuting, many are using virtual means to stay safely connected to friends and family as well. This historic shift to working and socializing from home was critical to prioritize health and safety, and led to a technological boom – with people from all walks of life learning to use tools like Zoom for the first time, from 8 years old to 80 years old.

Organizations across all industries are increasingly running analytics to accomplish a number of tasks, including informing decision-making, improving the customer experience, and figuring out which products to bring to market.

Many U.S. states have started to relax coronavirus restrictions, but older adults are advised to continue sheltering in place, as they are some of the most vulnerable to the virus. While some senior living communities have chosen to allow visitors, the vast majority continue with strict no-visitor rules. While this is the best way to keep residents safe, the loneliness has taken a toll on many.

Not too long ago, a high-speed Internet connection wasn’t a top priority for senior living communities. Fast-forward to today, and senior living communities are seeing reliable Internet become more important than ever. As COVID-19 continues to be a concern for seniors, staying virtually connected to loved ones is a necessity. Additionally, communities are seeing more move-ins from Baby Boomers and members of Generation X—and these groups are much more technologically inclined.

The Hospitality industry has spent the past two months in a state of uncertainty. With travel restrictions and social distancing measures in full force, hotels watched occupancy levels decline – with many hotels closing entirely. Some repurposed their space to house the homeless or frontline workers, and others became quarantine sites.

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+.