Smart devices were once hailed as game-changers for senior living—tools that could keep residents safe, connected, and more independent. Voice assistants like Alexa, smartwatches with fall detection, and connected security systems were all touted as revolutionary for aging populations. But in a surprising shift, some senior facilities are now banning or heavily restricting these technologies.
Why the sudden reversal? The answer is far more complicated than a simple misunderstanding of technology. It’s about privacy, liability, social dynamics, and the unintended consequences of turning once-private spaces into always-on surveillance zones.
