Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors represent the top smart home technologies favored by homeowners over age 50, according to new research from The Hartford and the MIT AgeLab.
The research consisted of an extensive review of 25 technologies by a panel of leading experts on housing, aging and technology.
In descending order of popularity, other favored technologies are wireless doorbell cameras, keyless entry, automatic lighting, smart water shut off valves, smart home security systems, smart outlets/plugs, smart thermostats, water and/or mold monitoring sensors and smart window blinds.
“As a homeowner’s insurer that specializes in the mature market, we pay close attention to new smart home technologies and what our customers are interested in,” said Jodi Olshevski, gerontologist and executive director of The Hartford Center for Mature Market Excellence.
The survey found that these homeowners’ No. 1 concern about their home is maintenance, though it was not their top choice when considering the benefits of smart home technology. They cited safety and security (49 percent), saving energy (47 percent), and making day-to-day life easy and convenient (33 percent) as the top three benefits.
