Skip to main content

Google’s Nest is looking to target seniors with smart homes

Google’s Nest may be getting ready for a big push into marketing smart home products and services to seniors, according to CNBC.

Sources familiar with Nest’s plans told CNBC the company is considering various avenues to support older people who would rather stay in their own homes than move to assisted living facilities. The “aging in place” concept depends on communication and event detection technologies such as those produced by Nest and other groups in the Google Home division.

Related Videos

Google Home and Nest may not have focused on the senior market originally, but the large and growing number of people in the U.S. who wish to remain independent as they get older presents an opportunity the company may not want to pass up.

More about aging in place

Sources told CNBC that Nest has been talking with experts in aging, and with senior living facilities, about various ways in which its products could benefit seniors.

Nest motion detection sensors can track behavior and take appropriate actions such as turning on interior home lights to help seniors’ vision as they move about the house. Other examples include notifying remote family members or caregivers if an older person is sedentary most of the time or moving about too often when temperatures are excessively high.

According to CNBC sources, Nest also may be exploring technology to predict falls by developing algorithms that analyze motion data looking for specific patterns and changes.

Falls are the most frequent cause of injury and death from injury among people 65 and older in the U.S., reports the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC). Each year more than one of every four seniors falls, but fewer than half of the falls are reported. A combination of Google Home and Nest products could help detect falls and alert caregivers or emergency services.

Stating that Nest’s conversations with aging experts are increasing, CNBC’s sources stressed that proposed product concepts for seniors are not commitments. However, Yoky Matsuoka, Nest chief technology officer, is speaking about technology impacting aging at a major conference this fall. Also, Grant Wedner, the Nest executive heading up the senior market exploration, has a background in healthcare design projects and studied aging while at his former company, design consulting firm IDEO.

Editors' Recommendations

Save money on your utility bills with these smart home gadgets
The Google Nest Learning Thermostat in stainless steel.

Smart home gadgets can do more than respond to voice commands or automate your household -- they can also save you money. It might require a hefty initial investment, but once your smart home is up and running, it’s not uncommon to see big reductions across most of your utility bills. If you’re looking to save a few extra bucks every month, here are some easy ways to save money with smart home devices.
Upgrade to a smart thermostat

Arguably the best way to save money on your energy bills is by switching to a smart thermostat. These come in all shapes and sizes, but your best bet is to spring for a premium model that offers advanced learning capabilities -- such as the Nest Learning Thermostat. Products in this category give you the best control of your HVAC system, as they’ll actively monitor your usage and suggest ways to be more efficient.

Read more
How to set up your smart home for beginners
Vont Smart LED Light Strip installed in home.

If you’re just beginning your smart home journey, it can be difficult to figure out where to start. From smart thermostats and smart speakers to robot vacuums and light bulbs, the number of gadgets on the market is truly staggering -- and can quickly become overwhelming to newcomers.

Thankfully, piecing together a smart home is pretty simple. While you can easily sink hours into automating every aspect of your household, all that's really required for a “smart home” is a few products and their accompanying apps on your phone. If you need some guidance ingetting started, here are some tips to help set up your smart home.

Read more
How do smart thermostats work?
Ecobee smart thermostat installed on wall next to woman walking down staircase.

Smart thermostats are quickly becoming a staple of the modern household, offering more versatility and control when compared to traditional thermostats. But how exactly do they work? And are there any disadvantages to upgrading to the fancy new technology? Here's a closer look at how smart thermometers work, how they can streamline your heating and cooling needs, and how they can save you money.
How does a thermostat work?

Thermostats control how hot or cold your home gets. Before we explain the "smart" part of a smart thermostat, let's look at the basics of thermostat operation.

Read more