Quick answer
The right technology helps older adults stay connected and safe at home. For most people that means a simple phone and plan, a medical alert system with fall detection if you live alone, a few home-safety upgrades like grab bars and good lighting, and hearing help if conversations are getting harder. Original Medicare doesn’t pay for medical alert systems or hearing aids, though some Medicare Advantage plans do. Over-the-counter hearing aids are sold without a prescription to adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.
What to look for
| Need | Look for |
|---|---|
| Cell phone | Large text and buttons, hearing-aid compatibility, simple plan with no contract |
| Medical alert | Automatic fall detection, GPS, works without a landline, no long contract |
| Home safety | Grab bars, non-slip floors, bright lighting, no loose rugs or cords |
| Hearing | OTC aids for mild to moderate loss; see an audiologist for severe, sudden or one-sided loss |
| Mobility | A walker or rollator sized for your height and weight |
Last reviewed October 26, 2026 by Greg Wilson. Sources: FDA, CDC, Medicare.gov.
This is SeniorAffair’s guide to technology and safety for older adults: phones and plans, medical alerts, home safety, mobility aids and hearing technology. Start with the essentials, or jump to a topic.
- Cell phones and plans
- Tablets, internet and devices
- Medical alerts and emergency help
- Home safety and security
- Mobility aids
- Hearing technology
Start here
- Best Cell Phone Plans for Seniors Over 55 in 2026 (Lowest Prices, Simplest Plans)
- Best Medical Alert Systems for Seniors in 2026: Honest Reviews from a 55+ Perspective
- Best OTC Hearing Aids & Headphones for Seniors in 2026 (Honest Reviews)
- Elderly Fall Prevention: Key Risks and How to Avoid Them
- Top Mobility Aids for Seniors to Enhance Daily Life
Cell phones and plans
Senior-friendly phones, plans and carriers.
- Best Cell Phones for Seniors with Dementia
- An In-Depth Review Of The Jitterbug Phone: Is It Worth Your Money?
- Take A Look At The Jitterbug Smart 3 By Lively: An Easy-To-Use Phone For Seniors
- Large Display and Buttons Mobile phones For Senior
- Flip Phones Are Making A Comeback: A Tech Revolution For Seniors.
- Introducing Minivision2: The Super Compact Smartphone For Maximum Mobility
- Making Phone Calls Easier For The Blind With Voice-Activated Technology
- Unlock Big Savings: The Best And Cheapest Cell Phone Plans For Seniors
- Connecting Seniors With Consumer Cellular: How To Enjoy The Benefits Of Affordable Cell Phone Plans
- Shop Smart: Buy Cell Phones Without Plans For Unbeatable Savings
- Spectrum Mobile: Pros And Cons
Tablets, internet and devices
Getting online and staying connected.
- GrandPad Reviews [2026] Have You Heard of Tablets Explicitly Made for Older Adults?
- Best Internet Service Providers for Seniors
- Travel Internet Options: eSIM vs. Roaming vs. WiFi — Which Is Best for Seniors?
- Hp Instant Ink Review: Five Things You Most Likely Didn’t Know
Medical alerts and emergency help
Systems that call for help after a fall or emergency.
- Mobilehelp Medical Alert System: A Comprehensive Review
- ResponseNow Review: Best Medical Alert Systems
- Best Medical Alert Systems & Home Safety Products for Seniors in 2026
Home safety and security
Fall prevention, bathroom safety, stair lifts and home security.
- Set Up Your Home Security System For Free – No Monthly Fee Required!
- Budget-Friendly Home Security Systems: How To Protect Your Home Without Breaking The Bank
- Best Walk-in Tubs for Seniors
- Best Portable Bathtubs for Seniors. Heavenly Portable Walk-in Tubs Review
- Does Medicare Cover Walk-In Tubs or Walk-In Showers in 2026?
- Make Easier Access To Your Home With A Standing Stair Lift
- Exploring the Advantages of Shaftless Stair Lifts
- The Future Of Home Living: Exploring The Benefits Of Smart Home Systems
- The Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Best Home Automation System
- The Benefits Of A Home Automation System: Streamlining Your Life And Increasing Efficiency
Mobility aids
Walkers, rollators and scooters.
- The Best Rollator Walkers For Heavy People
- Why Heavy-Duty Walkers Are A Great Option For Seniors
- Increased Independence – Wheelchair Walker hybrid
- Introducing The So Lite Scooter: A Lightweight And Convenient Way To Get Around
Vision, health tech and identity
- Reading glasses and eyewear: readers, progressives, buying online and Medicare
- At-home health tests and EKG monitors: lab kits and personal heart monitors
- Identity theft protection: credit freezes, scams and monitoring services
- Sleep solutions: CPAP, adjustable beds and anti-snoring devices
Hearing technology
Hearing aids, OTC options and what they cost.
- 5 Best Rechargeable Hearing Aids
- Audien vs. Lexie vs. Jabra Enhance: Which Budget Hearing Aid Wins in 2026?
- How Much Do Audien Hearing Aids Cost in 2026? Full Pricing Breakdown
- Audien Hearing Aids Review 2026: Prices, Models and Honest Verdict
- LINNER OTC Hearing Aids Review: Affordable Relief for Hearing Loss
- Comparing Starkey And Lexie Hearing Aids: Which One Is Best For You?
- Which Is Better Oticon Or Starkey?
- The Benefits Of Starkey Hearing Aids For Improved Quality Of Life
- Enhancing Your Listening Experience With Widex Hearing Aids
- Choosing The Right In-The-Canal Hearing Aid For Your Needs
- Exploring The Benefits Of Bossa Hearing Aids: Reviews From Existing Users
- Unbiased Reviews Of Nano Hearing Aids: An Essential Guide For Anyone Shopping For Improved Hearing
- The Top Hearing Aids For Musicians: What You Need To Know
- Hear The Difference: An In-Depth Review Of Eargo Hearing Aids
- The Cost of Eargo: Is It Worth the Investment?
- Exploring The Benefits Of Audien Hearing Aids Versus Amplifiers
- Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids? (2026 Guide)
Questions about this guide or a correction? Contact us. Read how we research and update articles in our Editorial Policy.
