I think it’s safe to say that “retirement” today isn’t your grandfather’s retirement. Remember when a “retired life” conjured images of quiet afternoons in a rocking chair? These days, retirement might look more like a morning round of golf, afternoons shaping a passion project into a start-up, and evenings laughing with friends, all while staying connected to family with a quick video chat. And technology is transforming what it means to grow older, opening up new possibilities for health, home, and happiness. And far from being left behind, men in their 50s, 60s, and beyond are increasingly embracing these tools. In fact, the market for “age-tech”, devices and services to help people age in place, is booming. It’s projected to become a $120 billion industry by 2030, with over half of older North Americans saying they’re likely to buy new emerging tech to help them live independently. Clearly, a digital revolution is underway in the retiree lifestyle, and it matters because it can make our later years safer, richer, and more connected.

Before you worry that you need to be a tech wizard to benefit, take heart: many of your peers are already on board. And if you’re closer to 50 than you are to 80, these might be technologies that you’ve been using in your work for a couple years now already. Recent research shows 80% of Americans over 50 have at least one technology product in their homes that helps them age in place. Nearly 70% of older adults feel comfortable using technology to help them live at home longer. You’re in good company if you’re using a smartphone, smart speaker, or health app. As one AARP expert put it, to stay independent at home you need to stay socially connected, mentally sharp, physically active, on top of your health, and safe, and “technology can address all of those things.” It’s about choosing the right tools to support the life you want.

So, let’s explore how technology is changing retirement living right now, with practical examples from your home to your healthcare. Then, next week we’ll take a peek at what futurists think the next 5–10 years might bring (hint: it’s pretty exciting and very cool!).

You value your independence and want to stay in your own home for as long as possible. Technology is making that easier and safer. “Smart home” tech can now handle many daily tasks or worries, giving you and your family peace of mind. For example, smart sensors and devices can automatically turn off the stove if you forget, adjust the lights and thermostat, and detect falls and call for help in an emergency. Doorbell cameras let you see who’s at the door (and answer it remotely), and smart speakers like Alexa or Google Assistant respond to voice commands to play your favorite music or remind you to take medications. Your house can become a helpful partner in your retirement, and even prior to retirement. I love that my blinds close automatically when the sun goes down.

These aren’t just fancy toys, research shows they make a real difference. In a scientific systematic review of smart home technologies, results showed that such tools improve the safety, health monitoring, and independent living of older adults, especially when continuous monitoring is needed. And people are catching on. Surveys reveal that over 60% of older adults now use some kind of smart home device to help with things like home security, lighting, or appliance control. Yet many are still discovering what’s possible, fewer than 10% currently have gadgets like medical alert pendants or smart glucose monitors, but a much larger number say they’re interested in getting them. Cost and ease of use are challenges, but the technology is becoming more user-friendly (and voice-controlled devices mean you don’t have to fiddle with tiny buttons or screens). My wearable, smart glucose monitor tells my phone (and me) when my blood sugar drops too low or gets too high, and when combined with another app that tracks what I eat, I get personalized information about what foods are driving the changes in blood sugar, which helps me control type 2 diabetes.

Practical takeaways: Think about a couple of small tech additions that could make your daily routine easier or safer:

Imagine coming home on a winter evening: the lights turn on as you walk in, the house already warmed itself, and your favorite jazz playlist starts with a voice command. Smart home tech can offer convenience, but more importantly, it provides confidence; knowing that if something unexpected happens (like a fall or a midnight fridge raid), technology has your back. It’s like getting a bit of your younger agility and memory back in digital form, helping you keep control of your life. Your smart home is like your new toolbelt, it helps you handle the little things so you can focus on enjoying your day.

One of the most life-changing advances for retirees and those thinking about retirement has been in health technology. Remember when a health scare meant immediately arranging a ride to the doctor’s office? Now, in many cases, you can hop on a video call with your physician or use a home device to check your vitals, all without leaving your living room. Telehealth really took off during the pandemic and has shown staying power. During the height of COVID, nearly 30% of Medicare beneficiaries in the US used telehealth services, and even a couple of years later a third of adults 50+ expressed interest in continuing to use virtual healthcare. This isn’t surprising, for routine check-ups or follow-ups, a video visit can be far easier than arranging transport, and it avoids exposure to other sick patients. In fact, a 2023 review in BMC Primary Care found that using telemedicine for primary care in older adults led to positive experiences, high patient satisfaction, and many patients wanted to keep using it as an alternative care option.

Beyond virtual visits, consider the new health gadgets now available. Wearable devices like smartwatches or fitness trackers can monitor your heart rate, sleep quality, or even alert you to irregular heart rhythms. Digital blood pressure cuffs or glucose monitors can send readings directly to your phone (or to a doctor’s office) for tracking. There are even smart pill dispensers that beep or message you if you forget a dose. These tools empower you to stay on top of chronic conditions without constant clinic visits. It’s like having a health coach on your wrist or nightstand. No wonder a survey found that the most-wanted tech products among older adults are health-related, from connected medical alert devices to digital hearing aids and smart blood pressure monitors. And many are already using them: more than 70% of people 50+ use some form of health technology like tracking apps or wearable fitness devices to manage their well-being. The result? We can catch potential issues earlier and maintain our health proactively.

Practical takeaways: You don’t need to buy an entire Apple Store to benefit from health tech. Here are some approachable ideas:

Crucially, health tech is about keeping you in the driver’s seat of your well-being. There are many stories hitting the news these days, about a smartwatch alerting a patient to a low heart rate or arrythmia, something you might not have known about otherwise, and prompting the person to seek treatment before something really bad happens. It’s amazing how a little piece of technology can give us not only data, but confidence and peace of mind. Telehealth and health gadgets won’t replace your real doctors and healthy habits, but they’re powerful tools to help you feel your best.

Retirement can be a time of great freedom (no more 9-to-5!) but it can also bring changes to our social circles. Kids move away, friends might retire to different locales, and let’s face it, it can get harder to make new buddies in your 60s and 70s. Enter technology: one of the biggest gifts of the digital age to older adults is the ability to stay connected with people and passions, no matter the distance. Whether it’s weekly Zoom calls with your grandchildren, a Facebook group of your old college pals sharing jokes, or even online forums for your favorite hobbies (woodworking YouTube channels, anyone?), tech can help keep loneliness at bay. And staying socially active isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s crucial for mental and emotional health. Social isolation has been linked to health risks, so anything that helps us stay in touch can literally help us live longer, healthier lives.

The good news is that older adults are using tech to connect more than ever. Three out of four people age 50+ report that they rely on technology to stay in touch with friends and family. This was accelerated by the pandemic, when suddenly video chatting became the norm for all ages. Many of us, maybe most of us, learned to use Zoom or FaceTime in 2020. Even if some of us needed a little coaching (“Dad, unmute yourself, the button is in the corner!”), we made it work. Now, those skills can continue to serve us. One study found that having access to tech, even something as basic as a cell phone or email, significantly reduced the risk of social isolation in older adults. It makes sense: a smartphone in your pocket means your loved ones are only a text or call away. And it’s not only about family; technology lets you join virtual classes, faith services, or interest groups. Digital connections don’t replace in-person interaction, but they sure supplement it on those quiet days.

Technology can also help you expand your world. Ever hear of virtual travel? There are apps and VR (virtual reality) experiences that let you tour the Louvre or walk the Great Wall of China from your couch. It may not be quite the same as being there, but for a travel lover who’s less mobile than before, it’s a delightful alternative. Social media, for all its faults, can be a fun way to see photos of your nephew’s new puppy or to reconnect with that friend you haven’t seen since high school. The key is using these tools in a balanced way (no need to get sucked into endless internet rabbit holes or negative news, we’ve all been there!). Focus on the aspects that bring you joy and connection.

Practical takeaways: Combatting loneliness or just maintaining strong relationships in retirement can be aided by a few tech habits:

Above all, remember that reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. It can feel vulnerable to say, “I miss you, can we chat?” but people are usually thrilled to connect. Technology just makes it a bit easier to bridge the miles. Often, I find that when I reconnect with an old friend I haven’t spoken to in a long time, we just pick up where we left off. That’s the power of staying connected, your world stays big.

Technology is no longer just a novelty; it’s becoming an ally in shaping how we live after 50. From smarter, safer homes to easier access to healthcare and richer social connections, these tools already help us stay independent and engaged. You don’t have to adopt everything at once — just choosing one or two changes that make daily life simpler or more secure is a powerful start. And each small step builds confidence: confidence that you can keep living life on your terms, staying healthy, connected, and in control.

But this is only the foundation. The next chapter isn’t just about living safely — it’s about living fully. Technology can be a springboard to rediscover purpose, sharpen your mind, and even create entirely new adventures in retirement. In Part 2, we’ll explore how digital tools can help you learn, build, and dream bigger than ever before.