EY Global Consumer Health Study: Consumers Embrace ‘Smart Home’ Aging

The EY organization released the second part of its Global Consumer Health Study, focusing on the future of aging. The study — based on a survey of 4,500 consumers aged 50 and older across six markets and interviews with more than 30 health executives and aging professionals — finds 60% of respondents rate the aging care system as fair or poor, a sharper critique than for the overall healthcare system (41%) and the mental healthcare system (49%). The study also shows strong demand to age at home with digital support and growing concern over caregiver burnout.

Digital-assisted aging
Seventy-five percent of respondents say they would be likely to take advantage of a “smart home” equipped with sensors and devices to monitor and alert their healthcare team and family to potential emergencies. They also want to live independently, with access to private and shared spaces and accessible amenities. Respondents indicated their openness to embracing digital tools to assist aging, suggesting a growing comfort with digital solutions that support health and lifestyle needs. Key findings of the study include:

• 67% of respondents are moderately to extremely likely to use digital technologies that collect health data such as blood pressure to send to their healthcare team.
• 64% are open to digitally enabled healthcare that provides both virtual and in-person options.
• 49% indicate openness to AI technologies that analyze their health data to identify health risks as they age, as well as recommend suitable treatments.
• Respondents aged 50 to 59 have significantly higher levels of interest in hospital-at-home programs, wearables, virtual care, voice-enabled assistants and AI than those in older age groups.

However, for consumers who may need more than tech-assisted monitoring later in life, 70% say they would be moderately to extremely likely to consider hospital-at-home programs for healthcare. Their top priorities for such programs include receiving basic support for daily living activities, medication assistance, nursing care support and installation of safety equipment in the home.

Healthspan vs. lifespan
According to the study, health executives are calling for a shift from the current treatment-focused model to a wellness model across health systems globally. Evidence points to the importance of nutrition, socialization, mobility and intellectual challenges in aging well. Some professionals are pushing for cognitive screenings to become a routine part of primary care. Yet, the study reveals that only 25% of respondents participate in social clubs; 26% follow a personalized nutrition plan, 43% follow a fitness plan and 50% undertake intellectual challenges. These gaps highlight opportunities for health organizations to improve the levers that impact healthy aging.