Access to high-speed Internet, nearby grocery stores, and hospital/medical centers were the top three community features desired by Baby Boomers in a recent survey.

Philips and the Global Social Enterprise Initiative (GSEI) at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business asked 1,000 consumers age 50-80 about the use of technology to stay independent as they age.

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In addition to high-speed Internet, 58 percent of respondents said they would be interested in stovetops or ovens that automatically shut off to help them live at home as they get older. Respondents also said they’re interested in a single remote control to manage everything in the home (46 percent), and driverless cars (41 percent).

When it comes to home design, 58 percent said they’re want a low-maintenance exterior, 54 percent desire master bedrooms and baths on the first floor, and 54 percent also said they want effective lighting throughout the house. 

“The long-term, intergenerational benefits to universal design and early technology adoption extend beyond the aging population. For example, structural and technological updates can help injured individuals of all ages move with ease,” said Bill Novelli, GSEI founder and Georgetown McDonough professor.

Overwhelmingly, 91 percent of survey participants said they plan to live in their own home or apartment, and 96 percent said it's important to be as independent as possible as they age.

For more information, view the infographic display of the survey data.

Source: “Aging Well: Creating Connected Communities for Aging Well” Philips and the Global Social Enterprise Initiative (GSEI) at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business