home automation for the seniors

[Electrocuted]

I’m a 60YO retiree but still trying to stay tech savvy. I'm good with electricity and know the internet, but I’m struggling to see the hype around smart homes
I get why contractors love selling it, but for a homeowner, is it actually a necessity or just more stuff that’s going to break?
like for the thermostats, my cheap setback one works fine. Is adjusting it from my phone really that life changing?
also, I can see the use for security lighting, checking the garage door, or letting a repairman in remotely, but it feels like a lot of expense for some features that are rarely used
as an older person, what am I missing? Are there any smart home features that actually make life easier for people my age, or is it just more bells and whistles?
I’m genuinely curious to hear your take

 

[TX55]

From what I’ve seen, the real value isn’t phone control. It’s reducing small risks. Motion lighting for hallways, auto shutoff for forgotten appliances, or getting notified if a door is left open. Stuff that helps without you needing to think about it.

 

[PGB1]

To me, most smart stuff is a security risk. The company that made the smart light bulb one owns may not be diligent about security updates. Bad guys can use the light bulb to back in to the home network and potentially have access to anything on it- such as the home computer with private date like bank log ins.

A few years ago, I installed many circuits & built a control panel for a theatre in a university. The lighting people installed devices so that the lights could be controlled by anyone with access passwords. Last I heard, they ditched it because hacker kids in the audience hacked in and were goofing with the lights during performances.

Our smart devices (TV and a thermostat) are on an isolated "Guest" network. When the bad guy breaks in, access to the main network with the computers is impossible.

And, some smart devices seem kind of silly. I saw a smart toilet where the user can use the phone to pre-heat the seat. While using it, the owner can turn on the bidet. I don't know about the rest of the world, but why would I want a phone in the bathroom?

In the grocery, I met a woman who was using her phone to look inside her refrigerator for what she needs. Seems goofy to me, but was kind of cool. She also said she can turn on her oven and her dishwasher with the phone. Then she paid by waving her watch over the credit card reader. Cool- I guess.
Personally, my brain would explode if I had all that stuff. (And had to actually find my phone...)

 

[DecoyOctopus]

phone thermostat control isn’t life changing for most people. If you ever try it, I’d keep it to 2 or 3 things max like motion lighting in hallways, smart locks for not fumbling keys, and a couple water leak sensors. Simple stuff that quietly reduces daily friction.

 

[Alan]

Fair take. A smart home is not a necessity, and if it feels like more points of failure, you are not wrong. The only time it is worth it is when it makes the house simpler, not flashier, like reliable lighting routines and basic safety alerts.