Technology leaders and aging services innovators gathered at the LeadingAge Centers for Aging Services Technologies (CAST) meeting ahead of the 2026 LeadingAge Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. As the coalition within LeadingAge focused on accelerating the development, evaluation, and adoption of technologies that transform the aging experience, CAST continues to be an important forum for understanding where the industry is headed.
This year’s keynote was delivered by Steve Ewell, Executive Director of the Consumer Technology Association’s (CTA) AgeTech initiative, the organization behind CES, the world’s largest consumer technology trade show. His perspective highlighted an increasingly important reality for senior living. The line between consumer technology and community-based technology is rapidly disappearing. What happens in the broader tech ecosystem is now directly shaping expectations and infrastructure within senior living communities.
Several key signals emerged from the meeting, offering insight into how communities should be thinking about technology strategy moving forward.
1. AI Is Becoming Foundational Infrastructure
At CES 2026, artificial intelligence was not just a theme but an underlying presence across technologies. The focus has shifted beyond chatbots and demonstrations, to AI embedded within smart home systems, fall detection, and remote monitoring.
This shift reflects a broader change in approach. Rather than expecting residents to adapt to technology, the technology is increasingly designed to adapt to individuals. This philosophy is reflected in the development of agentic AI personas designed specifically for senior living operations and resident engagement. These tools aim to integrate seamlessly into existing workflows without requiring major behavioral changes from staff or residents.
2. Voice Technology Expands Access
Voice-first interfaces are evolving beyond convenience to become a critical accessibility tool. For residents who experience challenges with small screens, limited dexterity, or cognitive changes, voice provides an alternative way to engage with technology.
At the same time, the meeting reinforced that resident populations are diverse in their preferences and comfort levels. Some individuals prefer voice, while others are more comfortable with touchscreens or traditional interfaces. Successful communities will prioritize flexibility, offering multiple modalities to interact with technology rather than relying on a single approach.
3. Interoperability Is Now Essential
Consumer technology companies are making more direct moves into the senior living space. Samsung has begun testing smart home integrations in real residential environments, and LG is pursuing similar initiatives. At the same time, many consumer devices are being designed with accessibility features built in from the start.
This shift increases the importance of interoperability. Standards such as MATTER are enabling devices from different manufacturers to connect more easily, reducing reliance on single-vendor ecosystems. For senior living operators, this means that technology decisions made today will directly impact their ability to adapt in the future. Open platforms that allow new devices and systems to integrate without major disruption are becoming a critical component of long-term strategy.
4. Wearable Technology Is Expanding Data Opportunities
Wearable devices now extend far beyond basic fitness tracking. Smart watches, rings, earbuds, glasses, and even smart clothing are generating a growing volume of health and behavioral data.
The challenge is not access to data, but how to use it effectively. Questions around which data points are actionable, who should have access, and how insights should be delivered remain unresolved across the industry. Bringing data from multiple sources into a unified system and presenting it in a clear, usable format will be essential for enabling care teams to make informed decisions without becoming overwhelmed.
The range of resident engagement technologies continues to grow, including robotics, immersive experiences such as AR and VR, and expanded content and fitness platforms. While this creates new opportunities, it also introduces complexity.
Residents benefit most from experiences that feel connected and intuitive rather than fragmented across multiple systems. Integration plays a critical role in delivering that experience. When communication, programming, services, and content are unified within a single platform that also connects to broader community systems, both residents and staff experience greater ease and efficiency.
5. Engagement Technology Requires Integration
Looking Ahead
A consistent theme throughout the meeting was the importance of action. Communities are encouraged to engage staff, involve residents, and explore pilot programs now rather than waiting for fully mature solutions. Those that take a proactive approach will be better positioned to adapt as the technology landscape continues to evolve.
The broader takeaway is clear. Senior living technology is at a pivotal moment. Artificial intelligence is becoming embedded in everyday systems, consumer technology companies are entering the market, and interoperability is emerging as a defining factor in long-term success. Communities that invest in flexible, integrated platforms will be better equipped to navigate what comes next.
At K4Connect, this direction continues to shape the company’s focus as it works alongside others in the industry to support innovation and improve the aging experience.