You don’t have to be elderly or unwell to benefit from having a bit of backup. Living alone means full independence—but also full responsibility. And when something goes wrong, you’re the only one there.
I read a story recently about someone who slipped down their stairs and broke a leg. They were home alone. No one expected them. But they were wearing a smartwatch that let them call an ambulance without crawling to a phone.
That stuck with me. Because it’s easy to assume “that won’t happen to me” until it does.
Here’s how I use a few bits of tech to make living solo feel safer, more supported, and—honestly—less lonely.
1. My Smartwatch Is a Quiet Lifeline
I wear an Apple Watch, and I’ve set it up for fall detection and emergency calling.
I don’t expect to use it—but if I ever hit the ground hard, I like knowing it’ll prompt me to check in. And if I don’t? It can call for help.
I’m also a motorcyclist, and I ride solo most of the time. Out of the way roads, some with steep drop-offs on one side of the road or the other. Crash detection, or the ability to call for help if I come off the road in a catastrophic way.
It’s peace of mind, not panic.
2. My Phone Reminds Me of Things No One Else Will
Living alone means there’s no one asking,
- “Did you take your meds?”
- “Weren’t you going to call the dentist today?”
- “Hey, when was the last time you watered the plant that isn’t fake?”
So I let my phone ask.
I set reminders for the things that matter, even the ones that feel small. Not because I’m forgetful—just because I don’t want to rely on memory when I don’t have to.
3. I Use Smart Home Tech for Safety, Not Just Convenience
I’ve added smart plugs and lights I can control with my phone or voice—especially helpful when I come home late or want the house to look “lived in” while I’m away.
Motion-sensitive lights in hallways.
A camera at the front door.
A smart speaker to check the weather before I ride out.
It’s not paranoia. It’s preparedness.
4. Check-Ins Don’t Have to Be Constant—But They Help
I’ve got one or two friends who know that if they don’t hear from me by a certain time on certain days, they can check in. Not a formal system—just enough to keep things human.
Some people use daily check-in apps. Others have shared calendars or group chats where silence is a flag.
You don’t need a panic button if you have a soft safety net.
5. I Let Automation Do the Things I’d Ask Someone Else To
If I lived with someone, I’d probably say, “Hey, remind me to…”
Since I don’t, I let technology take that role.
My reminders app is full of one-off prompts like:
- “Move the meat from freezer to fridge”
- “Cancel that trial before they bill you”
- “Call Mum”
- “Empty the bin before it smells”
Solo living doesn’t mean solo remembering. Offloading small thoughts keeps my brain clearer—and my life smoother.
Final Thoughts: Living Alone, Not Unguarded
Technology isn’t a replacement for community, but it can be a solid backup.
It won’t stop things from going wrong, but it gives you more tools to handle them when they do.
You don’t need to be afraid to live alone.
You just need to think ahead.
Because independence isn’t about doing everything alone—it’s about knowing what’s worth doing smarter.