Overview
ISO TS 25558:2026 – developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in partnership with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) – provides essential guidance for enhancing the safety and usability of smart home products, services, and systems tailored for older persons. As the global population ages, many older individuals express a strong desire to age in place, maintaining independence and a high quality of life within their homes and communities. Smart home environments, powered by advances in information and communication technology (ICT), are a key driver of independence, comfort, and well-being for ageing societies. ISO TS 25558:2026 supports designers, developers, and providers by presenting a comprehensive framework for assessing user needs, selecting, applying, and evaluating appropriate smart home solutions for older people whose physical, psychological, and lifestyle needs may change over time.
Key Topics
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Assessment of older persons’ needs: The standard introduces a process for identifying and evaluating physical, psychological, and social changes that influence the use of smart home technologies.
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Safety enhancement: Focuses on minimizing hazards and supporting freedom from unacceptable risk, particularly relevant considering age-related physical and cognitive decline.
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Usability improvement: Emphasizes ensuring smart home products and systems are effective, efficient, and satisfying for older users, addressing issues of accessibility and cognitive load.
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Personalization and self-determination: Highlights the importance of recognizing the individual needs, preferences, and autonomy of older persons in technology adoption.
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Privacy and security: Stresses the need for informed consent and the protection of personal data when implementing smart technologies in older adults' homes.
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Interoperability and ethical considerations: Encourages seamless integration of different smart home devices and services while addressing ethical aspects such as digital equity and accessibility.
Applications
ISO TS 25558:2026 is designed for a wide range of stakeholders involved in the smart home sector, especially where older users are concerned. Key application areas include:
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Product design and development: Guides manufacturers and developers in creating smart home devices-such as sensors, alarms, communication tools, and appliances-that are safer, more user-friendly, and adaptable to various abilities and preferences.
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Service provision: Assists smart home service providers and care organizations in tailoring offerings that enhance independent living, monitoring, and health management for older persons.
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System integration: Enables integrators and installers to select and combine technologies that maximize usability and minimize barriers related to vision, hearing, mobility, cognition, or digital literacy.
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Policy and program development: Inform governments, healthcare bodies, and NGOs on best practices for supporting ageing in place using smart home solutions, consistent with international principles of independence, participation, care, and self-fulfilment.
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User and carer education: Provides a baseline for educating older adults and their carers about the potential and safe use of smart home technology.
Related Standards
Integration and application of ISO TS 25558:2026 can be supported by other related standards, including:
- ISO 9241-11 – Guidance on usability and user experience.
- ISO/IEC Guide 71 – Guidelines for addressing accessibility in standards.
- IEC 60050-871 – International Electrotechnical Vocabulary on active assisted living and daily activities.
- ISO 22287 – Concepts related to product safety management.
- ISO 25551 – Requirements and frameworks for the smart community infrastructure in ageing societies.
- WHO’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF): Used as a framework for understanding health and functional status in this context.
By following ISO TS 25558:2026, organizations contribute to more inclusive, supportive, and safe living environments for older people, addressing the unique challenges they face and fostering greater adoption of smart home solutions in ageing societies. This not only supports healthy, independent living but also aligns with global best practices for usability, safety, and digital equity in smart homes.