Top Home Safety Concerns by Generation

Home sweet home looks differently for everyone, but it’s very apparent by generation. Homes or apartments occupied by Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Gen Z will all look and feel different. Much of it has to do with their ages and trends, but it also has to do with how they were raised.

More specifically, each generation has different safety concerns about their homes. In the 2023 Home Security Trends Report published by Cove, it reports the findings of a survey of 1,000 people in the U.S. from various generations. Especially as new home security technologies come out, it’s interesting to see which generations adopt them and which don’t. In this article, we’ll look at the top safety concerns by generation.

Baby Boomers (Born 1946-1964)

This generation has seen a lot of things. Lived a lot of life. What do they want to do now? Enjoy retirement. They were raised to work hard and be independent. Thus, aging in their homes is very important to Baby Boomers. Which means home safety is a big deal.

But safety for older people can look different than everyone else. Since their bodies are weakening, they are at a higher risk of injury. Seemingly simple tasks they used to do with ease are harder, and if they misstep they can be in for a world of hurt.

According to the 2023 Home Security Trends Report by Cove, Baby Boomers’ top home safety concern is house fire. They grew up when there was a big push on fire prevention and homes were starting to have smoke detectors. This safety precaution has stuck with them over the years.

Home safety for Baby Boomers also revolves around preventing falls and ensuring accessibility. Concerns include adding handrails, ramps, and slip-resistant flooring, as well as installing medical alert systems to summon help in emergencies. Growing up in simpler times, this generation appreciates Neighborhood Watch Programs and neighbors who visit and check up on them. It makes them feel safer.

RELATED: Best Practices to Prevent Senior Falling Accidents at Home

To feel more safe, Baby Boomers can install a Cove home security system with professionally monitored smoke alarms. Whether they are home or away, the system will alert them and the monitoring team that there is danger. Once it is confirmed by the homeowner or no one replies, Cove immediately sends emergency services to the home.

Another product that helps Baby Boomers stay safe is a medical alert pendant. This device is on a necklace for easy access and is connected to Cove’s professionally monitored home security system. All you’ll need to do is press and hold the button for 2 seconds and the authorities will be on their way.

Generation X (Born 1965-1980)

Gen X were teens or young adults when the internet was just coming out. Thus they saw firsthand how it changed everyone’s lives. They’ve also been involved in many iterations of products and devices and are used to having to adapt to new technologies.

This “sandwich generation” has a lot of pressure at home, as many Gen Xers are still raising children but are also caring for aging parents. They must stay tech savvy on all fronts, from keeping their kids balanced and protected on their devices, as well as helping their parents with technology.

RELATED: Best Apps & Devices for Back-to-School Safety

All the while, Gen X is busy working in their careers to provide for everyone. Some may be sending a child off to college, and others may be bringing a parent into their home to care for them.

Like their Baby Boomer parents, Gen Xers listed fire as their top home safety concern on the Cove survey. They, too, grew up learning about fire safety in school, as well as introducing smoke detectors into their homes as kids. This means of safety is still at the top of their minds.

While they see home security systems as a good idea, according to the 2023 Home Security Trends Report by Cove, this generation listed cost as the top reason for not purchasing one, likely because they are stretched by many other expenses.

Millennials (Born 1981-1996)

As the first generation to grow up with the internet and were on the forefront of iPhone usage, Millennials have embraced technology. They understand how devastating a data breach can be, so they want to make sure they protect their data from hackers.

What is a Millenial’s top home safety concern? Home invasion, according to the 2023 Home Security Trends Report by Cove.

They’ve had to be more vigilant about predators and crime since they could remember. Parents keeping closer tabs on them than previous generations is still apparent as Millennials focus on personal safety more than Gen X and Baby Boomers.

RELATED: Therapist: 4 Tips for Feeling Safe After a Break-In

This generation is also marked for its more environmental sustainability focus, and they appreciate products of all kinds that are meaningful as well as morally responsible. As young adults during the housing crisis and a pandemic, their priorities are less about hustling and more about work-life balance. Thus, they want a secure home environment that keeps them physically and emotionally safe.

Gen Z (Born 1997-2012)

The oldest members of Gen Z are in their mid-twenties, but don’t discount their perspective. They are the first generation to grow up 100% in the digital age. They don’t know any life before smartphones and other smart devices. Because of that, their safety concerns center around cybersecurity of all types. Keeping themselves safe from bullies, hackers, social media pressure, scams, threats, etc., is a top priority.

RELATED: Digital Security and Your Home

Like Millennials, Gen Z focuses on environmental sustainability and appreciates when companies look for ways to incorporate recycling or alternative energy sources into their products and services. Their emotional wellbeing is also on the forefront of their minds. They want their home to be a happy space where they feel safe and secure.

Gen Z’s top home safety concern? Home invasion, according to the 2023 Home Security Trends Report by Cove.

What is your top home safety concern? Is it in line with others in your generation? No matter your generation, whatever your top priorities, your top home safety concerns will be within that realm. Besides fire safety and home invasions, respondents of the 2023 Home Security Trends Report also had a fair share of concern over burglary, natural disasters, and medical emergencies.

For all of your home security concerns, Cove can help. Take our quiz below to customize your home security system according to your needs. Want to add an extra flood sensor? Need more smoke detectors? Outdoor cameras or door sensors? Build your system according to your safety priorities. With professional monitoring at less than $1/day, you can have peace of mind anytime you’re home or away.