As people are getting older, they are eager to show stronger needs for living independently and for maintaining self-esteem. How they can keep independence might depend upon their economic, physical, cognitive, and social status. But most of them are poor or unhealthy, and thus need some help. Issues on successful aging and independence, physical or cognitive function and independence, maintaining independence and self-esteem, gerontechnology and/or smart environment and independence were reviewed in this article. It was also mentioned a negative effect of the smart environment of maintaining their independence.