These WIRED-Tested Age-Tech Gadgets Hope to Improve Life for Older Folks
Age tech is a rapidly growing category focused on remote caregiving, improving quality of life, and enabling older folks to stay in their own homes for longer. The US Census Bureau says around 16 million elders (over 65) live alone. While the majority are healthy, with family and friends nearby, many lack support and may be battling physical and mental decline.
Whether you’re getting older or trying to help an aging loved one, there’s an increasingly diverse range of gadgetry to choose from, but as a nascent category, it’s tricky to know what will help. I’ve been testing age tech for a few years now, both myself and with aging relatives, and there are definitely useful devices for folks in certain situations. But, most of the age tech I tested is very expensive and comes with a hefty subscription (I’ll lay out the costs and options for each pick).
What to Consider When Assessing Age Tech
There’s a lot to think about before you invest in age tech. I spoke with Ed Baig from the AARP (formerly American Association of Retired Persons) about what you should consider.
Do They Want It?
A crucial first question to ask is: How receptive is the older person to having this technology in the home? Before you think about buying, you must have a conversation with your elder and everyone else who lives in the home, and ensure that they are on board with the idea. While many of these technologies are intended to help older folks and maybe enable them to stay in their own homes for longer, none of them are a replacement for human contact or human caregivers.
Installation
The complexity of installation varies from device to device. Plenty of older folks are tech-savvy and will have no trouble setting these gadgets up, while others will need help. It’s also important that they understand how to use the device and how to get technical support should they run into issues. It’s a good idea to take time to help with the installation and run through the user guide. Some services also offer step-by-step guides or even live setup sessions with support staff.
Costs
Most age tech is very expensive and involves an upfront fee and an ongoing subscription. If you discontinue the subscription, you will often be required to return the hardware (always check the conditions). While the monthly costs tend to be very high, there are often discounted rates if you pay for a longer period upfront. It’s also worth watching out for sales events. Some devices and services may be available at no cost to you or subsidized through health-care schemes or insurance. Most devices require Wi-Fi in the home.
Privacy
Privacy is a serious concern with age technology in a few different ways. Any device in the home with cameras and microphones that can be remotely accessed is a threat to privacy. It’s important that the user is OK with this, and you should be careful about placement. Devices generally have a light or some indicator that the camera is on, and some have a privacy shield.
Another concern is what data the service provider or manufacturer is collecting and what they might use it for. Check the privacy policies. Some processing of data that may include audio and video will likely be necessary for the device to offer its full range of features. It’s also worth considering what potentially happens to that data if the company goes out of business or is acquired by another company.
Other Considerations
While age tech can help improve the quality of life for the elderly and reduce the burden on caregivers, it is important to avoid overreliance. One concern is that it may discourage in-person visits and check-ins, rather than facilitate them. From a practical point of view, it will also be rendered useless if it is unplugged or there’s a power or Wi-Fi outage.
Try to talk through the pros and cons of any device or service before you buy. It can be a big investment. Make sure that you understand what your obligations are and how you can terminate the service or return a device. Many offer a short trial period, so you can test in situ before deciding if it will work for your family.
A Tailored Tablet
The GrandPad Tablet is a tablet for seniors. It comes with a wireless charging cradle, optional cell service, and a limited range of apps and functions designed specifically with the elderly in mind. It makes video calls easy, acts as a digital photo frame where families can share photos, and offers music streaming. It also hosts a range of games, like bingo and chess, and can be used to browse the web safely. The GrandPad can be configured remotely by a family member or caregiver.
While the GrandPad is a modified, locked-down Android tablet, and the hardware is nothing special, it is a convenient way to set up your elder with a simple, portable device that will help them stay in touch. You could cobble something together and maybe save a little money, but the GrandPad is very convenient, with 24/7 technical support when required. This tablet has worked very well for our family, where a smartphone did not, and we’ve been using it for a number of years now, so it’s easy to recommend.
Cost: $349 for hardware, subscription required, starting from $25 per month (Wi-Fi), $45 per month (3-GB data plan), $65 per month (10-GB data plan)
A Set-Top Box
The JubileeTV Set-Top Box is a smart remote caregiving device that pairs with your elder’s main TV. While it offers many of the same features as the GrandPad, for some folks, focusing on the TV makes more sense. You have a large screen for video calls, it’s a screen they are already used to and likely using every day, and it enables you to remotely control the TV to help them find the content they love or sort out technical issues. You can change channels, streaming services, or even increase the volume from afar. You can also set medication reminders and other appointments to pop up onscreen, check on activity without calling, and share photos or video.
While you can plug multiple input devices into the JubileeTV, it does require careful setup. It needs a Wi-Fi connection and at least one streaming device to be plugged in, and you’ll want to program the remote control to get the most from it (it can serve as a universal remote). There’s also an optional simplified six-button remote. Some folks will have concerns about privacy because family members and other caregivers with permission can drop in with auto-answered video calls, watch or listen remotely, and review their elder’s on-device activity. It is pricey but worked very reliably during my tests, and could be a real lifeline for the right people.
Cost: $199 for hardware, subscription required, starting from $29 per month or $289 per year, or subscription including hardware from $39 per month or $389 per year, but there is also an “all-in” option at $789 with no recurring fees
An AI Companion
- Photograph: Simon Hill
- Photograph: Simon Hill
- Photograph: Simon Hill
The ElliQ AI Companion is a robot and tablet combo designed to sit on a desk or table. Reminiscent of the Pixar lamp, this incredibly cute animated robot with a light-up face can engage your senior in conversation. It answers basic queries, can provide weather reports and appointment reminders, and takes music requests. But ElliQ is also proactive, so it starts conversations throughout the day. It promotes healthy and social behavior and aims to alleviate stress, with a range of activities. The tablet can also be used for video calls and photo sharing.
There’s no doubt that ElliQ is cute and easy to get to grips with, but some folks will likely find it patronizing, and there’s something dystopian about relying on AI for companionship. It sometimes takes a while to respond and struggles with voice commands or queries. However, for folks living alone, ElliQ could make a real difference, reducing feelings of loneliness, alleviating worries, and encouraging people to be more social. It also works very well as a remote caregiving device that families can configure and use for video calls.
Cost: $249 enrollment fee, subscription required, starting from $59 per month (discounts for annual or 24-month contracts)
A Scent Device
Everyone is familiar with that feeling of a specific smell evoking a strong memory, but Michael Leon, a neurobiology expert and Memory Air cofounder, believes olfactory enrichment can enhance cognitive ability in older adults. His study of adults aged 60 to 85 with moderate dementia showed a 226-percent improvement in memory tests after 15 days compared with the control group. While we don’t fully understand the link between smell and memory, olfactory loss has been linked to numerous medical conditions and often precedes neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
The Memory Air device sits on your nightstand and uses cartridges and a fan to expose you to 40 scents twice a night, with the aim of improving your memory. It’s easy to use: load the odor cartridge belt, press a button to set your bedtime, and it works automatically after that. The smells are pleasant—I’ve noticed eucalyptus, orange, and maybe gingerbread, so far. Monthly refills are delivered as part of your subscription. While this is a relatively new area of scientific study, some research suggests the positive effects are more pronounced for folks suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Memory Air is very expensive, though the makers hope to bring the cost down as they scale. Considering the lack of alternative treatments and the potential side effects of medications, something natural and safe like this could be an attractive option.
Cost: $799 for hardware, subscription required, starting from $39 per month or $397 for a year
More Age Tech Worth Considering
Age tech is taking off in a big way. Here are some other devices and services I tested and liked, and a few others that caught my eye but I haven’t tested yet.
OnScreen JoyTV Set-Top Box and Camera ($180): This is similar to JubileeTV, but it’s a simpler device with a single input and pared-back remote. It enables video calls on the TV and supports auto-answering, has a built-in AI companion called Joy that offers activities like trivia and health check-ins, and offers live events and social hangouts. If your focus is on easy video calls and your elder only uses one device for their TV, this could be a cheaper way to set them up. It currently costs $150 for the hardware and requires a $30-per-month subscription.
Cerret Bracelet ($280): Many older folks wear an alarm button of some kind that they can press to alert caregivers if they fall. But these chunky plastic devices tend to be ugly and stand out like a sore thumb. The Cerret Bracelet is a 24-karat gold-plated double chain with a black or blue enamel button, and it won’t look out of place at a restaurant or social gathering. You press twice to send an alert to your loved ones that includes your live location. Install the app on your smartphone, and the bracelet connects via Bluetooth.
What Else Is Out There?
There are several devices and services that I haven’t been able to test yet, but that caught my eye for one reason or another.
Nomo Smart Care is a wearable monitoring system that uses AI to learn one's routine. It can track vitals, sleep, meals, and medications to enable remote monitoring without intrusive cameras or calls. Any deviations from the norm are flagged in the Nomo app.
StoriedLife is billed as an AI biographer to help your loved one create an interactive memoir. Since many folks will never sit down and write a memoir, this could be a great way to preserve memories.
Techpals is a nonprofit that seeks to educate seniors about technology and improve their digital literacy. It relies on student volunteers, and seniors can watch tutorials or get help online from their own homes.
This is only scratching the surface of a rapidly growing sector. If you’re interested in finding more, check out the AARP’s AgeTech Collaborative website.
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