TechKnowledgy Team

The iPhone is the most popular smartphone today. Since its inception in 2007, the iPhone has gained many new tools to make everyday life easier and more convenient for seniors. One of these tools is the all-knowing Siri. This voice assistant offers a helping hand for navigating your phone. Siri can be beneficial for older adults who struggle with vision, have pain or trouble typing, or are looking to simplify using their smartphone. Seniors can use Siri to place calls, send text messages, and even set calendar reminders and alarms.Rather than scrolling through your phone to find a contact and typing a lengthy text, Siri allows you to do it all with your voice in half the time. In fact, our editors grandma is a big fan of using Siri, whether its to send a quick message or call one of her grandkids. She uses this tool every day! We have found that Siri is fairly simple to use once the settings are correct. After a few commands, you will be a pro at using the tools that Siri offers. Lets dive into how to set up and get the most out of Siri.Our editor showing her grandma new ways to use SiriSetting up SiriIf you have never used Siri, you will need to make sure the settings are set the way you want. Open up the Settings app and scroll down until you see Siri & Search. Once you're there, youll be able to set it up according to your preferences.Select Siri & SearchSettings for Summoning SiriWe recommend two ways to summon Siri. The first allows you to simply say aloud Hey Siri. No touch necessary! The second allows you to press and hold the side button or home button for older models of iPhones.Changing your settings for summoning SiriSettings for Siris ResponseOne of Siris most helpful features is the ability to read captions. This is especially important if you have any hearing loss. You can set your settings to show captions of both Siris responses and your commands to Siri. When Siri speaks, you can read the captions to make sure you are correctly hearing Siri.You will also be able to see captions of your own speech to make sure Siri understands you correctly when you give Siri commands. Under Siri & Search, just click on Siri Responses. Note: If you use hearing aids, they can also be connected to your iPhone.Siri Responses SettingSiri Response OptionsSettings for Siris VoiceThis one is a matter of personal preference. You can adjust Siri to have a male or female voice, and choose from several dialects. Want Siri to talk to you in a British or Irish accent? Go for it!Did You Know?Nearly 500 million Apple customers use Siri, according to Business Insider.1Changing Siri's voiceHow to Summon SiriOnce the settings are changed, you are ready to use your new assistant. If your settings are set to summon Siri with Hey Siri, you will simply say it aloud. You will hear and see Siri appear.If Your iPhone Has a Home ButtonIn older iPhone models, you will press and hold the home button located at the bottom of the phone. Siri will appear and ask How can I help you? At this point, you can ask for assistance in sending a text, making a phone call, setting a reminder, and more.If Your iPhone Has Face IDFor newer iPhone models, there is no home button on the screen. You will press and hold the button on the right-hand side of the phone until you see a lit-up ball at the bottom of your screen. As you ask your question, you should see captioning of your words show up on your screen.Summoning SiriDid You Know?Siri is convenient and helpful, but you might be surprised to learn that Siri has saved lives. Forbes reported that people trapped in dangerous situations were able to call 911 using Siris voice command.Our Favorite Siri Commands for SeniorsNow that we know how to get Siri all set up and ready to go, lets check out some of the different ways that you can use Siri throughout the day! Whether you need to add a doctors appointment to your calendar, ask for a recipe, or send a text to a friend, Siri is at your beck and call!Ask Siri to Read and Send Emails or TextsRead my new text from Stacy.Text Susan When can I next babysit the kids for you?Email Rick.Can you read my latest email from Amazon?Asking Siri to send a text messageHave Siri Make a CallCall Shelbys home phone.Play my latest voicemail.Facetime Isabel.Calling home with SiriTell Siri to Create Calendar Events, Alarms, and RemindersCan you add gym to my calendar for tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.?Set my alarm for 5:30 a.m. tomorrow.Remind me to go to the grocery store this weekend.Adding an event to your calendar with SiriSetting an alarm with SiriGet Helpful Information from SiriWhats a synonym for amazing?Whats the definition of Whats the weather like in Phoenix right now?Asking Siri for a synonym

With most older Americans preferring stay in their homes as they age, there is great business potential for tech companies in this spaceCEDIA, a trade association dedicated to the advancement of the smart-home technology sector, sees serious advancement opportunities for tech vendors who serve older people seeking to age in place. This is according to an interview with CEDIA global president and CEO Daryl Friedman, who spoke with Twice, a news outlet focused on consumer electronics.Friedman said that CEDIA defines aging in place as an older individual being able to stay in their home [] comfortably and safely, without having to move to a nursing home or an assisted living facility.Smart-home technology has major assistive potential for older people seeking to stay in their homes through a higher degree of independence, Friedman said. This is particularly true for the realm of voice-controlled devices and other sensors that could help first responders learn of an emergency involving an older adult who is living independently.Theres monitors and sensors, Friedman said in an interview with the outlet. And I think the overarching key and where this is going is unobtrusiveness, essentially. So the senior citizen whos living alone doesnt want to be monitored. They dont want to have a camera on them. This sort of unobtrusive sensor concept, I think is where this is going fall detection, threshold detection, things like that is going to be an interesting future approach for dealing with aging in place.Internet-enabled cameras in the home have long been a privacy concern, but there seems to be more openness to the use of wearable devices with sensors, Friedman said. But for older people, wearable devices may have their own pitfalls that are not necessarily related to comfort of use.What were finding is that a lot of people have wearables, watches, or something like that, he said. But, an older person might forget it. The battery might not be charged. It might be left in a drawer. So we really want to make this, where [if theyve fallen], they dont have to crawl in a door to get the device. Or [something] in the house will notify 911 that theyve fallen or notify a family member if thats their desire. So I think thats [] the next big move on this kind of technology.Recently, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) said it is seeking to provide more support to military veterans who want to age in place in their current homes. Smart-home technology is seen as a potential tool to assist in this effort.Technology has begun taking up more of the conversation around aging in place. Smart-home tools have become more prevalent through U.S. tech giants like Amazon, Apple and Google as more seniors continue to prefer to age in place.Recent surveys conducted in 2023 and 2024 by U.S. News & World Report found that 93% of respondents view aging in place as an important goal. The respondents also listed several specific technologies as most helpful toward this goal.

A new national AARP survey finds Americans age 50-plus are leveraging more technology, both in their home and while on the go. And, while limited in acceptance, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) has doubled since last year. Still, some remain hesitant to fully embrace new technologies because of data privacy worries and lack of support geared toward older consumers.Nearly two-thirds (66 percent) of respondents to the online survey of about 3,600 adults say technology enriches their lives by making daily life and aging easier. Theyre increasingly using digital services to manage their finances, social lives and health and wellness.Older Americans are welcoming technology to enable them to live in their home as long as possible and have peace of mind. More than 6 in 10 use some kind of smart device to help with security, utilities, appliances and lighting. About half (46 percent) have safety devices, such as alarms and door or drive cameras, and another 40 percent expressed interest in owning them.Many adults 50-plus also recognize the benefits of health-related tech. Top digital services used for health and fitness include health-tracking apps (71 percent) and fitness classes (59 percent), as well as for medical, telemedicine, and mental health purposes, and games, books and hobbies.Tech to support caregiving and health needsFor the 70 percent of older Americans who manage chronic health conditions and 27 percent of those over age 50 who are caregivers, advances in technology and digital services have made a significant difference. Health-specific digital services, such as emergency alert devices and telemedicine, are helping individuals monitor their health. Caregivers are embracing or are interested in GPS devices and motion sensors, along with digital services for food delivery, communication, shopping, and medical assistance as they manage their loved ones situation.Some digital services older adults use are free, while others have a cost. Some older Americans are willing to pay for these resources or tools.Spending steadyTech spending remains steady year over year among older adults, with 2024 showing a slight increase in ownership for primary devices. In the past 12 months, 67 percent of respondents report making a new tech purchase, spending on average about $753, compared to $798 in 2023. About 2 in 5 indicated they wanted to buy a tech product but decided not to because of financial pressure or inflation.AI, privacy, and attitudesAdults 50-plus possess an average of seven tech devices and report using them daily. The most prevalent: smartphone (owned by 91 percent), smart TV (78 percent), laptop computer or netbook (72 percent), tablet (62 percent), Bluetooth headset/ear buds (52 percent), desktop computer (50 percent), wearable device (38 percent) and home assistant (35 percent).Smartphones continue to be the most common purchase, made by 26 percent of respondents, with most (62 percent) having upgraded their phones in the past two years. When it comes to apps for a fee, respondents are most likely to pay for video or movie streaming, music, fitness classes or smart home security.The survey indicates AI is gaining traction and triggering some curiosity. Among older Americans, generative AI use has doubled from 9 percent in 2023 to 18 percent in 2024. Another 30 percent are excited about the potential benefit of AI. Respondents who have checked out generative AI are most often using free tools on an app or website; just 10 percent paid a fee. Those with some exposure to AI view it with more potential in terms of making life easier than nonusers, who are more hesitant to embrace the emerging technology.Concern over data privacy is the biggest barrier to tech adoption, according to one-third of older Americans polled. Other barriers keeping people from engaging with new technology include ease of use (20 percent), set-up and support (19 percent), cost (16 percent) and awareness (12 percent).Industry takeawaysAs people age, AARP finds that older adults opt to try out products after theyve been on the market for a while. Indeed, most older adults think technology is not designed with their age in mind, although that sentiment is down slightly from 2023. This years survey found that just 59 percent feel that way, compared to 64 percent in 2023.Two-thirds (64 percent) of older adults believe they have the digital skills necessary to fully take advantage of being online. Respondents are very interested (71 percent of those 50-plus) in a tech support service that would be especially tailored to older users.AARP recommends changes in product design, technical support, education, and awareness in the industry to better serve older consumers and close the adoption gap.MethodologyThe information was gathered from an online survey of 3,605 American adults in September 2024. The survey, which took about 23 minutes to complete, was available both in English and Spanish. The results were weighted according to demographics for U.S. adults ages 18-plus, 1849 and 50-plus.

CES 2025 is wrapping up soon -- here's another look. As always, it is an opportunity to contemplate the state of tech innovation, wading figuratively past announcements of cars and TVs. Browsing through the many articles and news websites, looking for what could benefit older adults in the context of making lives easier, more sociable, more functional and empowered, these five are attention-worthy.  All material is from their announcements and/or websites.  As with previous CES 2025 blog posts, it is important to note that offerings may be concepts, not yet products, and that some may not enter the commercial or US market at all. The important aspect is that the underlying technologies are a step (or more) forward in possibilities to help older adults.  Here's hoping that next year has even more to consider.InTheTech. "InTheTech, another health tech startup based in South Korea, showcased Eyas, a digital therapy platform designed to help patients with mild cognitive impairment and ADHD. Eyas uses proprietary tech to track a patients eye movement and progress on cognitive improvements. The company also showcased its cognitive therapy game that helps patients keep up with brain function."  Learn more at Inthetech.Elehear Beyond.  "These Bluetooth hearing aids come with the ELEHEAR smart app for both iOS and Android devices, offering customizable features like volume adjusting, AI translation, tinnitus masking, telephone speech enhancement settings, and user-customized compensation, all in an intelligent way to tailor your auditory experience." Learn more at Elehear Beyond.eSight Go. "These eSight Go glasses, new for 2025, are digital low-vision assistive devices that will help those with central vision loss from conditions such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. This device has a high-definition camera on the nosepiece that captures continuous video footage. The footage is optimized and enhanced before being presented to you on the HD OLED screens. Your prescription lenses can be added to optimize vision even further. The lightweight glasses are designed to be worn all day and have built-in controls and a battery that sits around your neck. The battery pack can handle up to 3 hours of continuous use." Learn more at eSightGo.Tombot.  "Tombot, an innovative leader in robotic animal companions and digital health solutions offers a hyper-realistic, fully-autonomous Labrador retriever puppy known as Jennie was created to bring comfort and support to the 300+ million seniors struggling with dementia or mild cognitive impairment, as well as children and adults facing mental health challenges including anxiety, loneliness, autism, depression, PTSD, and stress. Jennie is a pet for people who cannot have pets." Learn more at Tombot.Bosch DoublePoint IoT gesture control. "Our collaboration with Doublepoint redefines IoT gesture control. Their gesture recognition platform, seamlessly integrated into our programmable IMU-based sensor system BHI360, offers a ready-to-implement solution for wearables and IoT devices. By processing AI-driven algorithms directly on the sensor, it achieves ultra-low latency and minimal power consumption, enabling always-on gesture detection. This innovation facilitates intuitive interactions, empowering users to control connected devices effortlessly with natural gestures like pinching or wrist flicks." Learn more at Bosch.

Aging in place is an attractive option for many older adults. And thanks to advances in technology, it's a safe and realistic option for the majority of Americans enjoying their golden years. Assistive devices, mobile apps, and medical alert systems can work together to keep you safe and independent in your home, even as your health needs change.Below, we'll touch on some gadgets, apps, and services that can help seniors safely remain in the familiarity of their home for longer and connect with friends and family, even from afar. Of course, most of these digital devices require a good internet connection for them to work properly. So, we'll give you the rundown on your internet options as well.How Technology Can Help Older AdultsTechnology offers a wide range of benefits to older adults. Below are just a few of our top reasons why embracing new tech can benefit seniors as they age in place!Provides access to transportation and foodMonitors health and wellnessKeeps seniors safeInforms you about the latest news and trendsProvides entertainmentAlerts caregivers if something is irregularProvides peace of mindConnects them with friends, family, and healthcare providersSeniors Continue to Adopt New TechnologyIf new technology intimidates you, you're not alone! But seniors have proven time and time again that they can adjust to the ever-evolving tech landscape as well as any other age group. In 2019, more than half of older adults bought a new tech product, whether it be a smartphone, laptop, or smart home device.1 Once seniors are connected to the internet, getting online becomes part of their daily routine. In fact, roughly 75 percent of older adults with an internet connection report that they use it daily.2The coronavirus pandemic is a perfect example of how quickly seniors learned the ins and outs of new technologies to stay connected with loved ones by using FaceTime, hosting meetings on Zoom, and hopping on telemedicine calls with physicians. We are confident that with a little guidance and practice, you can get the hang of any technology you want to learn. And we are here as a resource for you every step of the way! Let's take a look at some of our favorite tech services for seniors.Mobile Apps for SeniorsMobile applications, or mobile apps, are basically computer programs designed to run specifically on your smartphone or tablet. Smartphones and tablets come preloaded with some mobile apps, just like if you were to purchase a new computer, there would be programs preloaded on it and some you would need to download. Likewise, there are mobile apps you can download for free or purchase through the Apple App Store for Apple devices or Google Play for Android devices.These days, there's a mobile app for everything! Your favorite stores probably have a mobile app so you can easily shop via your mobile device. There are apps to keep you connected to friends and family, such as FaceTime and Facebook Messenger. And there's no chance you'll be left twiddling your thumbs with all the game, video, music, and audiobook apps just a tap away. To get you started, here are the best apps for seniors to keep you safe, connected, and entertained!Food Delivery Services for Older AdultsAs we age, maintaining proper nutrition is key to preventing disease and supplying our body with the nutrients it needs to function.3 Whether you're a pro in the kitchen or would rather have someone else do the cooking, food delivery services make it easy for seniors to have groceries and meals brought right to their doorstep. Some of the most popular food delivery apps for older adults include:InstacartHelloFreshBlue ApronHome ChefUber EatsDoorDashGrubhubSilver CuisineHow Much Do Food Delivery Services Cost?Popular delivery meal kits like HelloFresh and Blue Apron cost approximately $10 per serving. Grubhub and DoorDash, which deliver food from your favorite restaurant, run a couple dollars for a delivery fee. Keep in mind you will also pay the cost of the food you order from the restaurant. Instacart allows you to purchase your groceries and have them delivered just a few hours later. The delivery fee for orders over $35 is $3.99.Transportation Services for SeniorsSeniors who are unable to drive, or just prefer not to, can benefit from transportation and ridesharing apps. Two of the most popular ridesharing apps are Uber and Lyft. With these mobile apps, all you have to do is enter your destination and choose a ride. The app alerts you when the driver is arriving. Then, you can just hop in and enjoy the ride! If you don't have a smartphone or prefer not to download a mobile app, services like GoGo Grandparent can call a ride for you. All you have to do is give the company a call and tell them where you'd like to go. These transportation services are ideal for seniors who want to remain independent and on the go but may lack the ability to drive.Video Chatting Apps and ServicesThese days, one of the easiest ways to check in on our friends and family is to hop on a video call. Free services like Zoom, Skype, and FaceTime let you call your loved ones whenever you like and see their smiling faces, even if you live far away from one another. Whether you're checking in on the grandbabies, having a wine night with your friends, or hosting a book club, video chatting helps you stay connected.Virtual Retirement CommunitiesDid you know that you can even use the internet to join a retirement community? For seniors who are still active and require a low level of care, virtual retirement communities are a viable option. This type of senior living allows individuals to live in their own home. The virtual community is staffed by a team who organizes a multitude of services and programs for members. These may include transportation, assistance with medical appointments, grocery shopping, organized group outings, and aid with applying for benefits. This type of senior care is similar to independent living facilities, with the exception that seniors can remain in their home.Another major benefit of a virtual retirement community is that it gives seniors a way to connect with others their age. So how much does this type of senior living cost? It is actually one of the most affordable options out there, with the understanding that seniors will have to pay for their own housing. Virtual retirement communities cost an average of $450 a year or $600 for couples. If you have already paid for your house and have minimal utilities and living expenses, this can be the cheapest form of senior care available.What Are the Best Gadgets for Seniors?Cell Phones and SmartphonesPhones have come a long way since their debut in the 19th century! Our cell phones are with us all the time and many of us can hardly remember life without them. Ninety-one percent of seniors own a cell phone, 53 percent of which own a smartphone.4Whether you keep it simple with a flip phone or sport the latest and greatest, seniors can benefit from cell phones by chatting with friends and family, utilizing social networks, and keeping up with the latest news. Don't forget the ability to snap cute photos of pets and grandbabies!Tablets and E-ReadersTablets are great for entertainment gurus! Seniors may prefer a tablet's larger screen for reading, watching videos, playing brain games, and browsing social networks. Some tablets are specifically designed with seniors in mind, like the GrandPad from Consumer Cellular if you are OK with only having essential features.If you're a bookworm, an e-reader could become your new best friend! With the ability to store hundreds of your favorite books on a tablet, you've got your own mobile library. The large, bold text and backlit screen is easy on your eyes. Plus, tablets are smaller and lighter than most books, so they're easier to grip, and your wrists won't ache after a while. Some e-readers are even waterproof yes, you can read your books on the beach or in the tub. Perfect!Fitness TrackersFitness trackers are wearable devices, great for active seniors who desire health insights and accountability with their commitment to keep moving. Popular trackers such as Fitbits are sleek and double as a wristwatch. Fitbits connect to your smartphone, and most are waterproof. These little devices track your heart rate, steps, calories burned, monitor your sleep, and more. If you enjoy some friendly competition, you can share your progress and compete with friends on the Fitbit app. Game on!Medical Alert SystemsSeniors who desire to age in place should look into medical alert systems, especially if they live alone. Ranging from basic to high-tech, medical alert systems can keep you safe both in your home and on the go. By wearing a pendant around the neck or wrist, you can discreetly have help at your fingertips 24/7. Pushing the help button connects seniors to a call center, where they can speak to a trained operator any time of day.Some medical alert systems have more robust features like fall detection, companion apps, activity monitoring, and caregiver integrations. Most equipment can be bought for a one-time fee, plus an additional monthly service fee. Our experts have tested the top medical alert systems to guide you in selecting a system that fits your lifestyle and budget.Smart Home DevicesSmart home devices provide automation, safety, and convenience for seniors in their home. Purchased individually or as a bundle, these technologies are best used in conjunction with your smartphone to get the most out of their features. Below are a few of our favorite smart home devices for seniors. Smart speakersSmart sensorsVideo doorbellsPopular brandsAmazon Alexa, Google Assistant, SiriNest, Aloe Care Health, Abode, FIBAROArlo, Nest, RingWhat they doSmart speakers can tell you the weather, set audio reminders, make calls, send texts for you, play music, play games, and more!Smart sensors become familiar with your daily activity and monitor your home, sending alerts if anything is unusual.View who is at your door via your smartphone or tablet. You can also see any activity outside your door such as a package drop-off. A two-way speaker allows you to chat with your visitor and remotely unlock the door for them to enter if youre unable to come to the door.Why theyre great for seniorsSeniors can activate this technology with their voice, rather than having to swipe or tap. For seniors who are less tech-savvy or have dexterity challenges, a smart speaker is a convenient digital companion.Most smart sensors can be set up so they alert seniors and their loved ones if irregular activity is detected in the home, providing peace of mind for those who live alone.Providing an extra layer of security and convenience, video doorbells are ideal for seniors who live alone or have limited mobility, since it gives them the ability to communicate and unlock the door for visitors via their smartphone.Cost$60-$300$50-$200$80-$250Getting Connected: Internet for SeniorsWhat Can Seniors Do on the Internet?There are a plethora of reasons seniors embrace the internet. It may be to connect with loved ones or stay informed on current news and research. Searching for yummy recipes, watching videos, making telemedicine calls, paying bills, and social networking are all common reasons seniors choose to hop on the World Wide Web. Plus, the majority of the technologies we touched on above rely on the internet to work. So, you'll need a great internet provider to stay active online.Internet Providers for SeniorsSeveral factors go into choosing an internet provider and plan. Companies that service your area, how much you will use the internet, and your budget are all elements to consider as you weigh out your options. Typically, the monthly service fee for internet is $60 to $100 per month. Low-income seniors may qualify for a discounted rate. Plus, most providers give new customers a lower monthly rate for their first year of service.If you're looking for a great deal and decent speed, AT&T may be a good option. But they don't service every state, so make sure you're eligible for service. CenturyLink is another affordable option that is available in most states. For qualifying seniors, CenturyLink offers a free internet training program so you can get the hang of things if you're new using the internet.

In the market for a new cell phone? Whether you're brand new to the world of cell phones or a smartphone wiz, you're in the right place. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know before purchasing a new cell phone, including how to choose the right device for your needs, the best cell phone providers for seniors, and more!Whether youre looking for an affordable cell phone, a smartphone with all the bells and whistles, or a simple flip phone, weve got you covered with the best cell phones for your needs and budget.The rapidly evolving world of cell phone technology keeps most of our world connected. Access to text messages, handheld social media access, phone calls, and video chats open up a world of possibilities and ways to stay connected for older adults.Older adults aged 65 and older were a little slower to adopt the widespread use of cell phones, but more than 85 percent are now connected with a cell phone.1 A Pew Research study found that 61 percent of seniors have made the jump to smartphones.2It's clear that many older adults are using cell phones these days, but you may be wondering why seniors need a cell phone. Phones offer a wide range of benefits to older adults, from staying connected to calling for help during an emergency to keeping track of important appointments and refilling prescriptions. Below are just a few of the ways cell phones can benefit older adults.How cell phones help older adults day to day:Stay connected with friends and familyTake and share photos with family membersKeep track of health information and share it with providersEnjoy entertainment by streaming movies, shows, games, and other video contentManage devices such as hearing aids and thermostats through mobile appsSet reminders, calendar alerts, and alarms to stay on top of important events and doctor's appointmentsOther benefits of using a cell phone:Improved mental health through social interactionMore awareness and control over personal health through apps that track fitness and health conditionsBetter brain health by keeping the mind active to prevent dementiaLive independently longer by using fall alerts, programmed reminders, and push-button emergency callingThings to Consider Before Purchasing a Cell PhoneThere is a wide variety of cell phones, plans, and features available to older adults. Just because a cell phone can offer benefits to most older adults does not mean every senior needs all the available features. Here are some important topics to consider before committing to a phone.What type of phones are there?Cell phones come in three basic types. A smartphone is essentially a handheld computer that fits in your pocket and can make phone calls. A brick-style phone has limited technology features comparable to a slimmed-down version of a smartphone. And, yes, a traditional flip phone is as close as you can get to a plain old phone in the world of cellular technology. You'll need to decide what level of technology best fits your needs and which design you like best.Do I need a smartphone?You may feel pressured to get a smartphone, such as an iPhone, because everyone else seems to have one, but it's important to consider whether you really need or want one. Between a higher price for the device and month-to-month costs for data plans, smartphones are a more expensive option than traditional flip or basic cell phones. As a senior, the type of phone you need depends on how you plan to use it, along with your budget. If FaceTiming, watching shows on your phone, and looking at pictures on Facebook is important to you, then we recommend a smartphone. If you're on a tight budget or you just want to make calls and send texts to stay connected, then you'll likely be better off with a simple flip phone.Android or Apple?If you choose the smartphone route, then you'll need to decide if you want to go with one of the major smartphone providers: Apple or Android. These terms refer to the operating system that the phone uses. Apple has a cult following with the iPhone, and if you are already accustomed to the company's technology or your family uses Apple, then it may be the best choice for you. However, Android is generally considered more user-friendly. Several Android devices even have an easy mode that makes them simpler to use for less tech-savvy individuals.Some other companies also offer more simple and affordable smartphone options designed specifically for older adults. We'll get into some of our favorites a little later on.What type of phone plan is best?Most cell phone companies offer different versions of pay-as-you-go, month-to-month, and contract-based phone plans. Sometimes the commitment of a contract can earn you additional discounts, but they are less flexible. Other times you can save more money on a pay-as-you-go plan. It just depends on the carrier and the type of promotions they run!When choosing a phone plan, you'll also want to consider how many minutes of talk, the number of texts, and how much data you plan to use when comparing plans. If you're more of an advanced user or you're getting a smartphone, then you may want an unlimited data plan to enjoy all the phone has to offer. On the other hand, if you just want to be able to make a few calls and send the occasional text, then you'll be better off with a simpler text-and-talk plan.Senior-Friendly Cell Phone FeaturesFrom flip phones compatible with hearing aids to smartphones with features specifically designed for older users, those in their golden years have a unique set of needs that phones can address. The available features vary from one phone model to the next, and sometimes even between carriers.Some helpful features to look for include:Large keypad for older hands and people with dexterity issues or arthritisBrighter screen for people who are visually impaired or struggle to see clearlyLouder speakers for those with hearing lossMagnifier tool in the phone's camera to zoom in on small print or menus at a restaurantEasy-to-navigate home screen for older adults who want to keep things simpleBluetooth technology for connecting to Bluetooth-enabled hearing aidsHearing aid compatibility on flip phones, so the user doesn't get feedback from their hearing aidsOne-touch emergency calls so you can call for help after a fall or another health incidentHow Much Do Senior Cell Phones Cost?The cost of a cell phone varies widely depending on the provider and how many features the phone has. Flip phones and brick-style phones are reasonably priced, typically ranging from $60 to $100 depending on the carrier. Smartphones are the most expensive of the bunch, starting at a few hundred dollars. They can cost well over $1,000, too, depending on the model and features. With all those options, you can find a phone that fits both your budget and lifestyle.Many carriers, such as Verizon and AT&T, make expensive phones more affordable by offering monthly payment plans, so you can pay off your phone over time instead of forking out all the money upfront. You can add anywhere from $5 to $25 per month to your bill to cover the cost of the device. If you decide to go this route, then make sure you know exactly what you're signing up for. Some providers simply rent the phone to you for the monthly payment, so you'll have to return the device after a certain period of time.The Best Phones for SeniorsIf you decide a cell phone is right for you, we've outlined a few of our top picks to help you easily compare popular cell phones.Jitterbug Flip2: For older adults who want to stick to the basics like making phone calls and sending texts, the Jitterbug Flip2 is a simple flip phone priced at $99.99. It features a large-faced keypad, a bright screen, and powerful speakers to accommodate older eyes and ears. The Jitterbug Flip2 also has a Bluetooth interface that is good for Bluetooth hearing aids or headphones. It also has a simplified menu, magnifier tool, and emergency-response button. One feature unique among standard flip phones is the built-in Amazon Alexa assistant. With just the sound of your voice, you can ask Alexa to make calls, write texts, set reminders, and much more. This is great for older adults who struggle with typing on a keypad or reading fonts on a small phone screen.One of our writers testing out the Jitterbug Flip2Jitterbug Smart4: The Jitterbug Smart4 is a smartphone with a large screen and a simple, list-based menu. It has front-facing speakers, which makes it easier to hear, and it is equipped with an Urgent Response button that will connect you to a live agent for emergencies. The Jitterbug Smart4 is voice-enabled and features mobile internet access, so it's great for those who want to use their phone to check social media or shop online. The Smart4 is one of the more affordable, simple, senior-friendly smartphones on the market, retailing for $149.99, so it's great for those who just want to dip their toe in the water with a smartphone.The Jitterbug Smart4 home screenSnapfon ez4G: Snapfon ez4G is a brick-style phone with a large-text screen display and easy-to-push buttons. It features an SOS button that will easily connect to an operator-based system to assist with emergencies. The phone also offers fall detection, an excellent feature for older adults at high risk of falling. This cell phone is hearing aid compatible and voice command enabled. At just $99.95, it's one of the more affordable cell phone options around. If you're looking for simplified menus, large buttons, and fall-detection capabilities, then this phone is a great investment.Snapfon ez4GConsumer Cellular Iris Flip: The Iris Flip is a flip phone with a traditional 12-key keypad. The phone's buttons and backing are rubberized to keep your fingers from slipping on the keys or dropping the phone. It has an extra bright main display, as well as a secondary display. Its powerful speakers are excellent for those with hearing loss. The phone is also Bluetooth-compatible and has an M3/T3 hearing aid compatibility rating. The Iris Flip is another inexpensive option at just $69.Testing out Consumer Cellulars Verve SnapiPhone 8: For older adults looking for a full-featured smartphone, the iPhone 8 offers a large, vibrant LCD (liquid crystal display). If your friends and family are already on iOS devices, then this phone will make video chatting a breeze. Plus, you can download additional apps to help with magnifying and health tracking from the Apple app store. It also has a touch lock button, so the phone can only be unlocked with your unique fingerprint for added security. It won't be as pricey since it isn't the latest iPhone model, but it's recent enough that you'll have most of the latest and greatest features.Best Cell Phone Carriers for SeniorsNow that we've covered some of our top cell phone picks for seniors, let's take a look at our favorite cell phone carriers that offer deals for seniors on talk, text, and data plans.T-Mobile: For older adults who want an affordable unlimited plan, T-Mobile offers widespread 5G coverage across the United States and three senior-friendly unlimited options. These plans offer a great discount when compared to T-Mobile's traditional unlimited plans, along with perks like free hotspot data and in-flight Wi-Fi for older adults who still enjoy traveling.Lively: Lively specializes in cell phones and medical alert systems for seniors. It offers an unlimited talk and test plan for $19.99 per month. As a senior-specific carrier, Lively also offers two Health & Safety Packages, starting at $24.99 per month, which come with a wide range of medical alert features. If you're looking for a phone that doubles as a medical alert system, then Lively is the way to go. Visit our list of the best medical alert systems in 2025 to learn more.Consumer Cellular: From flip phones to smartphones, Consumer Cellular has senior-friendly options in each phone category. The company even has the unique GrandPad tablet that doubles as a phone, which is great for older adults who want a larger screen and an easy-to-grip device to use around the house. Consumer Cellular offers affordable talk, text, and data plans as well.AT&T: One of the nation's two largest cell phone providers, AT&T has a full lineup of the latest smartphones, along with basic cell phones and a comprehensive 5G cellular network. AT&T offers a discounted unlimited plan for those aged 55 and up, but it's currently available only to Florida residents.Verizon: The second of the nation's two largest cell phone carriers, Verizon offers a comparative device lineup and coverage area to AT&T. Verizon's 55+ Senior Phone Plan offers unlimited talk, text, and data, but it is restricted to residents of Florida as well. The carrier also offers plenty of other affordable plans that can work for seniors in other areas, but it doesn't offer a senior-specific discount.

There are mobile apps for everything. Want to video chat with your grandkids? Find a dinner recipe? Play games with friends? Listen to music? The above (and more) can be done with smartphone apps often for free.Smartphone applications can educate, entertain, and even make life easier. They enable you to get the most out of the computer in your pocket: your smartphone. But with well over two million applications available for mobile today, its easy to get overwhelmed.We created a list of our picks for the best apps for seniors that are easy to use and can improve your life. Its worth noting, too, that many of these apps are great for anybody, regardless of age. Maybe youll find your new favorite app on this list!Make the Most of Your Apps With a Top Cell Phone PlanWhile you can typically use apps on your mobile phone with WiFi, you can get the most out of your apps with a cell phone plan that offers data on the go. No phone plans or carriers are identical, so its vital to consider your budget and needs before deciding. If youre unsure where to start, check out some of the top-rated wireless providers we have reviewed.SeniorLiving.org Rating:4.5 of 5See Pricing Links to Lively866-461-7793SeniorLiving.org Rating:4.5 of 5See Pricing Links to AT&T855-929-4241SeniorLiving.org Rating:4.6 of 5See Pricing Links to Consumer Cellular855-643-4847Medisafe  Manage Your MedicationsAvailable for iPhone and AndroidCost: FreeForgetting to take prescriptions and get refills on time are significant problems for older adults who may take multiple medications at different times of the day. One in five adverse drug events occur due to incorrect dosage or usage of prescriptions.2Medisafe helps you manage your medications and get reminders. Simply input your prescriptions and timings, and Medisafe will create a visual schedule complete with images of each pill and a list of potentially harmful interactions. It will then give you reminders throughout the day when its time to take a medication, let you know if a prescription is running low, and even alert a friend or family member of a missed dose.Medisafe appGoogle Maps  Remember Where You ParkedAvailable for iPhone and AndroidCost: FreeEveryone has experienced a time when you get ready to leave somewhere and realize you have no idea where you parked. If you find this happening frequently, your phone can help you out in the Google Maps or Apple Maps app.In Google Maps, click on the blue dot showing your location, then click Set as parking location from the menu that pops up, and itll save it. Then, when you are ready to navigate back to your car, click the blue Directions icon and choose Saved parking. This app is also great for getting directions when youre going somewhere new or get lost while driving.Google Maps appMagnifying Glass + Flashlight  Read the Menu in a Dim RestaurantAvailable for iPhone and AndroidCost: FreeOne in three people 65 and older have some form of eye disease,3 making it difficult to read small print. If youve ever had trouble reading a restaurant menu, forms at the doctors office, or labels on food packaging, a magnifying app could be a handy tool.This magnifying app uses your phones camera to zoom in on whatever you point it at, and you can quickly turn on the light to illuminate what you need to read. With a touch of the screen, you can also freeze what you are looking at, so you dont have to point it in the same spot the entire time youre reading.Magnifying Glass + Flashlight appFacebook Messenger  Connect with Friends and FamilyAvailable for iPhone and AndroidCost: FreeIf you are among the 23.7 percent of adults over 544 with a Facebook account, youve already done most of the work needed to use Facebook Messenger. Messenger is a standalone app that connects people through their Facebook profiles.You can video chat with one person or a group chat, plus send text messages and photos. There are even fun features to try out while on a video call. You can make your grandchildren giggle by putting a digital frog on your head or even turning into a dragon!Facebook Messenger appPersonal Capital  Take Charge of Retirement PlanningAvailable for iPhone and AndroidCost: FreeWhile plenty of tools allow you to track finances, personal capital stands out regarding retirement planning. If financial planning seems daunting, check out this app for its straightforward visuals and projections. Use it to assess your current retirement situation and even play out other scenarios to decide whether you need to change your long-term plans.Personal Capital appGoodRx  Save Money on PrescriptionsAvailable for iPhone and AndroidCost: FreeOne of the reasons seniors do not take medications as prescribed is that they cost too much. GoodRx helps users compare prescription drug prices at different pharmacies and find usable coupons in the app. The app can also alert you when a particular medication drops in price and let you know when you may be due for a refill. If you use Medisafe to manage your prescriptions, you already have savings help powered by GoodRx and dont need to download a separate application.FYI:For more information on our favorite prescription discount apps similar to GoodRx, head to our best prescription discount cards page.GoodRx appSnapfish Get Those Photos off Your PhoneAvailable for iPhone and AndroidCost: FreeWere all taking more photos than ever, but hardly any photos ever leave the digital world. Creating photo books no longer requires a tech-savvy or artistic flair, as you can simply choose your favorite shots, and the app will do the rest. Snapfish makes it easy to order photo books and prints straight from your phone and have them delivered.Snapfish appAudible  Escape Into a Good BookAvailable for iPhone and AndroidCost: Free; requires a paid subscription after a free trialAudiobooks are a great alternative to print for seniors who have vision problems or arthritis that may make holding a book uncomfortable. Alternatively, if youre hoping to read more but struggle to pay attention, narration could prove useful. They have never been better, featuring excellent narration by voice talent or the authors.Audible has the largest selection of audiobooks available. Its free to download, and youll pay for a book access subscription. Audible also offers a free trial period, so remember to take advantage of this 30-day freebie!Audible appLastPass  Never Forget a Password AgainAvailable for iPhone and AndroidCost: FreeYou must create a password to do almost anything on the internet. Creating a unique password each time is critical to avoid being hacked, but who can remember all of them? Many people use the same password for simplicity, leaving them vulnerable to online attacks.LastPass stores all your passwords securely in one place so you can look them up when needed. It can also autofill passwords into websites you use frequently and create strong passwords. Simply remember one password the LastPass password.LastPass appWords with Friends 2 Play with Friends and Family VirtuallyAvailable for iPhone and AndroidCost: FreeVideo chatting is a great way to connect when you cant meet face to face, but coordinating time can be challenging. With this app, you can challenge friends and family to a game or get paired with another player. Calling itself a mobile word game, Words with Friends 2 is very similar to Scrabble, so its great for passive playing and connecting with friends without a significant time commitment.Words With Friends 2 appSpotify  Listen to Music and PodcastsAvailable for iPhone and AndroidCost: Free; select plans require a paid subscriptionMusic can help people relax, set the ambiance at a dinner party, return to a bygone era, get pumped for exercise, and so much more. With Spotify, you can listen to specific songs or let the app curate music based on your interests. Users can also create playlists and share them with other users or select from playlists made by Spotify.Spotify is also the number one app for listening to podcasts. Podcasts continue to grow in popularity, and there is something out there for almost every interest. Use the app to discover new podcasts or manage your favorites. Some premium plans also allow audiobook access, although the selection is lacking compared to Audible.Spotify app

When Alyssa Weakley lived 400 miles from her grandmother, the distance and lack of communication brought constant worry and stress. Then 82 and living alone, Janet Dibkey was showing early signs of memory loss.Dibkey is among the more than 90% of older adults who want to spend their later years in their current home rather than move to an assisted living facility. Weakley is one of the more than 53 million Americans serving as a caregiver to an aging adult or child with special needs. She is also a researcher at UC Davis Health helping older Americans maintain a measure of independence through communication tools and sensor technology.You never not worry, Weakley said. As a clinical neuropsychologist, I know how cognitive impairment can affect almost every facet of an older adults life. I knew there needed to be a solution to improve their life at home while easing the stress on their loved ones.A new task management toolFor older adults, mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimers disease make it harder to complete important daily activities such as managing medications, paying bills on time and remembering to attend appointments. Weakley designed the Interactive Care Platform, or I-Care, to connect older adults experiencing cognitive impairment to their family members who live apart from them for support in completing these important daily activities.Created in partnership with older adults with cognitive impairment, caregivers and experts in caregiving, dementia and technology development, I-Care has six main functions:a homepage that lists current weather, upcoming events and recent caregiver messagesa calendar that can be modified by both the care recipient and caregivera to-do lista messaging center where care partners can send messages and make video callsa collaborative notes section where information regarding doctor appointments and vacation plans can be storeda goals section where individuals can track brain health behaviors such as exercise and cognitive engagementNot only does I-Care assist with managing everyday activities, but it also addresses social isolation and loneliness in the care receiver and stress and worry in the caregiver, Weakley explained. The platform also captures backend data. We hope to use this data to alert individuals when subtle changes occur that may suggest cognitive or health decline.Clinical neuropsychologist Alyssa Weakley visits Leeanne Patton in her home in Citrus Heights. Patton uses the I-Care system to connect with her sister in Southern California. (Gregory Urquiaga/UC Davis)Californias aging population According to the California Master Plan for Aging, the states over-60 population is projected to diversify and grow faster than any other age group. That means that by 2030, one-quarter of the state's population will be over the age of 60.We are at an inflection point in our communities, with our population aging and becoming more diverse, said Heather M. Young, co-champion of UC Daviss Healthy Aging in a Digital World initiative, which has gathered experts to develop technology solutions that enable people to live independently and stay connected to their families and health care teams.For the first time in history, we have more grandparents than grandchildren in society. This means families are strained to provide support for their older members, particularly from a distance. We need new creative solutions to support one another.As people age, they often share common desires: to remain in their own homes, to maintain their independence for as long as possible, and to rely on family and friends for support when necessary. This concept of staying in your own home as you age is known as "aging in place." However, many older adults and their families have concerns about safety, mobility and daily activities.Clinical neuropsychologist Alyssa Weakley (Gregory Urquiaga/UC Davis)Assistive technology supports independent livingRebecca Boxer, chief of the Division of Geriatrics, Hospice and Palliative Medicine at UC Davis Health, said maintaining independence throughout an older adults lifetime can be challenging, especially with multiple chronic conditions or cognitive decline. Acute events such as a fall and fracture or the loss of a caregiver can result in a need for increased daily support or institutionalization. Independent living takes community-based or family resources, innovative supportive technologies and a willingness of the older adult to accept assistance when needed, she explained. Helping to devise a plan as a person ages for possible eventualities assures that the older adult remains in control of the decisions that would be made for their care.An AARP survey showed the many older adults would need to make changes to their home in order to remain safe. Young said that is where technology can help.Dr. Weakleys innovative work is very exciting because she is using technology to support families in ways that are both practical and meaningful. Technology can help organize, coordinate and communicate information that is critical for wellbeing in daily life for both people with dementia and their families, Young added. Leeann Patton experiences short-term memory loss, so she uses I-Care to help remember things like doctor appointments. (Gregory Urquiaga/UC Davis)Older adults undergo pilot study testing user-friendlinessWeakley conducted multiple rounds of iterative interface development with experts, individuals with cognitive impairment and caregivers. She then launched a pilot intervention with cognitively impaired individuals and remote caregivers to assess the usability and feasibility of I-Care.   Leeann Patton, who struggles to remember things such as doctor appointments, enrolled in the pilot. The 84-year-old was thrilled when Weakley showed up at her Citrus Heights home with an all-in-one computer with the I-Care software that connected with her sister who lived in Southern California. Its in the dining room area on the table, right out where I can use it with no problem, Patton explained. It backs me up where Ive lost cognition and puts me back in charge of what Ive forgot.Weakley said Patton not only caught on quickly, but soon identified a need Weakley had not thought of adding a smart watch.She would think of something while in her bedroom, but when she walked to the computer, she forgot why she was there. A big gap needed to be solved, Weakley said.Patton, who called the system a reference manual for your mind, was enthusiastic that her idea would be incorporated into the project.Its just hard to believe! Im honored so much just to be part of this, Patton said. Im also grateful for the brain God gave me. He must have known I was going to need to do this.Small vibration sensors plug into a wall outlet and can map an older adults daily routine by recording various vibrations generated by activities such as taking medication or getting out of bed. (Gregory Urquiaga/UC Davis)Here, the sensors are plugged into the wall and can detect activity on the sink and the floor. The laptop shows vibrations for medication, walking and talking. (Gregory Urquiaga/UC Davis)Importance of technological innovation in senior carePatton is considered an end user the person who will use a particular product of the technology that Weakley is developing. User friendliness is indispensable in any technological endeavor. Because the satisfaction of end users can determine the fate of a new technology, researchers find immense value in collaborating with those who will ultimately utilize it, co-designing solutions to glean valuable insights.This feedback takes on greater importance as Weakleys research evolves to include sensor technology. With a network of sensors in ones home, data can be collected as inhabitants live their lives. In early 2023, Weakley teamed up with Shijia Pan, an engineering professor at UC Merced. Pan has worked on sensors her entire career focusing on how to make them non-intrusive and ubiquitous, but also scalable and reliable.Pan developed small vibration sensors, roughly the size of a prescription pill bottle. They simply plug into a wall outlet and can fit underneath a nightstand or next to bathroom sink. They essentially map an older adults daily routine by recording various vibrations generated by activities such as taking medication or getting out of bed. People touch things all the time, which gives us an opportunity to capture their health data unobtrusively and continuously, Pan said. How a person perceives privacy is also very important. If we put something that looks like a camera, people may think their privacy is being intruded, and act differently in the area, and we might not be able to capture their behavior data accurately. I didnt realize how important that was before I met Dr. Weakley.Dong Yoon Lee, a Ph.D. student in computer science at UC Merced, demonstrates how the sensors work in a bathroom. (Gregory Urquiaga/UC Davis)Invisible technology and privacy protectionPan wants the technology to be as invisible as possible, so that people wont change their behavior at home. The algorithms they are developing can identify an activity and then visualize the information in the I-Care system so that a remote caregiver can watch whats happening in real time. Did my mom get out of bed this morning? Did she take her medicine? Has she fallen? These are the lingering doubts that weigh on caregivers who dont live in the same home as their family member, Weakley said.Because older adults have shared their privacy concerns with Weakley, Pans technology allows researchers to monitor activity without revealing sensitive information, such as a phone conversation.Instead of directly capturing information a human can understand, the sensors collect information only artificial intelligence can understand, Pan added.Making the data understandable by a human user is where UC Davis computer scientist Hao-Chuan Wang comes in. Wang is an expert on human-computer interaction. His visualization interface turns the vibrations into an image that makes sense to users of different roles and needs.This data pretty much means nothing [until it is] processed and contextualized to make the information more actionable. We must convert it so that the caregiver knows how to best offer care to the older adult, Wang said.I-Care includes a calendar, a to-do list and a messaging center where care partners can send messages and make video calls. (Gregory Urquiaga/UC Davis)Plug-and-play version a goalWeakley said she hopes to deploy her technology in peoples homes within the next two years.Her collaborators are aiming for a plug-and-play system that companies want to invest in and people want to use to connect with their families.This is just the beginning, Pan explained. In the next 10 years, well see the many dramatic changes in the relationship between the human and machine worlds. Its both a challenge and an opportunity for us to make it a safer world for people who need care.

By 2040, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that 80 million U.S. citizensalmost a quarter of the populationwill be age 65 or older. As new technologies continue to enter our lives at a breakneck pacemany designed by those at the younger end of the age spectrumwhat does that mean for this large cadre of people?The answer, in part, depends on how much tech companies understand these users and collaborate with them on designs and applications to best support their lives. Thats challenging because sometimes older users have different needs than younger users, and also because the range of technical abilities of 65- to 95-year-olds is vast and varied.Fortunately, thanks to extensive training and knowledge in areas like aging, cognitive psychology, human factors, neuropsychology, and more, psychologists are helping to ensure that technology will be useful for all of us in our later years.Augmenting support and enabling individual autonomy are uppermost in my mind when I think about designing technology for older adults, said Wendy A. Rogers, PhD, head of an interdisciplinary program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign called CHART (Collaborations in Health, Aging, Research, and Technology). I cant emphasize enough that technologys purpose is not to do away with human support, she said, but rather to enhance what is possible.The COVID-19 pandemic has made it additionally clear that a comfortable relationship with technology is an important need for older adults, as evidenced by the difficulty many have had in registering for vaccines online and by the way technology has helped mitigate loneliness during a difficult time, said Sara J. Czaja, PhD, director of the Center on Aging and Behavioral Research at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York and a prominent researcher in the area.People who saw no value in having access to a computer or mobile device before the pandemic now see that value because having access allows them to connect with family and loved ones, she said.Designing homes to serveOne major focus for psychologists in the area is developing home-based technologies to make life easier, safer, and more interesting for older adults. CHART is at the cutting edge of this work, bringing together faculty and students in community health, psychology, engineering, architecture, public health, and other disciplines to design and study technologies for successful aging.The programs signature research space is called the McKechnie Family LIFE (Living in Interactive Future Environments) Home, and it opened its doors in January. The space looks like a roomy, ultramodern house outfitted with the latest smart technology and gadgets, including smart refrigerators, ovens, digital assistants, home sensorseven coffee makers. The facility also includes an independent control room where researchers can simulate remote activities like telehealth, as well as an innovation lab and classroom space.Because the pandemic has made it unsafe for older adults to come to labs, a lot of current work involves tech development for the home, said Rogers. In one set of projects, researchers are testing robots to perform tasks of daily living. StretchTM, a research robot developed by the company Hello Robot, can reach up or down to pick up objects, helping older adults avoid a major cause of falls. Another technology is a type of soft robot developed by Girish Krishnan, PhD, an assistant professor in the Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Its made of soft, elastic materials that can flexibly reach areas that a hard robot cant. Krishnans team is testing a version with a camera on one end for potential telehealth purposes: If a person has a wound in a place thats hard to see or reach, for example, the robot could take images and forward them to a health care provideran effective and potentially low-cost alternative to relying on home health aides.Psychologists role in this work is to study how people react to such devices and provide input to engineers on features that could facilitate peoples ability to accept, trust, rely on, and controlto grok, in tech termstheir mechanical friends, said Rogers. That means fine-tuning how such robots communicate with people and how they looka vital area of research that is still evolving.The idea of sociability, including appearance, could be very important for building a trust relationship, she said.Her team and others are also working to help older adults who arent as comfortable with technology make better use of digital assistants like Amazons Alexa and Echo. In a pilot study with 12 older-adult Echo owners, for example, a team headed by Lyndsie M. Koon, PhD, now at the University of Kansas, found that disgruntled users cited problems such as difficulty using the voice-activation feature and low levels of perceived support for learning the technology (Ergonomics in Design, Vol. 28, No. 1, 2020).To improve that situation, the team has created instructional videos that take these factors into account and is now testing them with groups of older adults. Meanwhile, researchers at the TechSAge research center at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) are studying Alexas potential to help people with limited mobility tackle home chores, connect with others, exercise, and perform health care activities, thanks to funding from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).Supporting technology uptakeFor those with the means and education to use it, modern technology can be a big plus. But there remains a large swath of older adults who cant afford pricey tech and lack access to and education on the basics. A February report by the nonprofit Older Adults Technology Services, for example, found that 22 million older Americans lack internet access and that older adults with less than a high school degree or an income of less than $25,000 are 10 times more likely than the general population to be offline. Meanwhile, the report found, Black and Latinx older adults are, respectively, more than 2.5 and 3.6 times more likely than the general population to lack computer access.Helping these individuals access, use, and enjoy computers is the central aim of psychologists involved in an ongoing study called the PRISM (Personal Reminder Information & Social Management) trial, conducted by researchers who are part of a five-university collaborative known as CREATE (Center for Research and Education on Aging and Technology Enhancement). CREATE is directed by Czaja, who founded it in 1999 to ensure that technology benefits and can be successfully used by older adults. Since its inception, CREATE has been continuously funded by the National Institute on Aging.Although it has undergone several iterations, PRISM is in essence a software system thats designed to be easy to use from the get-go and to support peoples social connectivity, access to resources, memory, and new learning. Now, researchers in PRISMs second phase are conducting intervention studies with low-income and ethnically diverse participants in assisted living facilities in Miami, senior housing in Atlanta, and rural areas in Tallahassee, Florida. Theyre also testing the system with individuals in New York City who have cognitive impairments.The first phase of the trial, held at three sites, involved 300 adults ages 65 to 85 who received the PRISM system on their computers or in binders containing the same information. At 6 months, the online group reported significantly less loneliness and greater perceived social support and well-being than the binder recipients. They also showed greater computer self-efficacy, proficiency, and comfort with computers at 6 and 12 months than they did at baseline, the team found (The Gerontologist, Vol. 58, No. 3, 2018).In a second, ongoing phase, 250 additional older adults in a variety of living contexts are receiving a similar PRISM intervention on a tablet with added social interaction features such as videoconferencing and social media. Researchers are comparing PRISM 2 with a typical tablet computer without the PRISM software. Results will be released later this year.As with many studies that involve older adults in planning and testing, quantitative results dont adequately capture the importance that PRISM has for participants, said cognitive psychologist Walter Wally Boot, PhD, a CREATE principal investigator at Florida State University (other CREATE sites include Weill Cornell Medicine, the University of Miami, Georgia Tech, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign). One participant, for instance, was upset that her church had gone completely online and no longer mailed out church bulletins.She said she didnt want to be a burden and request that a copy be printed just for her, said Boot. So, when she discovered that she could connect with the church online and get her materials electronically, she was thrilled.In some ways, the standardized measures of loneliness and social isolation undersell the real impact that technology can have on older adults lives, Boot said.Many of the same researchers who have been involved with CREATE and PRISM are now collaborating with additional centers that include other aging populations that could reap significant benefits from technology. One example is a new 5-year center called ENHANCE (Enhancing Neurocognitive Health, Abilities, Networks, and Community Engagement), also funded by the NIDILRR. Codirected by Czaja and Boot, its mission is to help people who have mild cognitive impairment, traumatic brain injury, or post-stroke cognitive impairment gain social support and connect with community resources through technology.For example, the team plans to develop user-friendly instructional support for transportation apps like Uber and Google Maps that will include a PRISM-like system designed specifically for people with these types of cognitive impairments.The success of these programs depends on researchers collaborating closely with end users, said Boot.Before you start designing technology solutions, he said, you really need to do the homework and talk with people about their issues and challenges.Promoting safe drivingOther researchers are using technology to study the best ways to enhance driving safety among older adults, including in automated vehicles.In one line of work, a team of researchers headed by cognitive and engineering psychology researcher Jing Feng, PhD, of North Carolina State University (NC State), have developed and are studying a task that tests peoples reactions in simulated driving scenarios that require focused attention, for example driving through a busy intersection with pedestrians present.In a study under review, two groups of drivers received training on the task, while a third group did not. Then, participants either performed the driving task, watched others doing it, or did nothing at all. Those who took the training and performed the task had fewer incidents and were better able to detect and avoid pedestrians and other obstacles than those in both control groups. If the task were tested and validated on a wider scale, it could prove a useful tool for drivers who want to assess and improve their attentional abilities on the road, Feng said.Meanwhile, Feng and others are also studying how older adults might adapt to automated vehicles as they become more common. In one study, Hallie Clark, PhD, also of NC State, and Feng found that young and old drivers responded equally quickly to an automatic vehicles notification to resume manual control but that, in doing so, older drivers tended to brake harder (Accident Analysis & Prevention, Vol. 106, 2017).Eventually, such findings could inform training for drivers of all ages on the use of these vehicles, Feng said. These factors need to be taken into account so that people can become more comfortable with the technology while also understanding its limitations.Inspiring new thinkingStudying the intersection of psychology, technology, and aging tends to challenge stereotypes that older people cant cope with technology or that they only want simplistic designs. In fact, research by Georgia Tech senior research scientist Tracy Mitzner, PhD, and the CREATE team indicated that older adults generally hold positive views about technology and are open to using helpful devices in their daily lives (Computers in Human Behavior, Vol. 26, No. 6, 2010). Whats more, theyre sometimes as proficient as younger adults at some tasks. For example, Feng thought older drivers might have more difficulty and be slower in assuming control of automated vehicles than younger drivers. But they were equally good at taking over, and they didnt really show inferior capability, she said.Designing technology for older adults can also hold surprises, said NC State professor and human factors psychologist Anne McLaughlin, PhD. Many technology companies, for example, forge ahead with designs that they think would benefit older adults without understanding the differences in various age ranges or consulting potential users. But many would-be buyers end up finding those products clunky and unattractive. They say, Thats not for meIm going to be 70, but Im not old, she said.For these reasons and more, psychologists are important and necessary partners in this work, Rogers and others said. Engineers and roboticists and computer scientists can do the building, but we bring that needed human perspective, she said.Psychologists also understand that technology will never be a substitute for human interaction, Czaja added.But if technology is well designed and people are given the appropriate training, it can be used to augment the delivery of programs and services, especially to people who really need it, she said. And were certainly learning that that is not only feasible, but that people embrace it.Tech benefits for long-term care residentsFor the past two decades, New Jerseybased clinical neuropsychologist Laura Palmer, PhD, ABPP, and colleagues have provided comprehensive psychological and neuropsychological services to older adults at Winchester Gardens, a continuing-care facility in Maplewood, New Jersey. Seven years ago, her team added a research piece to their efforts that is intended to help these older adults incorporate technology into their lives in ways that enhance their cognitive, psychological, physical, and social well-being.  As part of this work, the team is testing the effects of the brain-training program Lumosity on residents memory, attention, and other cognitive abilities. Theyre finding that its helping residentsmany in their 90sincrease their verbal fluency and maintain cognitive functioning. But their research is more holistic than that, said Adriana Dunn, PhD, an assistant professor at Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey, who helped design and is running the research project with Palmer.We have consistently helped people think about and use technology in many other areas that we now know are important for cognitive health, including good nutrition, exercise, and social engagement, she said.Each Wednesday, the team holds sessions on such topics and provides curated online resources that residents can explore further. They also regularly connect with residents in personal and practical ways that enhance technology uptake. Ally Chironna, a social work student at Simmons University in Boston, is on call for any technological snafus, and all team members share warm relationships with the residents, including by facilitating regular visits with Prince Harry, a certified therapy dog.The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted the need for additional training in technology, with team members helping residents use videoconferencing platforms to visit with family and each other and to take part in team-led support groups. Some residents have made maximal use of what theyve learned: One resident wrote two novels on his computer, and another is learning Spanish through Duolingo, an online language app. On a more poignant note, technology has enabled some residents to attend the virtual funeral services of loved ones, Palmer said.As the residents gain newfound skills in and uses for technology, the work demonstrates the importance of the human touch in learning and using these devices and applications, Dunn noted.Psychologists have such an in-depth understanding of this population and where technology is relevant for them, she said. If you try to teach them things that arent relevant, it wont be helpful.

One might think that the Consumer Electronics Show is about consumer electronics. Not really. It is about tech concepts and possibilities, and possibly new or near-term products, that can lead to future products and/or distribution in the market. Whether in TVs, cars, drones, wearables, accessibility tech, home appliances or headsets, this international show with its 150,000 attendees has an AI Everywhere (surprise!) theme. Attendees help both startups and established players to gain media and market attention and maybe even meet a few distribution partners or funders.  Here are 10 from this years show:     Before Health Intelligence. Our app, Antshrike, is a risk stratification app entirely based on passively collected biometric data that allows a timely prediction of critical cardiovascular events such as stroke and heart attack within a range of a few days. This enables app users to seek medical attention ahead of the events, resulting in a significantly better prognosis and a far lower probability of mortality."  Learn more at Before Health Intelligence.CELLIANT infrared bedding. "This IR tech harnesses body heat, converting it into IR energy, and returning it to the body, where it increases local circulation and cellular oxygenation. IR is particularly beneficial for older individuals because of its ability to increase local circulation. Conditions such as diabetes and age-related mobility issues may benefit from improved circulation. Additionally, as the aging population tends to struggle with sleep, CELLIANT-infused bedding improves thermoregulation, enhances recovery, and helps promote restful sleep to address sleep quality challenges." Learn more at CELLIANT.High Privacy AI Digital Caregiver. "The High-Privacy AI Digital Caregiver, co-developed by ITRI and Streamteck, is an advanced remote monitoring system that uses thermal imaging and millimeter wave radar technologies to detect patients vital signs and activities with hospital-level accuracy while maintaining privacy. The system tracks bed exits, falls, and prolonged inactivity, and promptly alerts caregivers through a mobile app when abnormalities are detected. With its compact design, it is best suited for clinics, wards, nursing homes, and homes, offering a cost-effective telemedicine solution. Learn more at MPO-mag.com.MiiHealth Monica. "MiiHealth built a chronic conditions management platform that helps both younger and older adults improve their lifestyle and extend their health span. MiiCube gathers and analyzes over 70 types of data from the home to provide actionable insights for personalized care plans. Monica, our virtual health careassistant, that supports self-care with timely reminders and encouragement." Learn more at MiiHealth.ai.MudraLink neural wristband. "Wearable Devices Ltd. Announces Mudra Link, the first neural wristband for Android, macOS and Windows devices. This achievement marks the Companys continued expansion as the industry pioneer in wearable gesture control, following the new devices CES 2025 Innovation Awards recognition in the XR Technologies & Accessories category. The Mudra Surface Nerve Conductance sensors pick up electromyography signals from subtle finger movements, translating them into intuitive commands for a wide range of devices and applications, including augmented reality (AR) glasses, smart TV streamers, mobile phone, tablet and personal computers, and smart home control." Learn more at Mudra Link.Roborock Saros Z70. "The company has added a mechanical robotic arm called OmniGrip, which can deploy itself to pick up and remove obstacles that previously caused the cleaning process to pause. Plus, the device features Roborocks new StarSight Autonomous System 2.0 for more precise navigation and mapping OmniGrip can pick up and remove objects weighing up to 300 grams, including small items such as socks, tissue paper, and towels. The Saros Z70 performs regular cleaning duties while marking and detecting objects it can lift along the way, then returns later to clean missed areas. While this might not be the fastest method, it addresses areas that were previously problematic." Learn more at Forbes.Rendever Alcove Sanctuary. "Alcove Sanctuary is designed to feel like a home away from home. People can customize their sanctuary with shared photos and uploaded videos, travel the world, revisit meaningful places, meditate in nature, listen to classical music, and engage with a new family-friendly AI companion, Nova. At the heart of the magic is Nova, which makes VR accessible for all ages by combining the roles of companion and guide into one charming, robotic friend.  Nova learns and adapts to each family member's interests and stories, recognizes emotional moments, and helps preserve meaningful memories that can be shared across generations through a collaborative memory box." Learn more at Rendever.Seekr. "Seekr, developed by Vidi Labs, is a first-of-its-kind compact AI wearable device ever to be designed FOR, and WITH the visually-impaired community. Deviating from medical and bulky looking form factors, we pack our machine learning algorithm into a camera equipped clip-on device no bigger than a match box, which collects visual data and sends a curated audio feed of information to users through any Bluetooth-enabled earpiece." Learn more at Vidi Labs.Withings BPM Vision. "BPM Vision is particularly designed for non-tech-savvy elderly users, ensuring accurate readings that are both consistent and reliable for blood pressure and hypertension management. It features a large, color high-resolution screen for easy-to-read results and provides on-device step-by-step educational instructions, reminders, and motivational nudges. It includes advanced features like reliable monitoring of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, aiding in the detection and control of hypertension. The results include color-coded feedback on both readings and to confirm if a measurement has been taken correctly." Learn more at Withings.XanderGlasses Connect. "This is a wearable assistive technology designed to help people who struggle to hear or understand speech. Our first product, XanderGlasses, translates speech to text in real-time and projects accurate captions for the wearer. Our new product XG Connect adds functionality and features: AI text transformers to help wearers with cognitive challenges, captioning of environmental sounds (not just speech), 26 languages, cloud-based translation between languages, and a smartphone app for personalization. XanderGlasses Connect allows wearers to capture and store conversations which is helpful for seniors who want to record a medical or legal appointment to share information with family." Learn more at Xander.