One of the highlights of this year's CES was the Age Tech After Dark pitch competition, hosted by AARP. This event brought together startups from all over the country to pitch their ideas and innovations aimed at the aging population. The winner of the competition, ONSCREEN, took home a $10,000 prize to fund their startup and continue their work in the longevity economy.
One of the key themes at this year's CES is the focus on the aging population and the opportunities in the longevity economy. With trillions of dollars being spent by seniors, companies like AARP are making significant investments in this market and supporting startups that are developing solutions to help seniors live better, healthier lives.
One of the most intriguing innovations showcased at CES this year is the concept of TV-based communication for seniors. This technology, developed by the contest-winning ONSCREEN, aims to address the challenges faced by older adults who may struggle with traditional forms of communication and technology. By integrating cameras, microphones, and speakers into a device that attaches to the TV, ONSCREEN has created a simple and user-friendly solution for seniors to stay connected with their loved ones and access important healthcare services.
The device works much like a Roku, with one HDMI cable connecting it to the TV. Once set up, family members can easily call their older relatives, who can answer the call with a simple press of a button. This allows for face-to-face communication, even if the family members are not physically present with the senior. Additionally, the device automates joining seniors to telehealth sessions, ensuring they have access to essential healthcare services without the complexity of traditional telehealth platforms.
One of the standout features of the device is the integration of an AI companion named Joy. Joy can check in with the older adults, remind them to take their medications, and engage in virtual visits to combat social isolation. Research shows that social isolation can have detrimental effects on seniors, increasing their risk of dementia, stroke, and heart disease. By providing tools for seniors to stay engaged and connected, ONSCREEN's technology aims to improve the overall well-being of older adults.
In addition to facilitating communication with family members and healthcare providers, the device also supports activities like Zoom calls and reminders for medication. This comprehensive approach to senior care and communication demonstrates the potential for technology to enhance the lives of older adults and address the unique challenges they face.
The availability and pricing of the device make it accessible to a wide range of users. Priced at $40 to get started and $30 a month thereafter, the device offers a cost-effective solution compared to the expenses associated with assisted living facilities. By empowering seniors to stay connected, engaged, and healthy, TV-based communication technology like ONSCREEN's device has the potential to revolutionize the way we care for and support older adults in our society.
Overall, the concept of TV-based communication for seniors showcased by ONSCREEN represents a promising step towards leveraging technology to address the needs of an aging population. As our society continues to grapple with the challenges of an aging demographic, innovative solutions like this offer hope for a future where older adults can live independently, connected, and supported by the power of technology.
Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.
Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.
