This article courtesy of the Gerontechnolgist website. Apple, Amazon, Google, and Facebook have always had products and services that could benefit older adults. In recent years, they’ve been diligent about not only releasing features for older adults and their family members, but also marketing to those audiences.
Apple released their fall detection feature and even got FDA clearance on irregular heart rhythms detection – two features that can appeal to older users. The watch is also capable of sharing GPS location with family members, making calls and sending text messages. Falls are the being the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths worldwide, and one out of four older adults suffer a fall each year – so Apple’s feature has the potential to save many people’s lives.
Amazon has been successful with bringing its smart assistant Alexa to millions of homes. Echo devices have long been used by older adults and their family. Older consumers can now talk to Alexa using Best Buy’s Alexa enabled flip phones. In 2020, Amazon launched the Alexa Care Hub (free) which evolved into Alexa Together (paid) in 2021. Alexa Together allows families to remotely check in on their aging loved ones, set up notifications and even detect falls using compatible third-party fall detection devices. It also enables users to get “hands free” access to professional Urgent Response agents 24/7.
During Covid-19 lockdowns, thousands of Amazon Echo devices were distributed to senior living communities nationwide to help socially isolated residents. In 2021, Amazon launched Alexa Smart Properties to bring Alexa to senior living communities and healthcare systems.
This year, Amazon, Apple, Google, Samsung, and other major players have publicly announced their support in matter connectivity protocol, which will enable all of your smart home devices to work together. Technology helps our older adults live better lives! Bob Larson is a technologist and Marketing Director for 50 Plus.