Given technology’s omnipresence in contemporary society, it comes as no surprise that older Americans are increasingly open to using everything from artificial intelligence-powered voice assistants to social media throughout the latter part of their lives; they're hoping that it'll improve their access to health care, social connectivity and more.
With that in mind, here are a couple of AgeTech companies, ranging from startups to established heavy hitters, to keep your eye on. One or more could be responsible for a product or service you’ll eventually swear by in retirement.
Headquartered in Austin, Texas, this company is perhaps best known for its innovative Age-In-Place Marketplace. This service allows elders to connect with fully vetted in-home service providers easily. Examples of such providers include Shipt, a renowned delivery service, TruBlue, a senior-oriented home repair company, and RoundTrip, a health care transportation resource. According to the Helper Bees’ website, the Marketplace additionally offers services for pest control, errands and companion care, amongst others. Beyond providing several necessary services in one convenient location, the Marketplace consolidates the process of securing assistance. Thanks to healthAlign, which the Helper Bees acquired in 2021, there is now a single path for all credentialing, referrals and claims, thus making the Marketplace more efficient than ever. Through its novel Marketplace, then, the Helper Bees are empowering those who are adamant about aging in place, working with insurance carriers to grant them immediate access to the services they need to thrive in an independent environment. To learn more, schedule a demonstration by filling out the form at the bottom of this page.
2. Vayaar
Primarily focused on 4D imaging, this Israeli company has entered the AgeTech space with Vayaar Care, a touchless fall detection device. After installation, this wall-mounted device will survey the room it is in for seven days. Then, it will begin monitoring for falls. Even in complete darkness, Vayaar Care can accurately discern if someone has fallen. If someone does lose their balance and crashes to the floor, the device will notify a designated caregiver and emergency services, ensuring that the injured party receives the care they need promptly. For those with privacy concerns, rest easy in the knowledge that this piece of technology does not come with a camera. In addition, Vayaar Care lacks buttons and cords, making it a simple yet effective device. It should be noted, though, that this product necessitates an Alexa-enabled device — such as the Amazon Echo Dot — and a subscription to Alexa Together. Unfortunately, support for stairwells is not offered at this time. If you're interested in getting one for your home, click here.
3. GOGOTECH
Co-founded by John DeBenedette and Clarence Tan, M.D., GOGOTECH is the company behind ABBY, a groundbreaking powered wheelchair. It sports several unique features, including autonomous driving and obstacle avoidance. In addition, this personal electric vehicle is lightweight and built to accommodate various body types — it comes in three different seat widths (16, 18 and 20 inches). Furthermore, ABBY possesses modular batteries, adjustable armrests, a rear-view camera system, multiple speed settings and other unique features. If you’re left-handed, you also can order a model with a joystick that accommodates this by emailing the team behind the product. The newest variant, scheduled for release in 2024, is available for pre-order for $3,950 here.
4. No Isolation
This Norwegian-based startup, founded in 2015, is dedicated to the reduction of loneliness and social isolation, creating products meant to help people connect — especially during difficult transitionary periods. It is this drive that compelled them to create Komp, a simple computer (it only has one button!) that allows less tech-savvy seniors to stay in touch with loved ones through photo sharing and video calls. To ensure a streamlined user experience, Komp lacks what other, more complicated devices pride themselves on, such as touchscreens and customizable menus. Intriguingly, another common feature that this device forgoes is the option to make outgoing calls — Komp can only receive them. According to No Isolation’s website, feedback from testers determined that this option made the product too complicated for its intended audience, hence its removal. To initiate a call or send images to a relative’s Komp, they must download an app. At present, this product is only available in Denmark, Germany, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Austria, Belgium, Finland and the Netherlands. Given its success, though, it is sure to appear stateside in the near future. If you live in an area where Komp is available, you can purchase one here.
5. Aidar Health
For many retirees, monitoring a chronic illness is a top concern. Fortunately, Aidar Health’s MouthLab — which received approval from the Food and Drug Administration in early 2021 — is set to do just that. This novel device can, according to the company, record blood pressure, temperature, respiration pattern, heart rate, heart rate variability, electrocardiogram, spirometry-lung function, oxygen saturation, respiration rate and pulse rate. To achieve this, Aidar Health has developed software, utilized by MouthLab, featuring breath- and saliva-based biosensors, allowing all of this data to be collected simultaneously. For those curious about how the device works, the user spends 30 seconds breathing normally and 30 seconds performing a lung function test into it. That said, those with debilitating neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, oncological or renal illnesses should keep an eye on MouthLab and Aidar Health’s other initiatives. Currently, it is unclear when the device will be available for consumers.
6. Asha Care
With the likes of ChatGPT and Perplexity growing in popularity and efficiency, many are optimistic about artificial intelligence’s role in a variety of fields including, but not limited to, elder assistance — Asha Care is one such hopeful party. Recently, the company unveiled Asha AI, a ground-breaking, voice-enabled remote care solution that also keeps family members informed. Asha AI, which requires online registration and the use of a mobile app, can make medical appointments, provide reminders, seek out transportation services and more. Family members, as mentioned above, receive alerts about their elderly relative’s health and planned appointments. In addition, they can manage medication and communicate with care providers and pharmacists, amongst other features. If this piece of technology sounds appealing, register here.
7. SingFit
Musical Health Technologies, also known as “SingFit,” is a company determined to bring music therapy to a wide audience, imploring health care professionals, caregivers and seniors themselves to use music as medicine. After all, the therapeutic power of music is undeniable; it can help alleviate depression, anxiety and cognitive decline, among other physical and mental disorders. Of its products meant to achieve this aim, though, SingFit PRIME is the one worth noting. The app and accompanying materials foster a musical community where every participant sings, moves, answers trivia questions and reminisces on the past to stimulate their entire being. App features include playlists filled with beloved classic tracks from Elvis to The Beatles and a unique lyric coach meant to help those with severe dementia get the most out of the experience, amongst others. Tool kit items include shakers, scarves, speakers and more. To sign up for a demo, click here.
TheStreet's Retirement Daily published this article Nov. 8, 2023.
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