Silvers Summit

Congrats to our sponsor, Dakim, for NuroLogic Patent

Robin Raskin — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:45:13 +0000

Clinically tested Dakim BrainFitness has been awarded a U.S. patent for its breakthrough NuroLogic Technology. According to Dakim, the technology optimizes the benefits of brain training by employing a highly complex series of sophisticated algorithms. It selects the appropriate exercise from among thousands, in each of six essential cognitive domains, while simultaneously self-adjusting the difficulty, across five levels of challenge, customizing the experience for each individual user in each session. In the fight against dementia, Dakim is seeing some impressive results.

Read the patent, published here on the website of the US Patent Office.

Sex, Drugs and Death Industries to Boom in Boomer Times?

Robin Raskin — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 16:21:59 +0000

According to a Canadian site, The Spec, some of the biggest opportunities that await the boomer population are a bit, unorthodox, but quite obvious.

How Social Networking Wrecked My CES Events

Robin Raskin — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I am not a newbie – I’ve been at CES for an eternity, as the emcee and creative force behind the Last Gadget Standing and the Mobile Apps Showdown – two events at CES that both rely heavily on the people’s vote to decide on a winner.

There was a time when the people’s vote meant something. Either it meant you trusted the company, you had a passionate interest in its product, or you simply thought it was a cool idea. Why else would you show up to vote?

This year will mark the end of a decade of trusting in the people’s vote and it’s all because of social networking. Today, the winner of the people’s vote is content-free; it’s a cross between a popularity contest, a shouting match, and a hacker’s club.

This year’s popular vote for The Last Gadget Standing and Mobile Apps Showdown made Florida’s hanging chads look like child’s play. Here’s how we noticed that our world had changed. A product that hasn’t even been announced yet starts to get thousands of votes on our people’s choice voting page – so many votes that our servers crawl to a halt.

Suspicions heightened, I make a call to the company asking how it’s possible for them to have such a strong lead. They proceed to tell me the story of the ShayTards – evangelical followers of a guy named Shay Carl, whose disciples hang on to his every blog. “He’s our spokesperson,” the company tells me, “his people will do whatever he tells them to do.”

Who knew? Now, I call a few other companies to see what they’ve been doing to garner votes and it runs the gamut from email blasts to hiring professional bloggers. The comment fields for each product are filled with useless endorsements like “Cool product” at best, or “I was told to vote here” at worst. Meanwhile, the website is nearly at a standstill and my office is under siege from voters complaining about not being able to access the site.

A quick call to our hosting company results in an upgrade to more space. No improvement. A second call results in a second upgrade. Like the kid who keeps getting detention in school we start to realize we’ve got bigger problems than server space. Turns out there were 40 “denial of service” scripts running against our voting page. They made it impossible to vote and they were equally impossible to track down to a source.

Finally we moved our vote to a hosting company that’s probably one level below DOD clearance (at great expense, I might add). We believe that we’re back on track. But who knows?

The point of the story? If you’re naïve enough to believe that crowd sourcing is really indicative of what the crowd thinks, or that the people can be trusted to vote thoughtfully based on real information…think again. I used to believe that the people knew best; now I believe that they’ll do whatever it takes.

Last Gadget and Mobile Apps will continue, but you better believe that the rules will change.

For now, we’re still honoring the people’s vote. Head over to Mobile Apps Showdown or Last Gadget Standing and do your civic duty.

Silver’s Choice: The GrandCare System

Chona Freedman — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:13:16 +0000

The GrandCare System is connected to any dedicated Internet Connection and communicates with “wireless” sensors throughout the residence. Designated caregivers can log into the GrandCare Website to send communications to the Loved One, view Activity & Tele-wellness sensor information, and customize the automatic caregiver alerts. A caregiver may choose to receive a call, email or text message if specified conditions occur (medication noncompliance, unusual activity, door opens at unusual time, etc).

The Loved One may enjoy the socialization, entertainment and communication portion of the GrandCare System. Family can virtually send pictures, messages, emails, reminders, calendar appts, voice messages, family videos, music and more right to the GrandCare System (Interactive Touch & Non-interactive TV models available). The Loved One may also choose to play games, engage in brain benders, listen to favorite music, watch old film clips, view news & weather reports and more, right from their own GrandCare System. It’s easy and requires ZERO computer experience.

Learn more: http://www.grandcare.com/

testing

Chona Freedman — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 04:27:39 +0000

View This Poll View This Poll

Relationships and Family Caregiving – Auto Verbal by No Tie

Chona Freedman — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 23:18:10 +0000

Thanks for making AutoVerbal the #1 iPad & #2 iPhone Medical app!* AutoVerbal is the Elegant & Affordable AAC alternative! Now even better! You asked, we answered! CUSTOM PHOTOS, Male & Female voices & 3 ways to speak: (1) 100′s of built-in phrases in over a dozen categories (2) Program several buttons to speak your CUSTOM messages such as your name, address, family, etc. (3) Type ANY message and have it spoken using TEXT-TO-SPEECH! Empower yourself or people with Autism & Non-Verbal patients you care for! One low price for iPad, iPhone & iPod touch!

Elegant interface, quality recognizable images & customizations allow for quick & easy communication! Very affordable! Don’t pay hundreds out of pocket or worry about Medicare or rationing devices. Everyone can have AutoVerbal!

- iPad, iPhone & iPod touch universal support! Pay one price!
– Users/caregivers can customize the first row of buttons by touching HELP to enter CUSTOM MODE!
– 100′s of buttons use Premium TTS voice, prerecorded, even when the Internet is not available!
– Custom TTS phrases can use Premium voices when Internet is available, Standard built-in voices otherwise.

Learn more: http://www.notiesoftware.com/autoverbal.php

Heath and Wellness: GC Homebase by GrandCare Systems

Chona Freedman — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 23:15:09 +0000

The GrandCare System is connected to any dedicated Internet Connection and communicates with “wireless” sensors throughout the residence. Designated caregivers can log into the GrandCare Website to send communications to the Loved One, view Activity & Tele-wellness sensor information, and customize the automatic caregiver alerts. A caregiver may choose to receive a call, email or text message if specified conditions occur (medication noncompliance, unusual activity, door opens at unusual time, etc).

Learn more: http://www.grandcare.com/

Entertainment: My Gait Senior Computer by My Gait

Chona Freedman — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 23:11:20 +0000

Reliable easy to use product + excellent customer service = COMPUTING SUCCESS

MyGait creates simple, failure-free computing experiences for senior citizens. With over 10 years of senior computing experience, we understand the senior computer user. Our software has grown with the needs of our senior users and will continue to be current, based on the evolving needs of older adults.

Whether you are in the comfort of your own home or in the library of your retirement community, the MyGait system encompasses a dependable PC, quick setup, and ongoing support, which ensures that our users are able to master the power of email and the internet. Our users maintain a strong link with friends and family as well as improved quality of life as a result of using the MyGait Senior PC.

Life is already complicated. You don’t need complicated software or a computer that doesn’t fit your needs. We have proven success in getting a brand new computer user up and running in a few clicks of the mouse. The MyGait computer will do whatever it is that YOU want it to do. Learning a complicated computer isn’t necessary.

Learn more: http://mygait.com/

Cause-Worthy Product – Unique Touch Grab Bars by Great Grabz

Chona Freedman — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 22:58:32 +0000

The Story of Great Grabz
“I would rather fall than have my friends think I have a grab bar!”

Those words changed the world of Abbie Sladick, sending her on a fantastic journey of creativity and innovation in a seemingly dull industry.

For over eight years, Abbie had been making dreams come true by designing and remodeling extraordinary bathrooms for her clients. She used products from all over the world for her projects but when one of her clients refused to use a grab bar – Abbie was stumped.

How could she create a beautiful bathroom with an ugly grab bar?

Never to be discouraged, Abbie decided if she couldn’t buy a stylish grab bar… then she would design one. The company’s signature Wave bar was the result. Now Abbie and the Great Grabz team look towards the future redefining safety in the bathroom by creating stylish products that allow people of all ages and abilities to maintain their dignity and independence.

Learn more: http://www.greatgrabz.com/

Education and Learning: Livemocha by Livemocha

Chona Freedman — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 22:13:45 +0000

Livemocha is the world’s largest online language learning community, offering free and paid online language courses in 35 languages to more than 11 million members from 196 countries around the world.

Global interest in language learning is exploding. Trade, immigration and travel are conducted across countries and continents like never before in human history. The result is a powerful desire shared by people around the world to communicate with one another and understand different cultures. Not surprisingly, the size of the language learning market is estimated at a staggering $50 billion USD.

In a world hungry for new language skills, and increasing broadband Internet access and VOIP adoption, our mission is to provide a more accessible, affordable, and engaging way to learn a language. Livemocha allows people around the world to help each other with language learning, and provides our community with opportunities to learn and practice new languages together.

Learn more: http://www.livemocha.com/

It’s a Star-Studded CES For Living in Digital Times

Robin Raskin — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 19:34:42 +0000

Celebrity Alert: Gary “Baba Booey” Dell’Abate and Jon Hein to co-host Last Gadget Standing and Mobile Apps Showdown at CES 2012.

Trendy 2011: Tablets Up, 3D Down

Robin Raskin — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Industry watchers like nothing better than to observe as trends come and go. A site that I love, The Crystal Ball Society, started by Jesse Schell, lets you record these predictions for posterity. A good thing, since most of us will forget our own predictions in matter of days.

Sometimes predications are a matter of WHEN not IF. As mom always says, if you wait long enough, anything can happen. So where do the next few trends fall on the predication radar screen? Beep…boop…beep…boop…

NOT ANYTIME SOON

3D – By all measures except perhaps kids’ movies in theatres, 3D has been a bust. Nintendo’s 3DS made a weak showing. Much to the dismay of the industry, very few of us are sitting in front of our TVs with glasses affixed to our noses, watching things reach out to try and touch us. Glasses-free, glasses-less, universal glasses…it doesn’t seem to make much difference. Until the ecosystem of content and delivery gets a shot of adrenaline, 3D will remain on the fringe.

The Internet of Connected Things – Lots has been written about the Internet of Things, where every appliance in your home from TVs to fridges to toasters has its own IP address and can be controlled remotely from anywhere. Smart appliances like LG’s lineup get toted out for display each year but never seem to sell particularly well. Controlling your oven remotely is a recipe for a fire drill, though new models like Connectio are on the horizon.

DOABLE

The Minority Report – There will be no more passwords, as increasingly powerful phones and sensors will store your personal biometric information, enabling machines to automatically know that YOU are YOU. Most professional laptops already have finger swipe security and many are beginning to look at face recognition.

GOING THE WRONG WAY

The Internet Connected Car – Two forces are at play against each other here: the need to be always connected and entertained at the same time, versus the need to be safe. Sadly, the entertainment part of the Internet Connected Car (Bluetooth, iPod hook ups, internet in the car) is progressing faster than many of the safety devices. Toyota Entune, BMW/Mini Connect, Audi Connect, Hyundai BlueLink, and Ford Sync AppLink are all showcasing connected entertainment systems. Onstar-like devices, drowsy alerts, and parking/vision aids are few and far between. At this year’s International CES there will be a bevy of car companies though few in the safe drivers-tech zone. Read more here.

QUIET REVOLUTIONS

Translation Engines – Like autocorrect, translating a website from one language to another was the butt of lots of internet jokes. The ability to translate a site, or an email, using free tools like Google Translate has made the world a smaller, closer place.

The Mobile Revolution – There’s no going back now: phones, tablets and new ultra books have made it possible to live the truly un-tethered life. Cloud storage, for the most part, is a pretty easy transition for consumers used to sharing photos, music and other media from “somewhere out there”.

On the Prediction Horizon for 2012

Body-Monitoring Tech – Monitoring our vital signs from blood pressure to weight, from miles walked to heartbeats per minute will provide an increasingly accurate picture of what we’re made of. What we decide to do with all of these monitors, that’s another story. We’ll become increasingly convinced that life is a game. You’ll get points for shopping, exercising, eating well and lowering your carbon footprint – all redeemable for stuff you like. Wearable technology will become increasingly real, but lead by companies like Adidas, Columbia Sportswear and other outdoor-minded leaders. Skinner would have a field day with this stuff, but ultimately this will be the year of “a better you” because of tech.

Happy Techy New Year!

Gadgets: For Your Health (and under the tree)

Robin Raskin — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Arnet offers up a nice gift list of digital health gadgets for the holidays. You’ll see many of them at the Sports & Fitness Tech Summit at CES this January.

Swimming to the Oldies

Robin Raskin — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

As you age exercise takes it’s toll on the body. Many turn to non-weight bearing exercises, swimming being the most popular. But listening to the voice in your head can get tedious after a dozen laps. And quite a few older adults would rather not spend their days DJing their playlists for the pool. That’s where Fitness Technology’s UWaterG2 and UWaterG4 fits. It’s a simple, but small and relatively lightweight waterproof radio with preset stations. Starting at $59.99, it’s a great holiday gift for the swimmer in your life. Visit the Fitness Technologies booth at CES to see their full line of products.

Nest: A Thermostat that Raises My Temperature

Robin Raskin — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

It’s not easy to get excited about a thermostat. But when you get an eyeful of Nest, billed as the first learning thermostat, your blood will warm. Thermostats, says the company, control about half of your homes’ energy – more than your fridge, electronics and lighting combined. The Nest will learn your preferred temperature routines – when you are home and when you’re not – it programs itself as it learns your routines.

Nest’s founders are Tony Fadell, team leader for the first 18 generations of the iPod and 4 generations of iPhone at Apple, and Matt Rogers, an Apple software veteran. The Apple attention to small design enhancements is obvious: the display turns blue when it’s cooling and orange when heating. It tells you how long reaching your optimal temperature will take. And a leaf icon pops up to show you when you’re saving energy. If you’re using the Nest in a second home, or a home that you’re spending lots of time away from, Nest lets you warm things up before you get there with a remote application.

The company says that the Nest thermostat can be installed by anyone who has an existing thermostat in their home. You can’t use it in buildings like mine where the heat is controlled by the all powerful building super. Nest’s website has a compatibility check so you can be certain your Nest will work.

Design always comes with a price tag – $249. My quick search of programmable 7-day thermostats was on average, a quarter of the price. But they didn’t learn your settings or let you change them remotely via phone app.

But for a thermostat that looks better, is more accurate and tries to save you money, the Nest is on my list. The only thing left for it to do is ask me to put on a sweater.

Welcome to Wild World of…Shopping?

Robin Raskin — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

They used to say “be careful what you wish for”. Now it’s be careful what you “tap” for. Shopping is quickly becoming as easy as tapping your phone at the checkout counter.

Imagine this scenario: You’re walking past Bloomingdales. They know you love DKNY because of your previous purchases at the store; they know you’re in the ‘hood because of location-based technology in your smartphone. So, they spring into action and pop off a text message offering you 30% off on the new black sweater you’ve been eyeing. You’re late to work, broke, and now stuck in the horns of a dilemma. To shop or not to shop.

That’s the new reality as Near Field Communications (NFC)-enabled smartphones enter the fray. Near Field Communications technology can transmit secure data over short distances, so your phone can talk to their cash register. Pundits agree that NFC-based mobile payments will total over $750 billion worldwide by 2015, and many predict they will soon begin to replace a typical credit card transaction.

Buying something is as simple as tapping your phone against the cash register. And it doesn’t stop with the purchase of an item. Your phone stores your transactions and can mind your budget. Your loyalty points are accrued. You get to choose your preferred method of payment. The whole thing snowballs and eventually shopping offers, frequent flier miles, loyalty cards, gift cards, and more will all stored on your phone. Hopefully it will be the tidiest wallet in the world – freed of dozens of credit and loyalty cards in your pocket.

On the vendors side, it means being able to reward customers for shopping with them by understanding a shopper’s history and targeting their preferences. It also means upgrading the vendor’s current payment systems to accept mobile payments, but the movement is happening, and quickly.

The three technologies I’ve been watching are Google Wallet, PayPal and Square. They’re dominant at moment, but others are flocking to the space including large organizations.

Google Wallet is available today from Sprint on the Nexus s4G. It supports Citi MasterCard or a virtual card that you load up with any of your credit cards. While the choices of handset, carrier and credit cards supported are certainly limited today, Google wallet can replace bulging physical wallet’s offers, loyalty cards, and credit cards. In my NYC area stores like Gristedes, RiteAid and RadioShack are already accepting Google wallet payments. To pay all you need to do is tap your phone against the POS cashier. Your wallet is locked with a special pin code for security.

PayPal recently announced a similar service that will be available after the first of the year. Like Google wallet, you tap your enabled phone up against any equally-enabled POS. The demonstration that I saw in NY at Paypal’s showroom showed a few really cool extras. For one, if you’ve bought something with your VISA card but realize that your balance is getting low, you can simply transfer the purchase to another card. It’s not quite a “buyer’s remorse” option but at least you can make sure your bases are covered. You’ll also be able to comparison shop online, and receive special offers from stores that know you and your purchasing habits. Buy a Weber Grill for instance and the next time you walk by the store you might get an offer for cedar chips or a nifty BBQ set sent to you via text message. Not hedging its bets, PayPal is also launching a credit card that’s sort of a like a pocket full of credit cards. A single PayPal card can hold information about all your cards, and all you need to do to enter one of your cards is take a picture of it with your phone’s camera or read the bar swipe.

What’s most interesting to me about Google Wallet and Paypal is not so much the technology provided, but the convenience of buying at retail is greatly enhanced. Walk by your favorite lunch joint, and get the discount of the day. Store up your loyalty points with your hairdresser or grocery store. If the offers are relevant and service is good, retail stores may be the biggest beneficiaries. And that means that cities can thrive again because of their customer relationships on Main Street.

Square is a completely different solution with some profound effects on shopping, too. The company, named for its square-shaped device attached to the headphone jack on your iOS or Android devices. The Square swipes credit cards – Visa and Mastercard. Anyone can be a seller with a Square and a smartphone. Even a kid with the local lemonade stand can be their own store – taking credit instead of quarters. More than the other two, which are designed with POS sales in mind, Square opens the world of mobile commerce to farmers markets, food carts and more. A new version of Square called Card Case for iOS and Android sheaths your device and transforms it into a contactless payment service.

Shopping is about to get very interesting, just be careful where you tap and swipe.

ADT Pulse(SM) Interactive Solutions

Chona Freedman — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:55:16 +0000

Company: ADT Security Services, Inc.
URL: http://www.adtpulse.com
Category: Relationship & Caregiving

Description:

ADT Pulse(SM) Interactive Solutions is a smart home solution that goes beyond traditional home security to provide Seniors, Family members, and Caregivers a new level of control and connection with their home and loved ones. The system can be accessed from any web-enabled computer, mobile phone or tablet allowing for convenience and flexibility.

ADT Pulse includes a full-featured remote security system for intrusion and fire detection to help protect consumers from unsafe situations and environmental conditions. It goes beyond life safety and allows for lighting and thermostat control as well as remote secure video viewing.

Not only can the ADT Pulse security system be remotely armed/disarmed, it can send customized text or email messages for important scheduled events that did or did not occur, such as the opening of a medicine cabinet at a certain time. ADT Pulse systems also include motion detector(s) that can alert a Caregiver when there is activity or inactivity in the home. It can even be programmed to turn on a light when movement is detected to help ensure safety at night. Family members or Caregivers can better understand what’s happening by viewing real-time video or stored video clips from ADT Pulse cameras covering different areas of the home. And, for Seniors with limited mobility or agility, they can reach for the 7″ interactive color touchscreen which lets them manage their system.

Moreover, ADT Pulse now makes all these features easy-to-use and affordable for Seniors, Family members, and Caregivers. Consumers may choose from the Select, Advantage or Premier packages, which are backed by ADT Security Services, America’s #1 security company. ADT also has the largest network of home security sales & service personnel in the country and six advanced monitoring centers providing 24/7/365 emergency response & technical support ready to be there when needed most.

What problem/issue does your product or service solve for those age 50+? :

Limited mobility and agility
Limitations with eyesight or hearing
Communication, education and engagement

What is the biggest enhancement of your product/service for those age 50+: Intergenerational interaction and learning (includes family caregiving)

Ampli455

Chona Freedman — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 19:00:03 +0000

Company: Sonic Alert
URL: http://sonicalert.com/products-amplified-phones-Ampli455.html
Category: Relationship & Caregiving

Description:

Sonic Alert Ampli455 Full-Feature Amplified Telephone Provides All-in-one Communication Package for Hearing and Visually Challenged

Sonic Alert’s Geemarc Ampli455 next generation digital amplified telephone features crystal clear TrueSound™, which guarantees amplification capability up to 40 decibels and adjustable receiving tone control +/-10 decibels. The Ampli455 is a full-feature communication solution for those with moderate to severe hearing and vision loss.

The Ampli455 includes a high quality answering machine that can amplify messages up to 40 dB through the handset while also providing a slow message playback feature that makes it easier to retrieve and understand messages. Also included is a state of the art vocalization feature with talking caller ID and talking keys. Plus, the extra large keypad makes an easy-to-see and dial display for those with visual challenges while a flashing visual ringer helps alert users of incoming calls.

A new feature on Geemarc telephones from Sonic Alert is the QuickDialCS™ feature, a one touch memory key that direct dials the Sonic Alert Customer Service department, providing easy and instant access to support Monday through Friday. The new Ampli455 is hearing aid compatible and has a one-year warranty.

What problem/issue does your product or service solve for those age 50+? :

Limitations with eyesight or hearing
Communication, education and engagement

What is the biggest enhancement of your product/service for those age 50+: Social connectivity or networks (help in eliminating isolation)

AutoVerbal

Chona Freedman — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:57:48 +0000

Company: No Tie LLC
URL: http://AutoVerbal.com
Category: Relationship & Caregiving

Description:

Actual unsolicited feedback: “[Esteemed NZ musician Chris Knox] had a stroke last year. I bought Chris an iPad specifically because of your AutoVerbal app. I try to get him to use it when he is having trouble expressing what he is trying to get across as he has almost no speech. There is potential for this to be a long term major tool to help him. Thanks again, you are doing good work.”

AutoVerbal is the Elegant and Affordable AAC alternative that empowers Non-Verbal users to communicate in three ways:

1) Touch hundreds of high-resolution photo-based images to ‘speak’ corresponding audio.
2) Program assorted buttons using your own photos and messages, to be spoken using Text-To-Speech (Male or Female.)
3) Type specific words/phrases and touch Speak.

Users have made AutoVerbal the #1 iPad & #2 iPhone Medical app! (6/2010) AutoVerbal is the Elegant & Affordable AAC alternative! Now even better with CUSTOM PHOTOS, Male & Female voices!

Empower yourself or Non-Verbal patients you care for! One low price for iPad, iPhone & iPod touch!

What problem/issue does your product or service solve for those age 50+? :

Limitations with eyesight or hearing
Communication, education and engagement

What is the biggest enhancement of your product/service for those age 50+: Intergenerational interaction and learning (includes family caregiving)

BeClose

Chona Freedman — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:59:04 +0000

Company: BeClose
URL: http://www.BeClose.com
Category: Relationship & Caregiving

Description:

BeClose helps families stay connected and provide the best in home care for seniors. Whether you are across the street or across the country, BeClose’s independent living technology for seniors provides a safety net for everyone.

Discrete wireless sensors are placed throughout the home to track activity. Caregivers view information about activity in the home on a private web page or set up custom notifications to send alerts to mobile devices or email should anything be out of the ordinary. No need for constant worrying; the system will tell you how things are going, even when you’re on the go.

BeClose is completely wireless – no broadband internet or second phone lines required – and it’s easy to set up – no holes to drill or wires to run. Instant Peace of Mind.

What problem/issue does your product or service solve for those age 50+? :

Limited mobility and agility
Limitations with eyesight or hearing
Cognitive thinking skills/brain health
Communication, education and engagement

What is the biggest enhancement of your product/service for those age 50+: Social connectivity or networks (help in eliminating isolation)

Doro PhoneEasy 410

Chona Freedman — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:56:45 +0000

Company: Consumer Cellular
URL: http://www.doro.com
Category: Relationship & Caregiving

Description:

The Doro PhoneEasy 410 is a phone that is not only easy for seniors to use, it gives them the comfort of safety and security. The phone comes with large, separated buttons for easy dialing and a bright screen which displays numbers and letters in large fonts for those with diminished vision. It’s hearing aid compatible with M3/T4 and comes with a 2-way, hands-free speakerphone.

One of its most popular features is the one-press emergency call button on the back of phone, allowing seniors to alert a pre-programmed emergency contact from within their phone’s contact list if they find themselves in an emergency situation.

The phone’s features are basic, making it simple to operate. It also comes with free popular accessories including: a handy neckstrap for carrying the phone, a wall charger and mini-headphones.

Below is a quote from one of our customers talking about this product:

“The screens are so colorful and easy to read! Thanks for caring so much about your customers.”

- Vonda Mailen

The Doro PhoneEasy 410 is one of our most popular phones because seniors love them. Most cell phones target the younger audience with the latest and greatest features and new designs. But seniors prefer the Doro because it’s uncomplicated, basic and easy. And fortunately when they choose the Doro they aren’t sacrificing the design. The Doro comes in black, white and burgundy which gives seniors a variety of classic color options.

The Doro PhoneEasy, along with Consumer Cellular’s affordable service plans, has enabled seniors to partake in the convenience and safety of cell phone service that other demographics enjoy.

Consumer Cellular is the exclusive provider of Doro PhoneEasy within the United States.

What problem/issue does your product or service solve for those age 50+? :

Limited mobility and agility
Limitations with eyesight or hearing
Communication, education and engagement

What is the biggest enhancement of your product/service for those age 50+: Safety (in the home, car, community, etc.)

eCareDIary

Chona Freedman — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:57:04 +0000

Company: eCareDIary.com
URL: http://www.ecarediary.com
Category: Relationship & Caregiving

Description:

eCareDiary was created based on our experience with a family member who suffered from Parkinson’s disease. eCareDiary.com is on a social mission to help family caregivers help their loved ones age in place and age with dignity.

eCareDiary empowers family caregivers with free tools, information and resources to help them become better health managers and advocates for their loved ones. One of the main features is the Care Diary, a medication and appointment management tool enabling families to store and share their loved one’s information in a secure, private place. Other features include a search engine of care providers throughout the country, a shopping portal of eldercare products, a long term care cost calculator, and database of advanced directives by state.

eCareDiary also features articles, a weekly radio show and video show with the purpose of educating and informing caregivers on all aspects of eldercare. A new addition is a series of monthly webinars. All shows and webinars are archived for on demand access.

What problem/issue does your product or service solve for those age 50+? :

Communication, education and engagement

What is the biggest enhancement of your product/service for those age 50+: Intergenerational interaction and learning (includes family caregiving)

Eons

Chona Freedman — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:56:17 +0000

Company: Crew Media (Continuum Crew)
URL: http://www.Eons.com
Category: Relationship & Caregiving

Description:

Eons (Eons.com) is the premier online community for baby boomers and beyond, with more than 800,000 registered members. It was founded in 2006 by Jeff Taylor, the creator of Monster.com. In 2011 Eons was acquired by Crew Media, a media services company specializing in creating high-quality digital media engagements for the mature audience. For more information, visit www.eons.com .

What problem/issue does your product or service solve for those age 50+? :

Communication, education and engagement

What is the biggest enhancement of your product/service for those age 50+: Social connectivity or networks (help in eliminating isolation)

GEOSKEEPER “DAD”

Chona Freedman — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:59:34 +0000

Company: AEROTEL MEDICAL MOBILE SENIOR SAFETY & COMMUNICATION
URL: http://www.aerotel.com/en/products-solutions/lifecare-personal-safety-solutions/index.php
Category: Relationship & Caregiving

Description:

DAD is the first mobile, compact cell-based PERS–personal emergency response system–that works from anywhere, in or out of the home, in the form factor of a large watch. Because it has a GSM cell phone with a regular cell number, speaker phone and GPS and movement sensitive accelerometer it can provide:
1-Senior safety from anywhere, in or out of the home, by STRAIGHT 2-WAY VOICE and, uniquely, sending an SMS-text to the emergency call center and caregivers for redundant security.
2-Out bound, one-button speed-dialing voice communication with key caregivers;
3-In-bound communication wherever the senior is, with easy, hands-free, automatic answer calls so the senior is kept in constant communication, so important to senior well-being.
4-The GPS allows the caregivers to locate the senior at any time and speak to the wandering senior. The GPS also provides the ability to draw a virtual boundary, eFence, the senior, in the seniors area of comfortability and notify the caregivers if the senior strays outside this area, enabling safe retrieval of the senior.
5- The accelerometer notifies the emergency call center if the senior falls suddenly and, since the accelerometer is programmable, it notifies the caregiver if the senior is inactive for a set amount of time, possibly preventing falls.

In summary, DAD is the first device uniquely providing in- and out-of-home safety and communication services that are way beyond conventional PERS.

What problem/issue does your product or service solve for those age 50+? :

Limited mobility and agility
Communication, education and engagement

What is the biggest enhancement of your product/service for those age 50+: Safety (in the home, car, community, etc.)

Ohanarama

Chona Freedman — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:55:43 +0000

Company: Ohanarama
URL: http://www.ohanarama.com
Category: Relationship & Caregiving

Description:

Ohanarama is the safe social network for families to connect, learn and play together online. Through Ohanarama.com or Facebook, parents set up their kids’ accounts and invite immediate and extended family members to join the secure, private family network. Once joined, elementary-age kids and their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins can send messages, engage in educational and fun family games and contests, and earn real and virtual rewards including gift cards to favorite stores.

Ohanarama is designed to be both fun and easy-to-use for the older generation of players. Grandparents can reward their grandkids for playing educational games, send them virtual gifts and messages, and play traditional games such as chess, checkers and gin rummy with them. Seniors can also play memory and word games on their own to keep their brains active and healthy.

Ohanarama is a perfect way to bridge the generational and phyiscal distance between seniors and the youngest members of their families.

What problem/issue does your product or service solve for those age 50+? :

Cognitive thinking skills/brain health
Communication, education and engagement

What is the biggest enhancement of your product/service for those age 50+: Social connectivity or networks (help in eliminating isolation)