The innovative ONSCREEN device designed to help seniors stay connected.
New York has launched an innovative initiative to address loneliness among seniors through a tech product called ONSCREEN. This device, which easily connects to any TV, allows elderly individuals to communicate via video calls, voice calls, and messaging. In collaboration with the New York Office of Aging, about 100 seniors will receive ONSCREEN devices for free to help combat social isolation, which has serious health implications. The initiative includes an AI companion feature for wellness checks and aims to improve connectivity and well-being among the elderly population.
New York is buzzing with an innovative initiative aimed at tackling the growing problem of loneliness among seniors. Tech startup ONSCREEN, which made its debut during the pandemic, has unveiled a groundbreaking product designed to keep aging individuals connected with their loved ones, and it’s quite the tech marvel!
If you’ve ever wished your television could do more than just stream your favorite shows, then ONSCREEN is here to make your dreams come true! This nifty gadget transforms any standard TV into a full-fledged communications hub. Imagine a device akin to Apple TV or Roku, but with the added bonus of a built-in camera and microphones for video calls, voice calls, and text messaging!
All this magic happens with a simple HDMI connection to your TV, making it easy-peasy for anyone to set up. The vision behind ONSCREEN is to foster connections worldwide, reminiscent of those futuristic scenes from The Jetsons or Star Trek. Sounds dreamy, right?
A unique trend has been spotted among customers: adult children, especially those hovering around the age of 50, are snapping up ONSCREEN devices for their aging parents who are typically 75 and older. This is not just a passing craze; it’s a revolution in how families can connect.
In an exciting collaboration with the New York Office of Aging, ONSCREEN is providing a wonderful opportunity for about 100 seniors to receive these incredible devices for free! This initiative is bolstered by a generous $25,000 grant from the Office of Aging, aimed at combating the issue of social isolation among the older population.
Loneliness and isolation are serious, concerning issues that are often swept under the rug. Data from the CDC indicates that the effects of social isolation can be as grave as the health risks associated with smoking 15 cigarettes a day. It puts individuals at a significantly increased risk of developing conditions like dementia, stroke, and heart disease.
With nearly one in five Americans aged 65 and older experiencing social isolation, it’s clear why this initiative is so crucial. Financially, the burden of this isolation translates to an astonishing $6.7 billion in extra Medicaid costs annually. By easing the loneliness epidemic among seniors, ONSCREEN believes their innovative technology might also help reduce healthcare costs at the state level.
What’s even more exciting? ONSCREEN includes an AI companion that checks in on users to conduct wellness checks and remind them about medication. This functionality can prevent unnecessary trips to the emergency room, ultimately saving lives and reducing costs.
Individuals interested in acquiring one of these free devices can easily apply through ONSCREEN’s website, making it super convenient for seniors and their families to bridge the communication gap.
While AARP NY has shown support for initiatives aimed at improving senior well-being, their previous collaborations included programs featuring robotic pets to alleviate loneliness. Currently, AARP is advocating for an additional $53 million in the budget for home and community-based services, which highlights the need for broader support for our aging population.
It’s heartwarming to see technology stepping up to the plate in such a significant way, making sure that our senior citizens can stay connected, informed, and cared for, despite the physical distances that may separate them from their loved ones. With initiatives like ONSCREEN, New York is leading the way in creating a more connected, compassionate world for our elders.
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