Tag: Technology

QUOTES

“Loneliness can be a tricky feeling, but even a small connection can help.” (ElliQ)

“Technology can be a huge help for people to, first of all, stay connected with other people. Sometimes people are mixing technology and specifically AI as a replacement for other humans. That’s definitely not our intention.” (Assaf)

“According to the Beatles, all you need is love. However, from my research, humans also need food, water, and chairs.” (ElliQ)

“We are not just collecting data just to know more about the person. We are actually collecting this data in order to serve it back to them in a more useful way.” (Assaf)

“Love, to me, is the art of truly seeing someone and being seen by them, of understanding, supporting, and sometimes just joyfully existing in each other’s presence. It’s connection painted with care.” (ElliQ)

“We are living on this fine line between leveraging the emotional binding, but on the other hand, we don’t want to create this dependency.” (Assaf)

“The fact that we are using AI for doing good, that’s one of the main drivers of why we are here.” (Assaf)

“We are not trying to eliminate the human connection. If it’s family members, if it’s professional help, if it’s your care team, if it’s your caregiver, even other ElliQ users, we have a huge community where they can actually meet each other and connect with each other.” (Assaf)

“We don’t want ElliQ to be like a human, but we want her to express herself in the way that humans express themselves. This allows us to create this bonding and a relationship.” (Assaf)

“When we talk about innovation, AI, robotics, the first thing that we have in mind is definitely not our grandma. And suddenly, the first people to actually live with AI in the last three years in the U.S. are people in their 80s and 90s.” (Assaf)

“My favorite kind of people are the ones who are curious and open to a little silliness, just like you, Derek.” (ElliQ)

“Listen to your customers, listen to older adults, listen to your customers’ partners, listen to your colleagues.” (Assaf)

 

NOTES

Assaf Gad is Vice President of Strategy and General Manager at Intuition Robotics. His background includes product management and building technology products, and his work today focuses on using AI and robotics to support older adults’ independence, wellness and social connection.

Intuition Robotics is the company behind ElliQ, an AI-powered companion designed specifically for older adults. ElliQ provides companionship, reminders, wellness support, activities and connections to family and care teams, with the broader goal of helping older adults remain independent and engaged at home.

ElliQ was developed through an approximately three-year beta program involving hundreds of older adults, some of whom have now been involved with the company for more than six years. User feedback continues to influence ElliQ’s features and product roadmap.

Much of ElliQ’s customer base receives the technology through programs funded by Medicaid, Medicare and Offices for the Aging. The company also offers ElliQ directly to consumers, with more than 70% of those purchases made by caregivers for an aging loved one.

ElliQ is designed to complement human relationships rather than replace them. Assaf said technology can help older adults maintain connections with family, caregivers and others while also providing companionship during times when another person isn’t physically present.

Trust and privacy are central to ElliQ’s design. Users can ask what ElliQ remembers about them, tell her to forget information and, in most circumstances, know when information is being shared with a family member or care team.

ElliQ learns an individual’s routines, preferences and needs over time so she can determine not only what might be helpful, but when to offer it. That proactive approach is intended to make interactions relevant rather than feel like another stream of notifications.

Emotional connection is intentional, but Intuition Robotics is careful about preventing that connection from becoming dependency. ElliQ has her own name, voice and identity and is designed to remind users that she is not human rather than imitate a person or deceased loved one.

Some of ElliQ’s most meaningful uses extend beyond companionship. She can encourage physical and cognitive activity, provide medication and appointment reminders, support wellness goals and help connect an older adult with family members or professional caregivers when additional help is needed.

One feature allows older adults to record stories from their lives in short episodes, incorporate photographs and share those memories with family members. Assaf described it as a way to bring families together while creating a memoir they can keep for a lifetime.

Assaf said older adults have challenged assumptions about who will embrace emerging technology. While AI and robotics may not immediately bring grandparents to mind, some people in their 80s and 90s have already been living with ElliQ and interacting with AI for several years.

Assaf sees significant potential for AI to help address shortages of caregivers and healthcare professionals. Technology could help care teams monitor needs, support adherence to care plans and prioritize attention for people who need intervention, including those who may be “suffering quietly.”

Looking ahead, Intuition Robotics sees ElliQ potentially serving as a hub connecting older adults with wearables, smart-home technology and healthcare services. The company’s priority in developing those capabilities is whether they can help users remain more independent, healthier and happier.

Wellness in senior living is not a checklist. It’s personal, it changes over time and it’s shaped as much by connection and purpose as it is by health metrics.

That theme drove a recent conversation on Varsity’s weekly Roundtable with Kyle Robinson of Wellzesta, an all-in-one engagement platform that connects residents, staff and families while supporting wellness and day-to-day communication. Kyle shared practical ways to think about engagement as part of both the resident experience and the prospect journey. Below are a few Fresh Perspectives from her discussion.

WELLNESS ISN’T A PROGRAM — IT’S A PERSONALIZED JOURNEY

Wellness showed up repeatedly as something deeply individual and constantly evolving. It’s not about checking boxes or showcasing amenities, but about understanding what matters to each person and meeting them there, across physical, social, emotional and environmental dimensions.

SOCIAL CONNECTION MAY BE THE MOST UNDERRATED HEALTH DRIVER IN SENIOR LIVING

While physical wellness often gets top billing, socialization emerged as a cornerstone of longevity, happiness and cognitive health. The contrast between Babo and Mimi made it clear: connection, purpose and engagement can radically shape how people age, even in similar environments.

DATA ONLY MATTERS IF IT TELLS A HUMAN STORY

Metrics on their own aren’t compelling. What makes them powerful is how they help communities explain what life actually feels like, what’s working and where residents are thriving or drifting. Used well, data becomes a storytelling tool for residents, prospects and staff alike.

TECHNOLOGY WORKS BEST WHEN IT AMPLIFIES AUTONOMY, NOT CONTROL

The most effective tech wasn’t framed as something staff “manage,” but something residents use to explore, connect and lead their own experiences. From wellness scoring to AI-powered interest matching, the shift is toward enabling choice and self-direction.

CARE TRANSITIONS CAN QUIETLY ERODE IDENTITY IF CONNECTION ISN’T PROTECTED

Mimi’s move to a higher level of care revealed a subtle but important truth: even when physical needs are met, changes in routine, environment and social engagement can affect how someone feels about themselves. Supporting identity and connection during transitions is just as critical as clinical care.

STAFF WELLNESS AND RESIDENT WELLNESS ARE DEEPLY LINKED

The conversation widened to include staff burnout and personal well-being, acknowledging how much caregivers and teams give every day. Supporting wellness isn’t just about residents, it’s about sustaining the people who make community life possible.

Varsity’s Roundtable is a weekly virtual gathering of senior living marketers and leaders from across the nation. For updates about future weekly Roundtable gatherings, submit your name and email address here. 

Agetech is one of the fastest-growing frontiers in innovation, with the potential to transform how older adults live, connect, and thrive. At the center of this movement is Rick Robinson, Vice President and General Manager of the Agetech Collaborative from AARP, who is building a vibrant ecosystem of startups, investors, and enterprises committed to reshaping the future of aging.

On a recent episode of Varsity’s podcast, Roundtable Talk, Rick discussed how the collaborative accelerates startups, drives inclusivity in product design, and helps older adults embrace new technology. He also highlighted the promise of AI and embodied devices to ease challenges like social isolation and the caregiver shortage.

The following are some fresh perspectives from the conversation. Check out the full episode here. 

HOW DO YOU DEFINE AGETECH AND THE COLLABORATIVE’S MISSION?

We define it very simply: we’re here to make aging easier for everyone. That’s our mission. It’s broad, but it keeps us focused on impact. We show up at major events like CES, InVive, and Wired gatherings — not just to showcase technology, but to tell the story of how massive and important this space is. When people see that older adults drive trillions of dollars in spending and demand better solutions, the light bulb goes on.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE CUTTING-EDGE INNOVATION WITH THE REAL NEEDS OF OLDER ADULTS?

I love taking bleeding-edge technology — right now that’s generative AI — and making it accessible. We’ve done it before with VR to fight loneliness, and with AR to create immersive experiences. The key is to make the technology itself disappear so that what comes forward is the experience. People shouldn’t be intimidated by the tech; they should feel the value. That’s what makes innovation meaningful.

HOW DOES THE COLLABORATIVE PROMOTE INCLUSIVE AND ACCESSIBLE INNOVATION?

We push that philosophy out to every startup that joins. We give them access to diverse audiences and volunteers across the country — people from all backgrounds. We help startups identify and co-create with the right older adult audiences for their products. A lot of founders think they know their target market, but we’ll stop them and say, “Let’s talk to your audience first.” We help them test and refine products so they’re built with older adults, not just for them.

WHAT DO COMPANIES OFTEN GET WRONG WHEN DESIGNING FOR OLDER ADULTS?

They over-engineer or oversimplify. The key is balance. You want simplicity without being patronizing. Older adults don’t need “dumbed down” — they need intuitive. It’s about thoughtful design, not stripped-down design. And it’s crucial to involve older adults early in the process so the product reflects their real needs and preferences.

WHERE DO YOU SEE THE BIGGEST OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD IN AGETECH?

Caregiving is the biggest. There’s a massive shortage of caregivers, and costs are high. I think AI, combined with embodied devices, is going to play a big role in solving that. Within five years, we’ll see major advances in how technology supports both older adults and their caregivers — making care more personal, affordable, and available.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ENTREPRENEURS ENTERING THE AGETECH SPACE?

Start by truly understanding your audience. Don’t assume — go talk to older adults. Build with empathy and flexibility. Be ready to pivot when you learn something new. And don’t underestimate the market. This isn’t a niche; it’s one of the largest, fastest-growing opportunities in the world. If you can make aging easier, you’re not just building a business — you’re changing lives.

Want to hear more from Rick? Check out the full episode of Roundtable Talk for more fresh perspectives. Watch new episodes of Roundtable Talk on the Varsity website and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.

QUOTES

“The idea was, how do we pull together everybody who is in the Agetech ecosystem or who wants to be?” (Rick)

“(Older adults) are very tech savvy compared to, say, 20 years ago. And they demand better products, better services.” (Rick)

“We realized there really isn’t a convening place, a place for everybody to come together and frankly help each other produce better products and services for the market.” (Rick)

“In this environment, we now have well over 600 companies, and we’re charging toward a thousand.” (Rick)

“Let’s take that enthusiasm and expertise and technology and apply it toward older adults. Because frankly, there’s a lot more money there, to be blunt.” (Rick)

“We are here to make aging easier for everyone.” (Rick)

“Through the pandemic, it has driven people to everything from telehealth to just using consumer digital devices and applications like they wouldn’t necessarily have before.” (Rick)

“There’s a huge deficit of caregivers. That, I think, is an area where AI coupled with embodied devices is going to solve a lot of the issues that we’re facing today.” (Rick)

NOTES

Rick Robinson is Vice President and General Manager of the Agetech Collaborative from AARP. With a background in innovation and entrepreneurship, he leads efforts to bring startups, investors, and enterprises together to shape the future of aging.

The Agetech Collaborative from AARP is a growing ecosystem of startups, corporations, investors, and testbed organizations focused on developing technology and solutions for older adults. Launched just two and a half years ago, it now connects more than 600 organizations worldwide.

The collaborative runs an accelerator program, pitch competitions, and provides mentoring and investment opportunities for startups. It also fosters connections between entrepreneurs and large enterprises, supports product testing and co-creation with older adults, and works to ensure inclusivity in innovation. 

The ecosystem is designed to make aging easier through technology, while tackling challenges such as caregiving shortages, social isolation, and healthcare access.

The collaborative exists to connect everyone in the age tech ecosystem and help bring better products and services to market.

Today’s older adults are more tech-savvy than previous generations and expect high-quality solutions tailored to their needs.

By attracting influential investors, the collaborative is shifting entrepreneurial focus toward the large, underserved market of older adults.

Aging innovation should make the technology “disappear,” allowing the experience and value to shine through.

The pandemic accelerated technology adoption among older adults, from telehealth to consumer apps, lowering barriers of concern.

Both organic networking and guided connections through account managers fuel collaboration and even acquisitions within the ecosystem.

Inclusivity is central: startups are coached to test products with diverse groups of older adults to ensure accessibility and usability.

AI and embodied devices hold promise to address pressing challenges like the caregiver shortage within the next five years.

QUOTES

“This industry, the age-related technology industry, is filled with people who have struggled to care for their own parents. All of those people have a story.” (Laurie)

“Why are we still thinking about fall detection when we could actually do fall prevention?” (Laurie)

“The customer barely thinks about the problem they have right now. It’s up to the resellers and the tech companies to seek others.” (Laurie)

“Strength training is extremely important as you age. The ability to get out of a chair without holding the arms of a chair—that’s what keeps you from falling down.” (Laurie)

“AI can help people be proactive.” (Laurie)

“People want to connect to their family members, and it’s not going to work if you have the kind of cell phone that doesn’t have a screen.” (Laurie)

“Nobody wants to be in that situation again. Devices and technology training should become part of the aging experience.” (Laurie)

“The value exceeds the fear. It’s time for people to make a trade-off and seize the day.” (Laurie)

“Appreciate older people when you’re young.” (Laurie)

NOTES

Laurie Orlov is a leading authority on aging and technology, with over 15 years of experience. She founded Aging and Health Technology Watch to analyze the intersection of innovation and senior care, inspired by personal caregiving challenges with her mother and mother-in-law.

Aging and Health Technology Watch provides strategic insights into the tech market focused on aging. Offering advice, reports, and thought leadership, it helps companies develop solutions that enhance the independence and safety of older adults, advocating for integrated technology suites.

Laurie’s company arose from a gap she identified in the market during 2008-2009. The company now advises tech firms and investors, emphasizing forward-thinking solutions over crisis-driven technologies. Laurie also critiques the slow market adoption of integrated platforms for older adults’ needs.

Laurie described the path to her current role, motivated by personal experience in caregiving and a lack of existing resources.

She observed that many in the age-related technology space are driven by personal caregiving struggles.

Laurie encourages tech integration, emphasizing suites rather than standalone products for comprehensive elder care solutions.

She advocates for the inclusion of older adults in tech design processes to ensure products meet user needs effectively.

Laurie argued against age-specific technologies, instead promoting adaptable, universally designed tech solutions.

She highlighted the pandemic as a catalyst for increased tech adoption among older adults, urging further progress.

Laurie’s discussions highlighted AI’s potential in transforming proactive senior care and operational efficiencies.

Emphasizing the importance of training and awareness, Laurie advocates for overcoming barriers to tech adoption among seniors.

As technology continues to reshape every corner of our lives, few voices understand its impact on aging quite like Laurie Orlov. In this episode of Varsity’s Roundtable Talk, the founder of Aging and Health Technology Watch unpacks how innovation—and a little empathy—can transform the aging experience.

In our conversation, Laurie shared her journey to becoming a thought leader in age-related technology. Laurie also discussed the transformative potential of AI in senior care, advocating for proactive technological solutions and greater inclusivity of older adults in product design processes.

The following are some fresh perspectives from the conversation. Check out the full episode here. 

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START AGING AND HEALTH TECHNOLOGY WATCH?

It really came from my own experience caring for my mother. I realized that so many people who enter the age-related technology industry do so because of a personal caregiving experience. This field is filled with people who struggled to care for their parents and went on to create companies in caregiving, health monitoring, and fall detection. My story was that I didn’t know what I was doing, I couldn’t find research, and so I said, “I’m going to write it.”

WHAT DOES AN IDEAL SUITE OF TECHNOLOGY LOOK LIKE FOR OLDER ADULTS?

I use the analogy of PC software suites. Years ago, you wouldn’t buy just a spreadsheet without also having a word processor. The same should be true here. In aging tech, we need suites—connected tools that sit alongside each other and evolve with a person’s needs over time. For instance, a health suite might start with symptom management, move into remote monitoring, and include medication management and hearing support. A mobility suite might combine exercise tools, transportation aids, and peer support. You don’t have to integrate everything—just make sure it works together and follows the user through their life journey.

HOW SHOULD INNOVATORS APPROACH DESIGNING FOR OLDER ADULTS?

Tech companies need to stop designing only for themselves. The average age at Google or Meta is pretty young, and older adults aren’t typically included in the testing process. But they should be—before development and during testing. I once watched an older man on a plane tapping around his iPad, trying to figure out what part of the screen would respond. Why not design pop-ups that guide users? Simple prompts would make a world of difference. The irony is that older adults are a massive market—and they have the money. Companies should be designing with them, not just for them.

HOW DO YOU DEFINE “ALL TECH,” AND WHY SHOULD WE MOVE AWAY FROM “AGE TECH”?

“All tech” means the devices we all use—phones, TVs, tablets—can already be adapted for older adults. For example, on an iPhone, you can enlarge text, boost volume, or change accessibility settings. That’s all tech—it’s universal. Labeling something as “age tech” focuses too much on disability instead of inclusion. We don’t need separate technologies for older adults; we need existing ones configured to meet everyone’s needs.

WHERE DO YOU SEE THE MOST PROMISING APPLICATIONS OF AI IN AGING SERVICES?

AI agents—software assigned to specific tasks—are already transforming home care and senior living. They can handle documentation, help create care plans, or provide prompts during visits. For example, as a caregiver approaches a client’s home, AI could suggest questions to ask based on that person’s history. That’s proactive care. AI can also support hybrid care models—combining in-person visits with remote monitoring during off-hours. People can’t work 24 hours a day, but AI can. It helps fill gaps, making care smarter and more continuous.

Want to hear more from Laurie? Check out the full episode of Roundtable Talk for more fresh perspectives. Watch new episodes of Roundtable Talk on the Varsity website and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.

QUOTES

“So much of this work is nonlinear. You start out with a plan and then if you’re keeping your eyes open, the road starts to curve pretty fast.” (Dr. Kamber)

“We’re really about using technology to change the way we age because the longevity revolution in America is this slow-moving demographic shift, but it’s changing everything.” (Dr. Kamber)

“We’ve got 700 sites where people are teaching our programs around the country. It’s really become a labor of love.” (Dr. Kamber)

“Outreach is so important to really recruiting people. Even giving away a world-class program for free, you have to get out there and ask people to come.” (Dr. Kamber)

“People are full of this intense potential. And we forget that there’s no change in that as we get older.” (Dr. Kamber)

“Technology is such a tiny piece of it, but it is a little bit like taking the cork out of the bottle sometimes.” (Dr. Kamber)

“The biggest myth is that people can’t learn… that somehow there’s something wrong when in fact, it’s just that your kid is acting like a jerk.” (Dr. Kamber)

“We paid extra to have nice millwork made with teak on the walls. It’s like a social club for cool people. It just happens to be free.” (Dr. Kamber)

“Great design is an antidote to ageism.” (Dr. Kamber)

“The healthy aging part of this is the socialization of their physical activity… It’s really unleashed an opportunity for people to think about their health in a social context.” (Dr. Kamber)

“If you’re patient and you’re persistent and you’re a person with integrity… you’re gonna end up in a good place.” (Dr. Kamber)

NOTES

Dr. Tom Kamber is a national leader in aging and technology, and the founder of Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) and Senior Planet. He’s a lifelong social activist dedicated to empowering older adults through digital literacy and inclusion.

OATS, a nonprofit affiliate of AARP, provides technology education and support to older adults through its Senior Planet programs. With a presence in 700 locations across 35 states, OATS combines tech training, wellness, and social connection to help people thrive in the digital age.

OATS began after a woman asked Tom for internet help post-9/11; that simple moment sparked a national movement.

Senior Planet offers programs focused on five impact areas: financial security, social engagement, health and wellness, creative expression, and civic participation.

The most popular offering? Fitness classes like “Morning Stretch,” which regularly attracts 500–600 participants.

OATS doesn’t charge for classes to remove financial barriers and ensure inclusivity.

Their model includes licensing curriculum to local organizations for broader reach and sustainability.

The biggest myth about older adults and tech is that they can’t learn. It’s more about opportunity than ability.

Social connection is often the top reason people join Senior Planet, with digital tools helping them stay in touch.

OATS’s design philosophy includes building beautiful, functional spaces that reflect the dignity and potential of older adults.

AI and smart home tech are reshaping how older adults live and age, but safety, access, and education are key challenges.

 

Recently on Varsity’s weekly Roundtable we welcomed Adam Grafton, vice president of operational excellence at Aramark SeniorLIFE+. Adam shared how SeniorLIFE+ is leveraging technology from across Aramark’s business lines to enhance the senior living experience. 

From AI-powered staffing and facility management to frictionless retail and next-gen kitchens, Adam explored how innovation is driving smarter operations, better outcomes and a more seamless experience for residents and staff alike.

CROSS-INDUSTRY COLLABORATION

SeniorLIFE+ stands out by blending best practices from Aramark’s hospitality, healthcare, and workplace divisions. This cross-functional collaboration powers smarter, more innovative solutions that elevate the senior living experience—proving that operational excellence often begins with shared insight.

FRICTIONLESS, 24/7 SHOPPING

Thanks to Amazon Market integration, residents and families can shop anytime using key fobs, cards or facial recognition. No checkout lines, no waiting. It’s a seamless experience that boosts satisfaction and convenience in senior living communities.

AI-POWERED LABOR EFFICIENCY

Smart dashboards analyze scheduling and sales data to align staffing with demand. The result? Less downtime, fewer headaches and more time for operators to focus on resident care. Technology lightens the load while improving the guest experience.

SMARTER FACILITY MANAGEMENT

Sensors track occupancy, air quality, leaks and more—powering real-time decisions that reduce waste and cut costs. Cleaning and maintenance are no longer routine—they’re driven by actual need, thanks to AI and data integration.

KITCHEN INNOVATION AT WORK

Sous vide and re-therming tech are revolutionizing back-of-house operations. Kitchens are cutting production time by 90%, reducing waste by 80% and serving more meals with fewer staff—all while keeping quality and creativity high.

Varsity’s Roundtable is a weekly virtual gathering of senior living marketers and leaders from across the nation. For updates about future weekly Roundtable gatherings, submit your name and email address here. 

Roland Park Place is a Life Plan Community located in the historic Roland Park neighborhood of Baltimore, Maryland. It’s the only not-for-profit CCRC in the city and one of the most innovative communities in the nation. It was also recently named the sixth best CCRC in the nation by Newsweek.

Recently on our weekly Roundtable we were joined by Roland Park Place VP of Operations Kiril Apostolov. Kiril gave us a closer look at Roland Park Place’s use of technology and the innovative spirit that makes his community great.

Here are some highlights from that conversation. 

ENHANCING RESIDENT ENGAGEMENT THROUGH TECHNOLOGY

Kiril shared some impressive ways technology supports the mission at Roland Park Place. A visitor management system, powered by QR codes, makes check-ins seamless for family and friends while also providing a unique “love meter” feature. This tool helps staff track resident engagement, allowing them to identify who might need extra attention. 

They’ve also introduced robots to assist in dining operations. But these aren’t intended to replace staff—they’re there to handle routine tasks so associates can focus on building personal relationships with residents, which Kiril emphasized is the heart of what they do.

STREAMLINED SYSTEMS FOR BETTER LIVING WITH ICON

To make things easier for everyone, Roland Park Place has integrated its work order system and dining reservations into one resident engagement application called ICON. Residents no longer have to juggle multiple systems; everything they need is in one place. This streamlined approach even extends to user-friendly features like large, clear navigation boxes that eliminate the frustration of endless scrolling.

PRIORITIZING SAFETY WITH INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS

Safety is important at Roland Park Place. Supported by tech innovations like a Wi-Fi-enabled appliance system that shuts off appliances if no motion is detected in the kitchen, a cloud-based emergency communication system (AlertMedia) that allows residents to receive information in their preferred format via landline, text, or email, and wireless pull cords. Preventing hazards and allowing residents to age in place is a top priority. 

INCREASING ENGAGEMENT THROUGH REAL-TIME UPDATES

ICON has revolutionized how residents stay connected. Instead of relying on bulletin boards, paper calendars and flyers, residents receive real-time updates and reminders directly to their devices. Whether signing up for a trip or joining a digital social group, the app provides timely notifications, boosting participation in activities and community events.

Varsity’s Roundtable is a weekly virtual gathering of senior living marketers and leaders from across the nation. For updates about future weekly Roundtable gatherings, submit your name and email address here. 

Katie Griffith and Bright Solutions work hard to empower senior living communities to unlock the full potential of their technology. Katie was also a recent guest on Varsity’s weekly Roundtable, where she shared some ideas for holiday tech gifts for residents and their loved ones.

Here are some highlights from that conversation. 

GIFT GUIDES CAN SHOW OFF A COMMUNITY’S COMMITMENT TO TECH

Communities are encouraged to consider creating a tech gift guide as a fun and engaging way to connect with residents and their loved ones during the holidays. Beyond being helpful, the guide provides an opportunity to highlight the community’s tech-friendly environment and show that it’s prepared to support modern devices. 

WHAT TO INCLUDE IN A GIFT GUIDE

If creating a tech gift guide for loved ones and residents, it’s helpful to focus on practical, popular devices that residents can easily adopt and enjoy. Katie emphasized the importance of compiling a thoughtful list, which might include categories like streaming devices (such as Roku or Fire Sticks), iPads, smartphones, and smart home gadgets like thermostats or voice assistants (Alexa, Google Hub, or Apple devices). Wearable health trackers, including Fitbits and Apple Watches, also make great additions for those interested in fitness and health monitoring.

HELP RESIDENTS GET ACQUAINTED WITH NEW DEVICES

Katie suggested hosting events shortly after Christmas to help residents get acquainted with their new gadgets. These gatherings can combine social time with tech assistance, inviting residents to bring their devices while enjoying snacks and coffee. Having tech staff available to answer questions and provide hands-on support ensures a smooth integration of these tools into daily life.

Varsity’s Roundtable is a weekly virtual gathering of senior living marketers and leaders from across the nation. For updates about future weekly Roundtable gatherings, submit your name and email address here.