AgeTech la February 2025
Here's what I got out of AgeTechLA:
1. Hively – "Retirement Concierge"
An AI-powered retirement navigator that acts as a concierge through a texting chatbot (visual AI in the works), connecting retirees to resources, services, and educational events designed by a geriatrician. The platform’s Hive Affinity Groups match users with peers based on shared interests & create trusted connections. It’s $25/month for individuals, with business partnerships in the works.
joinhively.com
2. The Loop Village – Guided Social Platform
The Loop Village, calls itself a virtual “Wellness Hub” designed to combat isolation and build community through LIVE, guided classes, virtual travel, and social cafés. with a host guiding each experience. “Relationships sustain them,” says Margot Biane Merrick, founder.
theloopvillage.com
It’s available as a standalone platform and also integrates within the Onscreen communication hub. It’s being explored by some home care agencies and AAAs as a supplement to caregiving, using a per-member-per-month model.
3. Mercury Alert AI – Affordable Remote Monitoring
Automates existing Wi-Fi cameras for overnight monitoring (good for dementia care). Their “Sit Up Alert” detects when someone sits up in bed—before they stand (or fall) —and offers two-way audio for real-time communication. It’s $100/month and currently deployed in San Diego homes. They’re also working toward health insurance partnerships for potential discounts.
www.mercuryalert.ai
4. Embodied Labs – Empathy Through VR
Embodied Labs: dedicated to improving care by building empathy - with VR experiences. They call their system "Actionable Empathy."
VR goggles place users in the shoes of older adults/care recipients, simulating conditions like macular degeneration, hearing loss, and early dementia. Caregivers can practice responding to real-life challenges, make mistakes in a safe environment, and build decision-making skills.
Experiential learning improves care quality & also reinforces dignity and respect—critical for promoting age-inclusive environments ((i.e - get past knee-jerk ageist reactions!)
Their platform also offers video-based experiences without VR goggles.
Reminded me of MITAgelab's Age Gain Now Empathy System, but Embodied Labs is so versatile (and way more comfy).
embodiedlabs.com
5. Onscreen Inc. – Communication Hub for TV and Tablets
Turns TVs and Tablets into communication hubs for telehealth, AI companionship, and online classes.
They’ve expanded capabilities to Tablets, because some users say, "keep your hands off my TV" - they don't want to change something they know how to use. Access to The Loop Village & Pluto TV directly through the platform.
Onscreen recently won a $25,000 prize from the Consumer Technology Association Foundation.
onscreeninc.com
