Revolutionizing Senior Care: New TV-Based Program Connects Aging Adults with AI Companion

In a groundbreaking initiative launched today in New York, a new pilot program is set to revolutionize the way we care for our elderly population, transforming conventional TV screens into personalized caregiving hubs. This innovative approach, spearheaded by ONSCREEN, Inc., aims not only to enhance the lives of seniors but also to alleviate the pressures faced by their caregivers.

At the heart of this program is a smart device that turns any television into a multifunctional platform designed to support older adults. Qualifying participants will receive devices that incorporate valuable features, such as medication reminders, daily check-ins sent directly to family members’ smartphones, and instant video access for seamless communication. This is particularly vital in a time when the need for connection has never been greater.

One of the standout features of this initiative is “Joy,” an AI-powered virtual companion that interacts with seniors daily. Joy engages users with personalized conversations, memory-boosting games, cognitive exercises, and even creative activities like virtual painting sessions. By providing these interactions, Joy aims to keep seniors mentally stimulated and emotionally connected, all without requiring them to grapple with complex technology.

The program is not merely a tool for seniors; it also targets the growing concern of caregiver burnout. According to government data, approximately 37.1 million Americans, or 14% of the adult population, serve as unpaid caregivers for older adults. While this role is often fulfilling, it can also lead to emotional and physical strain. ONSCREEN’s technology is designed to ease this burden by providing real-time updates about loved ones’ well-being and daily interactions with Joy, ensuring caregivers feel more connected and less overwhelmed.

Costin Tuculescu, CEO of ONSCREEN, emphasizes the simplicity of this approach: “ONSCREEN is all about keeping older adults connected with their family, using the simplest and most familiar technology — the TV. By bringing auto-answered video calls, AI companionship, medication reminders, and even classes to the TV, we reduce loneliness and increase peace of mind for caregivers.” This philosophy underscores a significant shift towards using established technologies to foster connections rather than introducing complicated new devices.

The urgency of this initiative is underscored by the ongoing loneliness epidemic affecting millions of Americans, particularly seniors. A recent nationwide study from 2024 revealed that 33% of adults aged 50 to 80 reported feeling lonely some of the time or often, while 29% felt isolated. The World Health Organization has classified loneliness as a “pressing health threat,” with implications as severe as smoking up to 15 cigarettes daily. Prolonged loneliness is linked to a host of health issues, including chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and even cognitive decline, which can lead to Alzheimer’s disease.

Rebecca Preve, executive director of the Association on Aging in New York (AgingNY), acknowledges the program’s potential impact: “ONSCREEN’s innovative TV-based approach, with their integration of AI companion Joy, brings a completely new take on how to provide care and support to our quickly growing aging population. By removing the technical barriers of touch screens, apps, and smaller devices, ONSCREEN has the potential to meaningfully impact many of the issues that older adults face.”

For those interested in participating, ONSCREEN is offering 100 devices free of charge to eligible New York residents, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants will be asked to complete brief surveys at the beginning, midpoint, and end of the pilot to help assess the technology’s impact on well-being and caregiver stress.

This pilot program marks an important step forward in the realm of elder care, blending technology with compassion to create a supportive environment for seniors and their caregivers alike. As we move forward, it will be crucial to monitor the results of this initiative closely, as it may serve as a model for similar programs nationwide, ultimately helping to address the pressing issues of loneliness and caregiver fatigue in our aging population.