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Home » Monthly blog archive

September 2026

Tech for older adults – a lookback to 2018 is not encouraging

Wed, 09/23/2026 - 12:17 - Laurie Orlov

A 2018 blog post sets a stage for comparison with today.  Perusing this 8-year-old screed, one might think that a comparison with 2026 tech for older adults would show vast improvement – both in the tech-enabled wellbeing of today’s oldest, as well as a dramatic improvement in the tech itself. But consider the observation by a Duke researcher: "Tech has the potential to help preserve independence…Ultimately we want nursing homes to disappear. We want people to live peacefully in their own home." Hmmm. Luckily that Wall Street Journal Supplement is no longer available and the Duke researcher cannot be embarrassed. Nursing homes did not disappear.  As of last year, there were 15,000 certified nursing homes in the US, serving 1.2 million people, including Medicare-funded rehabilitation services, as well as Medicaid-funded care for older adults and people with disabilities

category tags: 
smartphones, Check-in apps, Conversational and generative AI
»

Five new tech products and announcements for older adults

Thu, 09/17/2026 - 07:36 - Laurie Orlov

What’s new in tech and worth a look in the category of products for older adults? Startups and young tech companies continue to offer new products and product enhancements for the older adult market.  These latest are targeting check-in capabilities, health and wellness offerings, family caregiving and support for individuals with disabilities.  All material is drawn from the websites of the companies themselves.

category tags: 
social isolation, Check-in apps, mobility
»

Life span versus health span -- is there a role for AI?

Thu, 09/10/2026 - 10:13 - Laurie Orlov

Longevity expectations can mislead or inform.  Today’s life expectancy chart for 2026 notes an increase of life expectancy at birth to 79.  Of course, that is a silly number to mention among the 65+ population which can expect to live into their mid-80s. And the physical condition they are in varies all over the map. You notice the very frail in their 80s walking carefully with a cane or walker.  You also see people in their late 80s jumping up and down in a water aerobics class. Or people in their 70s and beyond lifting heavy weights. But individuals with Parkinson's or arthritis can still live into their 80s, although their mobility and health may be compromised. 

category tags: 
healthcare, AI, Seniors, smartphones; wearables
»

A tribute to Gloria Steinem – Sept 2026

Thu, 09/03/2026 - 10:43 - Laurie Orlov

Gloria Steinem and Ms. Magazine were groundbreakers in the 1970s.  Gloria Steinem died this week at the age of 92 after (literally) a lifetime of activism on behalf of women. More than 50 years ago, Ms. Magazine launched with 300,000 subscribers and Wonder Woman on the cover.  It also formalized a medium for discussion of the burgeoning women’s movement, women coalescing around shared issues in a public square, naming names, pushing for change, addressing topics like sexual harassment, equal rights and pay.  The introduction of women’s consciousness raising groups on a college campus was revelatory for so many young women, shaking up their expectations about their own futures.

category tags: 
computers, broadband, and social networking
»

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