When we think of the entrepreneurs and innovators of Silicon Valley, names like Mark Zuckerberg, Larry Page and Sergey Brin come to mind, but have you ever heard of Dr. June Fisher? This 81-year-old former physician is now a product designer at Stanford University and a consultant to the growing number of startups that are developing technological solutions for older adults. She provides an essential service, as her medical specialty is occupational and environmental health, and she can provide her own unique perspective on the aging process.
One problem that Fisher sees among young designers is a misunderstanding of what seniors need, want and are physically able to use. Small screens and tiny buttons are both no-gos for a population with dexterity and vision issues. Fisher also advises these innovators to develop products that are visually appealing, as seniors have had enough of being presented with devices that look more like they belong in a hospital than in someone's home.
Unlike the 20-something tech entrepreneurs that she mentors, Fisher told the San Francisco Chronicle that she is better able to get her point across to the slightly older venture capitalists who are clamoring to be involved with the growing eldercare technology industry. In the same article, gerontologist Katy Fike said she was in agreement.
"I think there's a lot of VCs in their 40s and 50s who are starting to butt up against this system for their own parents and seeing a lot of things missing," Fike told the source.
Independa is well ahead of the curve when it comes to designing technology solutions to promote the well-being of older adults. Our LG televisions are equipped with the Angela software interface, which allows seniors to engage with friends and relatives remotely as well as receive helpful medication and appointment reminders. To learn more about what we have to offer or to schedule a demo, contact us through our online form.
