{"id":88,"date":"2020-09-23T14:41:38","date_gmt":"2020-09-23T18:41:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/digital.hbs.edu\/platform-hbapideation\/submission\/introducing-sunny-a-large-freestanding-simplified-screen-to-enhance-the-lives-of-older-loved-ones\/"},"modified":"2020-09-23T14:41:38","modified_gmt":"2020-09-23T18:41:38","slug":"introducing-sunny-a-simplified-tablet-that-will-enhance-the-lives-of-senior-citizens","status":"publish","type":"hck-submission","link":"https:\/\/d3.harvard.edu\/platform-hbapideation\/submission\/introducing-sunny-a-simplified-tablet-that-will-enhance-the-lives-of-senior-citizens\/","title":{"rendered":"Introducing Sunny, a simplified tablet that will enhance the lives of senior citizens"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sunny will enhance the lives of even tech-shy seniors by helping them keep in touch with family, friends, doctors and carers \u2013 through video, text, calling and seamless photo sharing.\u00a0 The normal aging process can hinder communication due to sensory loss, physical impairment, decline in memory, slower processing of information, and separation from family and friends.\u00a0 During this pandemic, seniors have been more isolated precisely when they have the greatest need to communicate with their families, friends and medical team. Loneliness has a major detrimental effect on mental and physical well being. Sunny addresses this issue by facilitating communication through an innovative tablet with a simple, clear user interface.<\/p>\n

Demographics<\/strong><\/p>\n

The number of Americans ages 65 and older is projected to nearly double from 52 million in 2018 to 95 million by 2060, and the 65-and-older age group\u2019s share of the total population will rise from 16 percent to 23 percent. (Population Reference Bureau\u2019s Population Bulletin<\/em>, \u201cAging in the United States<\/a>,\u201d).\u00a0 Nearly one third live alone.\u00a0 By 2050, there will be more than 2 billion people over the age of 60 in the world\u00a0 \u2013 about 25% of the world\u2019s population. These numbers, combined with an increase in tech adoption by older adults, and a growing number of elderly-care providers, all contribute to a massive demand for technology to serve the needs of older adults. However, many seniors struggle with their devices which leads to anger, frustration and a reluctance to use them.<\/p>\n

Boomers started turning 65 in 2011, and they are the first generation of older adults that experienced the digital revolution firsthand. They can afford to spend money on technology, but they\u2019re not going to spend it on products that don\u2019t fit their lifestyle or needs. There is growing awareness of the sheer magnitude of the \u201cgray dollar\u201d and the fact that with today\u2019s demographic trends, this spending will be growing faster than the overall economy.<\/p>\n

According to the CDC, loneliness and social isolation in older adults are serious public health risks affecting a significant number of people in the United States and putting them at risk for dementia and other serious medical conditions.\u00a0 In addition, nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated. This situation has been exacerbated during the pandemic; stay at home orders\u00a0 have had a significant negative impact on older adults\u2019 mental health status, such as depression, social isolation and loneliness.<\/p>\n

Competitive advantage<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sunny is a communication tool designed for and by seniors.\u00a0 Existing tablets for seniors are merely user interfaces built into off the shelf tablets.\u00a0 Sunny is completely different.\u00a0 More than a phone, simpler than a tablet, Sunny is a device with big understandable buttons for video and phone calls, instant messages, calendar, photos, videos, and music.\u00a0 Family, friends & carers can also use the Sunny app to add reminders, photos and events to the calendar.\u00a0<\/span> Sunny mounts for desk and floor make it much easier to use and ergonomically designed for those with impaired mobility. The Sunny tablet is lighter, the buttons are easier to use, and the screen is durable.<\/p>\n

Innovations:<\/strong><\/p>\n