BUFFALO, N.Y. — ONSCREEN, a tech startup that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, is revolutionizing how seniors connect with others through a innovative device that transforms televisions into fully automated communications hubs. The product enables users to make voice and video calls, send text messages, and more, all through a simple interface. “It’s like an Apple TV or Roku with a built-in camera and microphones that attaches to your TV via HDMI,” explained Costin Tuculescu, Founder and CEO.
The company’s vision was inspired by futuristic shows like The Jetsons and Star Trek, where technology seamlessly connects people. However, they quickly discovered a significant trend. “We found that adult children, typically around 50 years old, were purchasing our product for their parents aged 75 and above who struggled with technology,” Tuculescu said. This insight led to a new initiative where ONSCREEN is providing about 100 New York residents with the device free of charge, thanks to a $25,000 grant from the state Office of Aging.
The partnership is significant as the Office of Aging is known for being “one of the most innovative and tech-forward groups in the country,” according to Tuculescu. They work closely with startups to test products in real-world settings and assess their impact on community issues like loneliness and isolation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights that loneliness and isolation significantly increase the risk of dementia, stroke, and heart disease. The U.S. Surgeon General has even compared its impact on life expectancy to smoking 15 cigarettes daily.
“Social isolation and loneliness can profoundly affect people’s physical and mental well-being, and it’s often overlooked,” noted Erin Mitchell, AARP NY Senior Director of Community Engagement. While AARP wasn’t directly involved in ONSCREEN’s program, they collaborated with the Office of Aging last year on a project providing seniors with robotic pets. AARP is also advocating for $53 million in additional funding for home and community-based services this year.
The issue of senior isolation is substantial, with nearly one in five Americans aged 65 and older considered socially isolated, translating to approximately $6.7 billion in additional Medicaid spending annually, according to the AARP Public Policy Institute. Tuculescu believes technologies like ONSCREEN’s could ultimately save states money by preventing costly health issues. The device includes an AI companion that performs wellness checks and provides medication reminders, among other features.
“Our AI companion checks in daily, asking how you’re feeling, if you have any pain or discomfort. This allows us to address potential issues before they become costly emergency room visits,” Tuculescu explained. Applications for the program are now open. For more tips on addressing social isolation among adults, AARP offers additional resources.
