This AI Wristband Lets Seniors Skip Smartphone Screens

When Don Yansen, a retired engineer and MIT graduate, joined a research study at the MIT AgeLab, he heard older adults describe how hard modern devices are to use. Many said they couldn't even manage a cell phone. That frustration inspired him to build something different. In October 2024, he founded Kiwi Health and created a wristband controlled mainly by voice.

Instead of tapping tiny icons or swiping screens, a wearer just talks. The wristband can set reminders, make phone calls, send texts, and share health data with family or caregivers. AI helps understand commands, even accepting the way voices may change as people age. It also tracks health metrics and automatically notifies caregivers if the person takes a fall.

For millions of older adults who feel left behind by technology, this kind of device could be a game-changer. It cuts out the complexity of smartphones and smartwatches while giving seniors independence and safety. For families, it offers peace of mind — knowing a parent or grandparent can reach help with simple words.

The catch: it's a brand-new product, and AI voice recognition isn't perfect. But Yansen's goal is clear: help seniors live the best life they can, without being locked out of the digital world.