Can an AI companion help seniors with daily tasks and reminders?
Yes. An AI companion like Elsy can make everyday life simpler by helping with daily tasks and reminders. You say what you want to remember in your own words, such as 'Remind me about my doctor's appointment on Friday at 3 pm,' and the reminder arrives as a notification on your phone when it's time.
An AI companion like Elsy can help you keep track of daily tasks and reminders, and you do it all by talking. Here's how it works.
How it works
Elsy is an AI companion you talk with, which makes everyday things easier to keep on top of. When you tell her about your daily routines, she can help set up reminders for medicines or appointments. If you've turned on Sync with calendar, Elsy can also see the appointments in your phone's calendar, and your reminders show up there too. For example, you can say "Remind me about my doctor's appointment on Friday at 3 pm," and you'll get a notification on your phone when it's time. That can take some of the stress and worry out of the day.
Setting up reminders
You set reminders with Elsy by saying them out loud. You get a notification on your phone when it's time, and she brings your reminders up when you talk. Ask "What's on today?" and she reads out today's reminders and medicines. That's especially helpful if you have lots of appointments or several medicines to remember. Read more about reminders and daily routines with Elsy and how a reminder app for seniors works.
Why a daily conversation can help
A daily conversation with Elsy can give your day structure and take a little worry off your mind. Conversations can also help keep your mind active. The US National Institute on Aging notes that learning new things and staying connected with family and friends may help support your thinking skills. Elsy can also write down the stories of your life, which can be rewarding for you and your family alike.
“It's just such a relief to say to Elsy: I don't know anything about this. And it's embarrassing, because a man my age ought to know it. And then she tells me: Don't worry about that. Let me help you.”
Helge, 72, talks with Elsy (translated from Danish)
Doing more yourself
Elsy can make it easier to handle more of your daily tasks yourself, which can boost your confidence. That matters to the many older adults who want to stay independent for as long as possible.
Your life stories
After your conversations, Elsy writes up what you've told her as short stories, with your own words as quotes. It's a meaningful way to keep your life story and pass it on.
Sharing them with your family
You can send the stories to your children and grandchildren with Send to family, or by asking Elsy to share them. That gives them a glimpse of your life and helps them get to know it better, which can bring the generations closer. Read more about what your family can see.
Getting started
Download the app from the App Store or Google Play, open it and tap Talk to Elsy. Then you can start talking right away. You can try Elsy free for 3 days on your own phone, which gives you time to see how Elsy can help you day to day. See how Elsy works step by step.
What you need
Elsy works on iPhone, iPad and Android. The first time you open the app, it shows you a few short examples of things you can talk with Elsy about, and then you can begin. That makes it easy to get started, whatever your experience with technology.
Frequently asked questions
How do I set a reminder with Elsy?
Just tell Elsy, for example "Remind me to take my medicine at 9." You'll get a notification on your phone when it's time.
Can Elsy make everyday life easier?
Elsy gives you reminders, keeps track of your medicines and remembers what you tell her, which can make it easier to manage the day on your own. Once Elsy is part of your routine, everyday life can feel more manageable and less stressful.
Which devices does Elsy work on?
iPhone, iPad and Android devices. You can download the app from the App Store or Google Play and get started right away.
How can Elsy help me share my life story?
Elsy writes up what you tell her as stories, with your own words as quotes, and you can send them to your family. It's a good way to keep your story and give the people closest to you a better picture of your life.
How does Elsy protect my data?
Your conversations with Elsy are recorded and stored securely, and your stored data is hosted in the EU. So that Elsy can hear you, answer and remember, what you say is processed by AI services in the United States. We never sell your personal data, and we don't use it to train general-purpose AI models. What your family can see depends on their level in Your circle, and at the highest level, Full trust, they also see what Elsy remembers about you. They never see transcripts or recordings of your conversations, apart from the life stories you send them, which contain your own words and may include short excerpts of your voice. If a family member set Elsy up and gave consent on your behalf, everyone in your circle is at Full trust.
This is general information, not medical advice. Every situation is different, so talk to a doctor about yours.