What can a reminder app for seniors do that paper notes can't?
A reminder app for seniors sends a notification to your phone when it's time, it doesn't get lost, and it can ask again if you haven't answered a medicine reminder. Paper notes can't do that. With Elsy, you say out loud what you want to remember, and you can keep your paper calendar too.
Many people keep track of their day with paper notes, a calendar on the wall or a family member who reminds them. A reminder app for seniors like Elsy can do a few things those methods can't.
Where paper falls short
A note can get lost or overlooked, and a reminder from someone else can be forgotten. Elsy sends a notification to your phone when it's time for a task. If you've turned on Sync with calendar, your reminders also go into your phone's calendar.
You can use both
The US National Institute on Aging mentions both approaches. Some people use charts, calendars or weekly pill boxes, and medicine reminder apps can help you remember when and how to take your medicines each day. With an app, you can let go of some of the worry about forgetting something important.
What Elsy can do for you
Elsy is an AI companion you talk with by voice. She remembers what you tell her and creates reminders when you ask, which can help if you want to manage on your own. She also talks with you about whatever you like, and a daily conversation can help keep your mind active and be good for your wellbeing.
Medicine reminders that ask again
With medicines, an app can do something paper can't. When it's time for a medicine, a notification arrives with the buttons Taken, Skip and Remind me in 10 min. If you don't answer, the app asks again after about 5 and 15 minutes. That can help give your day some structure. See more about reminders and medicines with Elsy.
Life stories and your family
When you tell Elsy about your life, she writes it down afterward as a life story, with your own words as quotes and a picture painted by Elsy. You can read the stories or listen to them, and send them to your family whenever you like. That can give your family a glimpse of what you've lived through and bring you closer. See how life stories work.
Simple to use
Once the app is open, you tap Talk to Elsy and start talking, which makes Elsy a good fit if you're not used to technology. She understands and speaks English, so the conversation feels natural.
“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)
Made with older adults in mind
The app has clear instructions and a simple layout made for older adults, so it's quicker to get the most out of what it can do.
Security and privacy
Your conversations with Elsy are recorded and stored securely so Elsy can remember what you tell her, 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, and the app shows you which ones before you start. We never sell your personal data, and we don't use it to train general-purpose AI models. Your family never sees 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. Read more in our privacy policy.
What your family can see
What your family can see depends on their level in Your circle. The lowest level, Stories only, shows them the life stories you send, your name and your photo. At Safety net, they also get an alert if a conversation suggests something might be wrong. At Wellbeing, they also see how you're doing over time. At Care partner, they also see your reminders and medicines and can help with them, and at Full trust, they also see what Elsy remembers about you. Everyone in your circle above Stories only can see the photos you choose to share from your Photo album. If you set Elsy up yourself, you can change the level for each person. If a family member set Elsy up and gave consent on your behalf, everyone in your circle is at Full trust. If someone in your family wants to set Elsy up for you, they can read more on our page for families.
Is a reminder app right for you?
Paper still works, and many people stick with it for good reasons. In a Canadian study, 35 people aged 52 to 78 tried four medicine apps. Many of them were happy with how they already kept track of their medicines, and the researchers concluded that older adults will only take up an app when it meets a need their current system doesn't. So it comes down to what you need. If you'd like reminders that arrive on your phone and ask again when you don't answer, plus someone to talk with, Elsy may be a good fit. See how Elsy can help with your daily routines, and try Elsy to see if she makes your day easier.
How to get started
You don't have to throw out your paper calendar. Download Elsy from the App Store or Google Play, tap Talk to Elsy and start with a single reminder, for example "Remind me to call the pharmacy tomorrow at 10." You can try Elsy free for 3 days on your own phone. See how Elsy works step by step.
Frequently asked questions
Is Elsy hard to learn?
No. You talk to Elsy in your own words, the way you'd talk to a friend, and that's all it takes to set a reminder.
How is Elsy different from a paper calendar?
A paper calendar can't tell you when it's time. Elsy reminds you about appointments, and she also talks with you and remembers important details from your life. What your family can see of that depends on their level in Your circle.
Are my conversations with Elsy secure?
Your conversations are recorded and stored securely so Elsy can remember, and your stored data is hosted in the EU. What you say is processed by AI services in the United States so that Elsy can hear you and answer. Your family never sees transcripts or recordings, apart from the life stories you send them, which may include short excerpts of your voice. What else they see depends on their level, up to what Elsy remembers about you at Full trust.
Can I use Elsy if I'm not very comfortable with technology?
Yes. Elsy is made to be easy even if you don't have much experience with technology. Open the app, tap Talk to Elsy and start talking.
This is general information, not medical advice. Every situation is different, so talk to a doctor about yours.