Are there any good reminder apps for seniors?
Yes. The Reminders app on iPhone and Google Calendar can both send a notification to your phone before an appointment. If you'd rather talk than tap, Elsy is an AI companion made for older adults. You say 'Remind me to...' and she sets up the reminder. She can also keep track of your medicines and write down your life stories.
There are several good reminder apps, and some may already be on your phone. Which one suits you depends mostly on whether you'd rather tap or talk.
What a reminder app does
A reminder app sends a notification to your phone or tablet when it's time for something, like an appointment or a medicine. According to the US National Institute on Aging, medicine reminder apps can help you remember when and how to take your medicines each day. Elsy is an AI companion made especially for older adults, and you set up reminders with her just by talking.
Setting one up
Many reminder apps, Elsy included, let you use your voice and set things up the way you like. With Elsy, you say "Remind me to pick up my prescription on Friday at 11," and the reminder arrives as a notification on your phone when it's time. See more about reminders and daily routines with Elsy.
How can an AI app help older adults?
An AI app can feel more personal and make everyday life easier. With Elsy, you can talk about what's happening in your day, ask what's on your schedule today, and ask her to remind you of the things that matter. That can help you feel more in control of your day and manage more on your own. Read more about how Elsy can help with your daily routines.
It gets more personal over time
Elsy remembers what you tell her about yourself and your day. She also learns words you teach her, like a word from where you grew up or how a name in your family is pronounced. Over time, that makes her a better fit for your needs and routines.
Apple Reminders, Google Calendar and Elsy
Several apps can handle reminders, for example Apple Reminders and Google Calendar. In the Reminders app on iPhone, you type in a title, date and time, or ask Siri to add a reminder for you. Google Calendar can send a notification to your phone before an event, for example an hour ahead. Elsy, on the other hand, is made for older adults. You talk with her in full sentences, she remembers what you tell her, and she can also keep track of your medicines and write down your life stories.
If you like tapping through your phone's menus and just need a notification at a set time, your phone's own apps may be enough. If you'd rather say it out loud and have someone to talk with about your day, Elsy is made for that.
What makes Elsy different?
Elsy talks with you in a warm, natural way, and getting help through conversation can make it easier to remember your daily tasks. Read more about how Elsy works.
“But it also has to be someone you trust. And you're happy with the answers you get, because they're real answers.”
Helge, 72, talks with Elsy (translated from Danish)
How to get started
Compare your phone's own app with Elsy and see which one suits you. Download Elsy from the App Store or Google Play, open the app and tap Talk to Elsy. Say "Remind me to..." and what you want to remember. You can try Elsy free for 3 days on your own phone. See how Elsy works step by step.
Frequently asked questions
What can Elsy help me with?
Elsy helps you keep track of appointments and medicine times, and you set up the reminders by voice. She also writes down your life stories, which you can send to your family. Every day she can also ask you Today's question to get a conversation started, and a daily conversation can help keep your mind active.
Does Elsy work on my phone?
Elsy is available for iPhone, iPad and Android. You download the app from the App Store or Google Play.
How does Elsy protect my data?
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 personal data is never sold, and it isn't used 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. What else they see depends on their level in Your circle, and at the highest level, Full trust, they also see what Elsy remembers about you. If a family member set Elsy up and gave consent on your behalf, everyone in the circle is at Full trust. The levels are explained in how Elsy can help you stay connected with your family.
This is general information, not medical advice. Every situation is different, so talk to a doctor about yours.