New York’s elderly can now get a ‘virtual companion’ for chats, medication reminders and memory games

New York Post - Apr 16th, 2025
Open on New York Post

A new pilot program launching in New York aims to transform seniors' TV screens into smart caregiving platforms. Through devices provided by ONSCREEN, Inc., older adults can access features like medication reminders, daily check-ins, and video calls. The system includes Joy, an AI virtual companion offering personalized interactions, cognitive exercises, and entertainment to keep seniors engaged. The initiative, supported by the New York State Office for Aging and AgingNY, intends to ease the emotional and physical strain on unpaid family caregivers by providing real-time updates and easy communication.

The program's significance is underscored by the ongoing loneliness epidemic affecting millions of older Americans. Studies highlight the severe health risks associated with social isolation, which can lead to cognitive decline and other chronic conditions. By using familiar technology like TVs, ONSCREEN removes barriers to engagement, potentially reducing loneliness and improving mental health among seniors. This innovative approach not only promises enhanced quality of life for the elderly but also offers peace of mind for caregivers, reflecting a meaningful step in addressing the challenges of an aging population.

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RATING

6.4
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article presents a timely and engaging overview of a new pilot program aimed at supporting seniors and caregivers through innovative technology. It effectively highlights the potential benefits of the ONSCREEN devices and the AI companion, Joy, while addressing the broader issues of caregiving and loneliness. However, the article would benefit from greater balance and transparency, particularly in addressing potential drawbacks and providing detailed evidence to support its claims. The reliance on company sources limits the overall source quality, and the lack of diverse perspectives reduces the article's balance. Despite these limitations, the article remains relevant and accessible, with a clear structure and language that facilitate understanding. By incorporating more independent verification and addressing ethical concerns, the article could provide a more comprehensive and nuanced exploration of this important topic.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The article makes several claims about the pilot program, including its collaboration with New York state agencies and the features of the ONSCREEN devices. It accurately describes the involvement of the New York State Office for Aging and AgingNY, and the technology's intended benefits, such as reducing caregiver stress and loneliness among seniors. However, the article lacks specific details and evidence to support the effectiveness of the AI companion, Joy, and its impact on cognitive functions, which are crucial for verifying the claims. Additionally, while the article mentions government data on unpaid elder care, it does not provide specific sources or statistics to substantiate these claims. The health risks of loneliness are also discussed, but the article does not cite studies or data to support these assertions. Without these details, the factual accuracy is somewhat limited.

6
Balance

The article primarily focuses on the positive aspects of the ONSCREEN program and its potential benefits for seniors and caregivers. It highlights the features of the technology and the support it offers without addressing potential drawbacks or limitations. For instance, the article does not discuss any challenges or criticisms related to the implementation of such technology, such as privacy concerns or the adaptability of seniors to new digital platforms. Additionally, it does not include perspectives from seniors or caregivers who might have reservations about the program. This lack of balance in viewpoints could lead to a one-sided portrayal of the program's impact.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, straightforward language to convey its main points. The description of the program's features and benefits is easy to follow, and the use of subheadings helps organize the information logically. The tone is neutral and informative, making the content accessible to a general audience. However, some technical terms, such as 'AI-powered virtual companion,' could benefit from further explanation for readers unfamiliar with the technology. Overall, the article maintains a high level of clarity throughout.

5
Source quality

The article relies heavily on statements from ONSCREEN, Inc. and its CEO, which could introduce bias, as these sources have a vested interest in promoting the program. The inclusion of quotes from the executive director of AgingNY adds some credibility, but the article would benefit from a broader range of sources, such as independent experts or researchers in gerontology or digital health. The absence of third-party validation or external studies weakens the overall source quality, as the article does not provide sufficient evidence to corroborate the claims made by the company.

6
Transparency

The article provides a clear overview of the pilot program and its intended benefits but lacks transparency in explaining the methodology behind the claims. For example, it does not disclose how the effectiveness of the AI companion will be measured or the criteria for selecting participants for the free device offer. Additionally, while it mentions surveys to assess the program's impact, it does not detail the survey design or how the data will be analyzed. Greater transparency in these areas would enhance the article's credibility and allow readers to better understand the basis of the claims.

Sources

  1. https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-next-steps-plans-strengthen-home-care-services-new-yorkers
  2. https://aging.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2023/09/2023-2027-new-york-state-plan-on-aging_final.pdf
  3. https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2025/sean-m-ryan/senator-sean-ryan-proposes-new-housing-program-seniors
  4. https://www.communitycarecorps.org/2023-2025-grantees
  5. https://www.robotics247.com/article/elliq_companion_robot_reduces_loneliness_95_percent_finds_new_york_state_rollout