OATS from AARP Joins Training Partnership in San Antonio

A partnership among Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP, the UTSA College for Health, Community and Policy (HCAP), and the City of San Antonio will bring tablets and a five-week technology training course to 12 senior centers in the city. A three-year $1.18 million grant from the National Institutes of Health is funding the program.

After they have received training, the older adults in the program will take an online 15-week nutrition course designed by Sarah Ullevig, an associate professor of nutrition and dietetics at HCAP. “The main goal is to see if we can improve their diet quality and reduce food insecurity,” Ullevig told UTSA Today. “We also aim to improve their knowledge, use and access of technology.”

OATS is expected to provide devices and training to approximately 400 participants. The AARP Foundation is a LeadingAge CAST Patron.

MyndVR Partners to Offer Older Adults a “Virtual Stage”

A new “virtual stage” will deliver rich cultural and immersive experiences to senior-living communities or senior citizens at home, thanks to a new partnership between MyndVR and performing-arts streaming service Stage Access. This new partnership will allow MyndVR users to enjoy the Stage Access library of iconic brands and legendary performing-arts programs, and replicate the sensation of live opera, classical music and dance in a “virtual theater” setting. MyndVR is a LeadingAge Associate Business Partner.

Research has shown that access to the performing arts can enhance the quality of life and well-being for older adults, helping to improve mood and socialization, reduce stress, and support overall cognitive function. The virtual theater furthers MyndVR’s mission to maximize positive outcomes for older adults by promoting relaxation, relief, and enjoyment through the arts. Business Wire carried the news.

Zemplee Debuts New Voice-Enabled Interface Technology for Eldercare

Zemplee, a digital health service and platform that uses attentive artificial intelligence (AI) and passive sensors to help older adults age safely in their homes, has unveiled its latest software integration for smart devices. The integration is now available through Amazon’s Alexa for Smart Properties program.

With the Zemplee Updates skill, senior living residence staff, caregivers, and family members can use Alexa or the Alexa app to receive and monitor important information such as vital statistics and habits of their loved ones and those in care. With Zemplee Updates, each older adult’s environment is an extension of their care, and caregivers can connect to them from anywhere, at any time. Zemplee is a LeadingAge Associate Business Partner. KSLA and PRNewswire carried the news.