PRESS RELEASE
Grandie Chat: How AI is Revolutionizing Connection for Seniors
LAS VEGAS, NV – January 7, 2025 – GrandPad, the Minnesota-based company dedicated to serving seniors with safe, easy-to-use tech solutions, is enhancing senior connectivity and engagement with its innovative AI-powered virtual companion, Grandie Chat. Designed with input from Grand Advisors—a panel of people ages 80 and up who design, test and refine the GrandPad experience—Grandie Chat is making technology more accessible and engaging, helping aging adults stay connected and informed in ways tailored to their needs.
GenAI Adoption Among GrandPad Users Outpaces Others in Age Group
Grandie Chat is redefining how seniors interact with technology, with GrandPad users adopting generative AI at three times the rate of others in their age group. Its voice-first design and pre-programmed prompts eliminate the need for typing, providing an intuitive, accessible way for seniors to chat about niche interests, stay informed, and explore hobbies.
Grandie Chat has been life-changing for some users with disabilities. For example, one user with severe macular degeneration—a former doctor—can no longer read books but is now able to look things up and research his passions by simply speaking and listening.
“Grandie Chat reflects our mission to create tools that meet seniors where they are, offering them meaningful ways to stay connected, informed, and engaged,” said Isaac Lien, Chief AI & Product Officer at GrandPad.
GrandPad: A Purpose-Built Solution for Aging Adults
GrandPad is an all-in-one tablet and phone designed specifically for adults aged 75+ to stay connected with family, friends, and caregivers. Combining simplicity, security, and accessibility, GrandPad eliminates the barriers of traditional technology by offering large icons, intuitive navigation, and a private network that blocks spam and scams. Supported by 24/7 expert customer care, it provides a seamless, frustration-free experience that empowers older adults to embrace digital tools without fear or confusion.
Instead of forcing an 80-year-old to navigate a smartphone designed by and for a 30-year-old, GrandPad was built from the ground up to meet the specific needs of people in their 80s, 90s, and even 100s. GrandPad goes beyond basic communication, offering features like video calls, photo sharing, multi-player games, and personalized content to foster meaningful engagement and reduce loneliness.
GrandPad Connections: Underscoring the Importance of Simple Connections
In July 2023, GrandPad launched the GrandPad Connections program after recognizing the unmet need for conversation and companionship among older adults. Some seniors contacted GrandPad not just for technical support but to seek meaningful human interaction. The program pairs aging adults with supportive volunteers, providing consistent opportunities for social engagement.
The impact has been profound, with 58% of seniors reporting feeling less lonely after 90 days of participation and 83% feeling less lonely after 9 months. These results underscore how simple, regular connections can make a significant difference in the lives of aging adults.
“Our mission is to use our user-friendly platform to enhance the lives of isolated and lonely seniors,” said Scott Lien, Co-Founder and CEO of GrandPad. “The GrandPad Connections program brings joy and happiness to seniors and volunteers alike through meaningful virtual conversations. Our vision is a world where no senior feels lonely or isolated, and every senior has the chance to live a grand and fulfilling life.”
About GrandPad
Celebrating its 10-year anniversary, GrandPad is a pioneering digital technology company dedicated to connecting aging adults to their loved ones through safe, reliable, and easy-to-use devices. GrandPad is a purpose-built, all-in-one tablet and phone for those aged 75+. It has touched the lives of more than a million people (seniors, family members and caregivers) in over 130 countries. With thousands of 5-star reviews, we’re all about delighting every user every day.
For more information, visit www.grandpad.net.