Enhanced music offering with live radio streaming capabilities allows older adults to stay connected, while supporting emotional and cognitive well-being
(ORANGE, CA) August 26, 2020 — Music is a powerful thing. Not only does it help people of all ages preserve and enjoy memories, but studies have also shown that music can help manage conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, and reduce depression and anxiety in older adults. GrandPad, creator of the first purpose-built tablet designed for older adults, announced today that it has expanded the device’s capabilities with a free radio streaming service, giving seniors the ability to listen to local AM/FM radio stations.
According Scott Lien, co-founder and CEO of GrandPad, the new radio application is a part of GrandPad’s growing array of senior-friendly apps, games, and entertainment features designed to keep users engaged and connected. In addition to radio stations, GrandPad users also have access to a curated music collection from which they can customize playlists to their personal preferences.
“Research has shown that music is incredibly powerful in stimulating cognition and reducing isolation and depression,” said Scott Lien, co-founder and CEO of GrandPad. “By adding the streaming radio capability, we’re also giving seniors the ability to tune in to live radio stations that can keep them connected to their hometowns or to topics they find entertaining and educational.”
According to Lien, since launching the streaming radio app in July, this content has been listened to for more minutes than any other content by GrandPad users.
“Nearly every day, I’m asked how older adults can stay mentally sharp,” said Dr. Kerry Burnight, chief gerontologist for GrandPad. “The easiest, most important things we can all do every day — regardless of age — is to keep moving and connect with others. Listening to the radio, whether it be music or local news from your hometown touches our hearts, keeps our minds active, and keeps us connected to our community.”
GrandPad is the first purpose-built tablet for older adults. The device has been specifically designed around the input of seniors, for their specific needs and technology capabilities. GrandPad offers the following features that can help seniors and families stay connected in a safe and simple way:
- Ready to use, right out of the box — no setup required
- Enables pre-loaded “trusted circle” family contacts, photos, and apps
- Built-in LTE (no home WiFi needed)
- Closed network for greater security (no one outside the “trusted circle” can contact a GrandPad user)
- Secure internet browsing
- Video and voice calling
- Texting and emailing
- Family photo and video sharing
- Curated entertainment content (music and TV) and brain games
- Streaming radio
- Ergonomic design and enhanced speakers and camera
- Transportation by Lyft app
- 24-hour personal support
To learn more about streaming radio and other features that are available on the GrandPad, visit https://GrandPad.net.
About GrandPad
Based in Orange, CA, GrandPad is a digital health company that develops engagement solutions to improve the health and well-being of older adults by reconnecting them to families, friends, and caregivers through technology that is safe, reliable, and easy to use. The GrandPad purpose-built tablet for people over the age of 75 — the first mobile device of its kind — addresses usability, security, and connectivity issues that are often roadblocks for integrating remote monitoring and telehealth into professional and familial caregiving settings. The company’s secure cloud platform with built-in LTE and web applications allows care teams and family members to engage remotely with older adults without depending on WiFi connectivity. GrandPad enables a variety of interactions, including video calls, sharing essential care-related emails and messages, and conducting multi-party video care conferences between family members and a patient’s continuum of caregivers. For professional caregivers, GrandPad offers connected device capabilities that support enhanced telehealth and remote monitoring services provided by a growing number of in-home healthcare organizations. To learn more, visit GrandPad.net or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter @grandpad_social.
