Tech giants Apple and IBM are taking steps to dramatically broaden their impact on senior care, launching a program to put iPads with health care applications in the hands of millions of aging people.
The initiative is rolling out first in Japan, through a partnership with Japan Post Group, the companies announced last Thursday. Japan Post not only has 24,000 post offices in Japan, it is the country’s largest health and life insurance company and has existing financial relationships with nearly every Japanese citizen, according to a press release issued by IBM.
The plan is to give iPads to between 4 and 5 million seniors in Japan by 2020 and train them in how to use IBM-developed apps on the tablets. By helping users manage medications, stay in touch with family and friends, and even access home handyman services, the iPads should help keep seniors health and living at home longer, the companies said.
