A video call can be made from the Chatta app straight to the Chatta TV; or text messages with photos or a video attached can be sent.

The resident can make a simple response and the app shows the time and date when the message was read.

The video call or the messages pop up over the TV without the need for the elderly person having to change inputs or channels on their TV.

The system is free of advertising and private so access to sending messages or video calling can only be done with the permission of the Chatta ‘resident’ or a trusted relative.

There is also a customisable ‘assist’ button the user can press to alert the family supporter their loved one requires assistance.

For 10 years we have researched how elderly people engage with technology. We looked at studies from Oxford University, Office for National Statistics, Ofcom, Age UK. We talked to thought leaders on ageing and age tech the world over. We sat down with hundreds of elderly people, talked with them, observed them, asked them what worked and didn’t work for them. We listened to the owners of care homes and home-based care providers especially over the last two COVID years. And this is what we found.

• A clear majority of elderly people over 70 do not use or struggle with computers, smartphones, tablets, or anything touch-screen. This is for various physiological reasons including tremors, impaired eyesight, failing motor-co-ordination or decreased blood flow in their fingers which makes touch-screen devices less responsive. Or if they haven’t used such devices before their retirement, such devices are strange and awkward for them, and many are resistant to learning how to use them in their retirement.

• They are all very familiar with and comfortable using the TV and a remote. They spend more time than any other demographic in front of the TV and it is their preferred ‘screen’

• Most of the over 70s are not using the internet for browsing, accessing YouTube, Netflix or Prime, or iPlayer and many do not use the EPG but prefer a printed TV magazine.

• Just because they don’t use smart phones or tablets does not mean they need dumbed down binary or five button remotes – most are perfectly capable of using standard commercial TV remotes as long as the buttons are not too small, and they do so with ease. They feel insulted and patronised if they are given a deliberately dumbed down remote. They see their preference to not use tablets and smartphones an intelligent choice not a handicap! And they can use a TV and a remote as well as anyone – they grew up with it!

• Many have old TVs where the size, audio, and resolution is poor. When presented with a 43” or 50” modern Ultra HD TV there is universal enthusiasm and appreciation of an increased viewing experience

• Some are OK with two remotes but as they age further, a single remote is their preferred choice

• They tend to unplug or switch off devices at the mains at night, so any additional boxes plugged into their TV may become disconnected or the functionality may be affected

• Most spend a lot of time by themselves and if they lose a life partner can become lonely and isolated. A significant number lose touch with their families and become socially isolated. A former UK health secretary commented that “4m people in the UK only have TV as a friend”

• Visits, photos, calls, or any form of interaction with children is a joy to many of them. Their lives become simpler, less materialistic, and they are less interested in the latest gadgets or learning anything new. People, conversations, human relationships and the sharing of lives together becomes more important to them than ‘things’. A simple photo, video or call can make their day.

• If they don’t have this social interaction, they can become very fragile, stressed, closed down, and even physically ill. Telecare call centres report that 92% of calls from their personal alarm devices are non-emergency but from an elderly person just wanting a conversation and some social interaction. Research shows that loneliness and isolation among the elderly can be as detrimental to health as smoking and obesity

• They don’t take kindly to developers second guessing what they need by way of content or services. While they have many things in common as elderly citizens, they also retain individual personality and preferences for different activities and lifestyles, so they do not like anything that ‘shrinks’ their world into a pre-defined menu.

• More than any other generation they are concerned about their privacy, so they have an aversion to a world that sells their data! They become irritated when they are perceived as ‘falling behind’ or ‘out of date’ just because they reject this modern culture; for them it is a deliberate, intelligent and valid choice.