Penyo

Older adults who live alone often go long stretches without anyone to talk to, and Penyo is built around that gap.

Penyo is an AI companion for seniors that chats, plays games, and lets caretakers keep an eye on how the person is doing.

It works over a regular phone call, so nobody has to buy a new device or learn a new app.

The companion adapts to the person it talks with, and it is available around the clock, which matters when loneliness hits at odd hours.

Data is described as encrypted and private.

Still, any service that records conversations with a vulnerable user deserves a careful look at what is collected, so families should ask before signing up.

There are other catches.

Penyo depends on a working phone line or internet connection, and it only helps if the senior is willing to talk to an AI in the first place.

Some people will take to it quickly, others will not.