Ash Roy and Shoko Hoshi Share Their Vision for Transforming Senior Care
Ash Roy and Shoko Hoshi, the visionaries behind SeniorLife.AI, are on a mission to revolutionize senior care with a unique AI-driven platform that tackles two of the industry’s most pressing challenges: fall prevention and cognitive health. With a forward-thinking approach, they’ve designed a tool that not only enhances senior safety but also supports early detection of cognitive decline, setting a new standard for preventive care in senior living.
In this exclusive interview, Ash and Shoko delve into the origins of SeniorLife.AI, the technology’s real-world impact, and why they chose to partner with Concierge Care Advisors to bring these innovations to more seniors in the United States.
What inspired you to create SeniorLife.AI, and what primary challenges in senior care does it address?
Ash Roy: Before founding SeniorLife.AI, I led a smart home company in Japan called LiveSmart, providing ambiance control through sensors for housing developers, energy companies, and condominium managers. Some clients began asking if our sensors could help monitor seniors for unusual behaviors—like frequent bathroom visits—that might signal early Alzheimer’s. This request sparked the idea of creating technology specifically to enhance seniors’ quality of life.
We quickly recognized the need to address fall prevention, given that fall-related injuries cost the U.S. $50 billion annually. Traditional sensors had limitations, so we pivoted to a vision-based AI solution to better assess fall risks and enable early interventions. Today, we’re expanding to include cognitive health assessments that detect early signs of conditions like Alzheimer’s, helping to delay onset and potentially reduce some of the $360 billion Alzheimer’s costs the U.S. each year.
What makes SeniorLife.AI unique in supporting fall prevention for seniors?
Shoko Hoshi: SeniorLife.AI stands out for its user-friendly mobile app, which requires no wearable devices or extra hardware. Users simply capture a brief, 10-20 second video of an older adult and upload it to our app. From there, they receive a comprehensive report detailing the fall risk level along with tailored recommendations.
Our app’s ease of use, combined with its clinical validation, is what truly sets it apart. We collaborated with national universities in Japan to develop rigorous test modules, and the app has received FDA approval in the United States. This endorsement builds credibility in the healthcare space, allowing users to trust the insights provided.
Can you tell us about SeniorLife.AI’s success in Japan and why you decided to expand to the U.S. market?
Ash Roy: In Japan, SeniorLife.AI has achieved significant success, with over 300 SaaS licenses and strong partnerships with academic institutions and healthcare providers. We’ve also received endorsements from clinical societies, and we’re anticipating PMDA approval—Japan’s equivalent to FDA approval—in early 2025, which will make the technology automatically reimbursable.
While Japan and the U.S. both have aging populations, the projected cost of senior healthcare in the U.S. is expected to reach $1.4 trillion by 2030, compared to Japan’s $190 billion. This difference presents an enormous opportunity to reduce costs through preventive diagnostics. Given this potential, we relocated our headquarters to the U.S. to bring these solutions to American seniors while continuing our operations in Japan.
How do you see fall prevention technology evolving within the senior care industry?
Shoko Hoshi: Fall prevention technology in senior care is rapidly advancing, with AI-powered predictive analytics leading the way. Machine learning algorithms analyze data from wearable devices, sensors, and patient records to identify fall risk factors, predicting which residents are most at risk, much like SeniorLife.AI does. These systems detect subtle changes in gait, balance, and activity, allowing for timely interventions. As predictive models process more data, they become increasingly accurate, enabling more reliable assessments and tailored care recommendations.
Another key advancement is in sensor technology. Wearables with accelerometers and gyroscopes can detect falls in real-time and alert caregivers for immediate assistance. While these tools may not prevent falls directly, they provide valuable data for improving facility safety and developing risk-reduction strategies. Although implementing sensors presents challenges, the synergy between AI and sensor data holds strong potential for enhancing overall fall prevention efforts.
How is SeniorLife.AI used in senior living communities and healthcare settings?
Ash Roy: In senior living communities, caregivers use SeniorLife.AI to assess fall risk, enabling them to implement preventive strategies for high-risk residents. The detailed reports not only inform caregivers but also encourage residents to take an active role in their mobility, with many sharing that it motivates them to improve. In hospitals, clinicians use SeniorLife.AI to track rehab progress, providing real-time insights that help tailor care plans effectively. This dual functionality makes SeniorLife.AI valuable across both community and clinical settings, supporting personalized care that fosters seniors’ independence and safety.
Why did you choose to partner with Concierge Care Advisors, and how do our missions align?
Shoko Hoshi: We chose to partner with Concierge Care Advisors because they are a trusted resource for clients nationwide seeking quality senior care services, as well as for partners dedicated to delivering credible support to older adults. Our mission at SeniorLife.AI is to help seniors age smarter, so this collaboration is a natural fit. By joining forces with Concierge Care Advisors, we believe we can enhance the well-being of even more seniors and contribute to their happiness.
What’s one insight about fall prevention that you think every senior care professional should know?
Ash Roy: One crucial insight about fall prevention is that 25% of falls can be avoided through early risk assessment and targeted physical therapy. Identifying fall risks early and taking proactive steps is essential. We’ve observed that when seniors see clear improvements in their mobility, they feel more motivated to engage in strengthening activities, which greatly enhances their overall health and well-being.
Learn More About SeniorLife.AI & Concierge Care Advisors
Our partnership with SeniorLife.AI is about creating safer environments for seniors and empowering healthcare providers and senior living communities with cutting-edge tools to proactively address fall risks and cognitive health. Learn more about AI Fall Prevention, SeniorLife.AI, and how to get a free trial on our website. Read more about our exclusive partnership with SeniorLife.AI in our recent press release.
