Run with the Own Your Data Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
We're a small, nonprofit-backed team of technologists studying what would help seniors stay independent for longer. This is research only — we aren't selling software or a product.
Run with the Own Your Data Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
The work of staying independent is shared, so our interviews are too. We speak with three groups and every participant is paid for their time.
Adults 65 and older — especially independent-living residents who manage much of their own lives but lean on others for complex tasks.
See more ↓Spouses, adult children, and family members who coordinate appointments, rides, bills, and follow-ups for someone they love.
See more ↓Leaders and staff at senior living communities who help residents sort out everyday problems.
See more ↓If you or a family member received a flyer, a call, or an email about our study — you're in the right place. We interview both seniors and the family members who help them coordinate. Reach out if you're interested in being a paid research participant or if you have questions.
One conversation, 30–60 minutes, about the everyday tasks you handle yourself and the ones where you lean on others
Interviews offered in person, by phone, or video
You're paid $50 for your time
Nothing to buy, and no computer skills needed
Nothing is recorded without your permission, and your name is never published
We don't ask for medical records, and we don't collect sensitive or private information
You control what you share and can skip any question
Staying independent in later life takes a lot of invisible work. Families coordinate appointments, rides, services, and follow-ups. Even in a well-run community, someone has to connect the dots.
51M
Americans care for someone 50+, providing an average of 26 hours of unpaid support per week.
Our aim
Help older adults stay independent for longer — because independence is closely tied to control, wellbeing, and quality of life.
Where do seniors rely on others to manage everyday life — and what could help them stay in control while easing the load on families and staff?
We're studying where that coordination work piles up, where current tools fall short, and what would let seniors increase their independence.
We're a small team of technologists conducting this study with the Own Your Data Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on helping people use technology safely and with greater control over their data and digital lives.
Research & Product Lead
Product leader focused on turning complex systems into simple, useful experiences. Previously led large-scale product initiatives, including work across business and healthcare use cases.
Founder & Technical Lead
AI researcher and engineer; creator of elizaOS, an open-source agentic operating system designed to help software act on a person's behalf while giving them greater control over their data.
We're recruiting a small number of senior living communities into the study, at no cost to you — we cover everything, including participant payments. How it works:
01
30 minutes with community leadership to understand your community and confirm fit.
02
30–60 minute conversations with a small group of residents, family members, staff, and leadership, focused on tasks residents find hard to manage on their own.
03
We manage scheduling, interviewing, and synthesis. Your staff mostly help us identify appropriate residents, families, and staff to speak with.
A free, community-specific report on where residents, families, and staff carry hidden coordination work
Anonymized patterns from other participating communities
Where current services and technology stop short, and where residents could realistically do more on their own
A 30–60 minute findings meeting with your leadership team
Interviews are recorded only with participant permission
Your community and residents aren't publicly identified without permission
No access to medical records or community systems is required
Any future collaboration is optional and separate from this research
No. This is user research on technology use and independence. You're not being asked to purchase, pilot, or commit to anything.
No. We study technology use, coordination, and independence. We don't provide medical care or advice, and we never ask for medical records.
Your experiences coordinating everyday life and using technology. Findings go into anonymized cross-community research; your name is never published.
You may describe tasks you find difficult, and some sessions include watching how you use your devices to complete tasks. You control what you show and can skip anything.
Mostly helping us identify appropriate residents, family members, and staff. Wherever possible we handle scheduling and coordination directly.
To understand where better tools could support resident independence and reduce coordination work. Findings go into your community's report and, in anonymized form, into cross-community research.