AI-Powered Wearables: How New Tech Devices Can Support Seniors

At the Connect 2025 conference, Meta announced their latest AI-powered smart glasses and neural wristband, which was launched by Mark Zuckerberg. The $799 ( Rs 70,409 approx) Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses come with gesture controls and are paired with an EMG-powered neural wristband that translates subtle muscle movements into commands.

According to Meta, the glasses feature a full-colour, high-resolution in-lens display, a 12 MP camera with 3× zoom, six microphones, an AI assistant, live video calls, and real-time translations. Many functions can be used independently, though some may require a connected phone or Wi-Fi. The devices allow users to check messages, take photos, and navigate apps hands-free while staying connected.

Meta plans to launch them in the US on September 30. With availability in other nations anticipated in early 2026.

Other AI Devices

Several AI-powered wearables are available in India, with features that help users stay connected and manage everyday tasks more efficiently. Ruxum's emergency pendant detects falls, sends panic warnings, and monitors wellness. WachMe smartwatches come with GPS tracking, two-way calls and emergency alerts, making communication and location tracking easier.

Other gadgets include the Starkey Genesis AI hearing aids, which improve hearing through ambient adaptation and AI-driven sound processing. Amazon Echo Frames offer hands-free voice assistance and open-ear audio, which allows users to take calls, listen to reminders, or access information without handling a phone. These devices highlight the variety of AI wearables currently available in India.

How AI Devices Can Support Senior Citizens

While these devices are made for different users, senior adults can also use AI-powered wearables for voice commands, hands-free communication and instant access to alerts or reminders. These features can make it easier to interact with technology which helps seniors stay independent in their daily lives.

Also, seniors can use these devices to explore apps, take pictures, send reminders, and check messages. They can handle these responsibilities without constant help due to the hands-free operation and straightforward interface that reduces frustration and increases accessibility to technology.

Some AI wearables also include health-related safety features, such as emergency alerts, fall detection, and GPS tracking, to help monitor and protect users. In addition to providing convenience and basic security, these gadgets can help seniors keep organised, connected and more conscious of their surroundings.

Risks for Seniors

While accessibility and convenience are two benefits of AI-powered products, seniors should be aware of the risks they pose. Madhupam Krishna, SEBI-registered investment advisor (RIA) and chief planner, WealthWisher Financial Planner and Advisors, warns seniors about potential risks of AI wearables.

He says, "AI wearables like smartwatches, rings, and health-monitoring devices can integrate banking and investment applications and provide instant alerts on major changes in a portfolio. However, they typically require access to personal financial data, making seniors vulnerable to breaches and scams. Very few seniors have the technical knowledge to distinguish legitimate alerts from fraud attempts, increasing the risk of financial loss."

He added, "AI-enabled wearables can create overreliance on automation. Seniors may face adoption issues, medical limitations such as impaired vision or hearing, and cost barriers. Devices, along with usability issues and fraud risks, also affect their safety, privacy, and psychological comfort."