Ring’s Partnership with USAging

In December 2022, a Ring Video Doorbell and an Amazon Echo Show were donated to a couple in their 80s. The wife, who was battling cancer at the time, is a tech enthusiast. Her husband, who is nearly deaf, coincidentally hates all things technology. Upon receiving their new devices, the wife was delighted to have the ability to see who was at the door without rushing to it. Her husband, on the other hand, wasn’t excited about having new tech in the home. However, upon connecting the devices together, the husband found he was able to increase the volume on his device, preventing him from missing the sound of the doorbell. While the volume level he chose would drive nearly anyone else crazy, he loved it, because he could hear it.

As is evident with this couple, technology has the potential to improve the quality of life for aging individuals and to support independent living. With the ability to connect Ring and Amazon Alexa-enabled devices together, customers can use Alexa’s voice commands to speak to visitors, get a Live View from their doorbell or camera feed, answer their door, and receive notifications on their Alexa-enabled device.

Origin of Ring’s Partnership with USAging

Ring launched its partnership with the Pasco-Pinellas division of Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) in December 2021 in an effort to empower and support older adults by distributing up to 1,000 devices, including free installation and a Ring Home subscription to residents 60 years and older throughout Pasco and Pinellas counties. In 2023, the partnership spread nationwide, supporting 5,000 seniors across nine states through a national partnership with USAging. Through this partnership, Ring donated Ring Video Doorbells, Stick Up Cams, and a free subscription for the life of each device to 10 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) across the country.

“Our partnership with Ring confirms the critical value that this technology plays in ensuring the safety and security of older adults,” said USAging CEO Sandy Markwood. “We are demonstrating the essential role the technology has in helping older adults live well and independently in their homes and communities.”

For Joanna’s daughter, ensuring her 80-year-old blind mother is safe in her home is paramount. Joanna has experienced falls and is at a significant risk of falling again. Joanna’s daughter isn’t able to stay at her mother’s side 24/7, so two Stick-Up Cams were installed inside Joanna’s home. These cameras allow her to check in on her mother when she’s not able to physically be in the home. “The cameras give peace of mind that if [my mother] falls, I will know and can get her help,” she said. “Without the cameras, I’m not sure that I would feel as comfortable with my mother staying in her home [by herself].”

“Through our partnership with USAging, we see firsthand how Ring products can profoundly impact the lives of older adults, enhancing their sense of security to live more independently,” said Liz Hamren, CEO of Ring. “At Ring, we’re committed to supporting USAging’s mission. This partnership is an extension of our commitment to keeping people close to what’s important and ensuring that more seniors across the country can experience the safety, connection, and peace of mind that our products provide.”

Other recipients of Ring devices and their caregivers have indicated that the Two-Way Talk and Live View features provided an increased sense of safety and peace of mind. These capabilities allow customers to respond to anyone in real-time and see and talk with those on the other end of the device.

What is USAging and What is the Impact of the Partnership?

Ring has donated over $1M worth of devices and subscriptions to support senior safety as part of the partnership with USAging. USAging is the national association representing and supporting the network of Area Agencies on Aging. The organization helps older adults and people with disabilities throughout the United States live with optimal health, wellbeing, independence, and dignity in their homes and communities.

USAging delivers a wide range of home and community-based services, including information and referral/assistance, case management, home-delivered and congregate meals, in-home services, caregiver supports, transportation, evidence-based health and wellness programs, and more.

How You Can Support USAging

Navigating resources for older adults and caregivers can be overwhelming. USAging administers the Eldercare Locator, a national information and referral resource center providing information and resources to older adults and caregivers and simplifies the process by serving as a comprehensive gateway to available services and support. Voice, videophone, or text: 1-800-677-1116 | Chat: eldercare.acl.gov | Email: eldercarelocator@usaging.org

In the wake of the devastating hurricanes that have greatly affected the Southeastern United States, we are making a special request for donations to the USAging Disaster Relief Fund. One hundred percent of your tax-deductible gifts to the fund will go directly to AAAs and Title VI programs in affected areas to use in assisting their older adult clients as they recover from devastation. Examples of assistance include providing food and safe drinking water; replacing furnishings, kitchen appliances and home essentials; and repairing damaged homes. Our older adults are often the most affected during disasters and also face the longest road to recovery. You can find more information about how you can support the recovery efforts here.

Have a Story?

If you have stories or videos you’d like to share with us, please send them to stories@ring.com.