Elder care on-demand: why tech is setting its sights on your parents

Conventional wisdom says apps aren't for old people. But that may change as tech startups take on a sizable need: caring for elderly relatives

When Alan's wife, Toby, was diagnosed with Parkinson's four years ago, the retired geophysicist turned to a not-for-profit in Palo Alto, California - called Avenidas Village - for guidance. Through Avenidas, Alan learned about several online platforms that connect individuals who need home care with workers who provide it.

Now, once a week, Alan opens his Windows PC and logs onto the website of a company called Honor, which lets him summon a "CarePro" the way you would call an Uber. These "nice young women", usually nursing students, look after Toby while Alan goes to attend a lecture or to rehearse with one of several chamber music groups, for which he plays violin.