For Immediate Release
May 1, 2024
Contact: Bethany Coulter, bcoulter@usaging.org and 202.872.0888

WASHINGTON—USAging has teamed up with Ring on a new community initiative to help older adults maintain their independence and quality of life as they age. Ring is donating up to 5,000 Ring Video Doorbells and Stick Up Cams and a free subscription for the life of each device to 10 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) located across the country.
 
“Ring is a technology that addresses critical needs of older adults by adding a layer of safety and allowing older adults to see who is at their door,” said Sandy Markwood, USAging CEO. “This partnership between Ring and AAAs will easily get devices into the hands of older adults most in need and help them to age safely in their homes and community.”
 
Ring launched its first AAA partnership in December 2021 with Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas in Florida to support and empower older adults. In December 2022, Ring and the Florida Association of Area Agencies on Aging launched a statewide initiative donating more than 2,000 Ring and Amazon devices to each of the 11 AAAs throughout Florida. Recipients and their caregivers reported that the Two-Way Talk and Live View features, which allow customers to respond in real-time and see and talk with anyone on the other end of the camera, provided an increased sense of safety and peace of mind. To date, we’ve heard from our Florida AAAs how much older adults can benefit from technology and how the devices make them feel:
 

• One caregiver said, “I actually signed up for my mother and several of her neighbors who are also [older adults] because I thought it was needed to help them feel safe [and] they are enjoying being able to see who's at their door.”

• A staff member from ElderSource donated a Ring doorbell and Echo Show to a couple in their 80s. While the wife was delighted to be able to see who was at the door without leaving the comfort of her couch, the husband was particularly thrilled with being able to connect the Ring and Echo together. He was able to turn Alexa to full volume and instead of missing the doorbell, Alexa would alert him twice that there was movement at the front door. It’s the first technological item that he’s appreciated in his 80 years of living.

 
“We’re excited to support seniors across the country,” said Liz Hamren, CEO of Ring. “Over the last three years, we’ve heard encouraging stories from Ring’s work with regional and statewide Area Agency on Aging organizations about how essential accessible technology is for seniors and how eager they are to adopt technology that makes them feel safer at home. We look forward to partnering with USAging and bringing peace of mind to seniors nationwide.”
 
Up to 500 Ring devices and Basic Protect Subscriptions will be donated to each of the following AAAs for distribution in their communities:
 

• AAA, Region One (Phoenix, AZ)
• AAA Bay Aging (Urbanna, VA)
• Care Connection (Houston, TX)
• Chautauqua Adult Day Services (Chautauqua, NY)
• Connections AAA (Southwestern & Western IA)
• Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities (Direction Home Akron Canton) (Uniontown, OH)
• AAA Ohio District 5 (Ontario, OH)
• CICOA, Aging & In-Home Solutions (Indianapolis, IN)
• Age Options (Oak Park, IL)
• AgeSpan (Danvers, MA)

 
Each AAA location will distribute devices on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible older residents. Device eligibility will be determined by each AAA organization. Ring will offer technology and installation training to the AAAs.
 
About USAging
USAging is the national association representing and supporting the network of Area Agencies on Aging and advocating for the Title VI Native American Aging Programs. Our members help older adults and people with disabilities throughout the United States live with optimal health, well-being, independence and dignity in their homes and communities. For more information, visit usaging.org and follow @theUSAging on Facebook, X and Instagram.
 
About Ring
Since its founding in 2014, Ring has been on a mission to connect customers to the people, places and things most important to them. First known for its iconic Video Doorbell, Ring now offers customizable solutions compatible with just about any home or business, from cameras and an award-winning alarm system to smart lighting and a wide range of accessories. Core to the experience is the Ring app, empowering customers to stay connected no matter where they are, because distance shouldn’t separate people from what they care about. Ring is an Amazon company. For more information, visit www.ring.com.