LifeAlert and Lifeline presume that people aged 65+ "have fallen and can't get up". That those 65+ are inept, helpless, and unable – unsophisticated, out of touch, and antiquated.
That's just not true.
This weekend I sat in gleeful awe of two 90-year-olds, Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger. Two of the most successful investors in the world. They shared their wisdom with hundreds of thousands of people across the globe. Not only are they wise, but they have continued to perform at an elite level: Since Warren turned 70, Berkshire has outperformed the S&P 500 nearly 2:1. If you had invested $100 in 2001, today you would have $492 with Berkshire and 284 with the S&P.
And they aren't alone!
At 67, Oprah continues to be a media leader, drawing 17 Million viewers for her recent interview with Meghan and Harry.
President Biden has been very busy and effective in his first 100 days. He and former President Trump are both over 70.
Dolly Parton had her best selling album, Blue Smoke, at the age of 68. This past year her foundation was a critical supporter of COVID research at Vanderbilt, which helped do trials for the Moderna vaccine. And she is still releasing albums now, at 75.
There's so many more examples I could give. Janet Yellen, Cathie Wood, John Roberts, our own Jan, and Anthony Fauci to name a few. Greater age does not mean inability.
At Snug, we are taking a different approach than Life Alert and Lifeline. We presume that people 65+ have agency, ability, and a lot of life left to live. This is why we design for the smartphone, facilitate choice, and are transparent about our designs and business model. Our customers are savvy.
It's time that companies and service providers give their customers the respect they deserve.
