At 28, Shreya Thakkar — a designer inspired by her grandparents — revolutionised senior care by creating smart canes and mobility aids. Her journey, which began in India, took her to California, where she explored the potential of technology in supporting elderly independence.

“Watching my mother care for my grandparents taught me the value of compassion,” says Shreya. This deeply personal experience fuelled her dream of creating products that enhance seniors’ independence and well-being.

Shreya’s passion for design led her to Los Angeles, where she pursued a master’s degree at ArtCenter College of Design. While there, she volunteered at senior living facilities.

“I gained valuable insights into their preferences and challenges. I learned how important it is to listen to their stories, experience, and concerns in order to provide the best possible care and support,” Shreya shares.

Her research revealed that most older adults value independence and enjoy simple pleasures, such as taking unhurried strolls. By closely observing their daily lives and listening to their stories, Shreya was able to identify areas where design could make a meaningful difference.

“Through my research, I identified key areas in elderly life where there was a need for improvement, such as morning routines, internal mobility, and kitchen assistance,” Shreya recalls.

This led to the creation of her first products — the ‘Wander On Assist Cane’ and the ‘Wander On Assist Walker’. The Wander On Assist Cane combines mobility support with advanced health monitoring and SOS features, promoting independence and peace of mind.

The cane comes with a built-in pedometer, blood pressure monitor, and SOS button. “It sends health data and location to loved ones and registered health centres, ensuring timely help when needed,” Shreya explains.

The Wander On Assist Walker, on the other hand, incorporates GPS, health monitoring, and even a gesture-controlled recall feature for added convenience.

Seniors can sit or stand as needed, while the walker supports their daily activities, like carrying groceries and navigating users home,” says Shreya. The walker is designed to be ergonomic and user-friendly.

Shreya worked with a Houston-based architecture firm to prototype these devices, testing them with seniors to refine their functionality and design.

“Each prototype test gave me valuable insights into how we can make these devices fit seamlessly into seniors’ lives,” notes Shreya, who is planning to commence production soon. Her goal is to make them widely accessible and affordable.

Shreya’s vision doesn’t stop here. She says, “I hope to improve seniors’ well-being worldwide by offering greater autonomy and connection through innovative design. This is just the beginning.”