For many older adults, the moment a smartphone freezes or a laptop won’t connect to Wi-Fi can trigger a wave of frustration and an apologetic call to a child or grandchild. But what if you could get fast, reliable tech help on your own terms, without feeling like a burden?
Meet Gil, a groundbreaking web-based AI service designed specifically for seniors who want independence, not intimidation, when it comes to technology. At the heart of Gil is Joel Jacobson, a seasoned tech executive whose mission is deeply personal and passionately practical.
“Helping seniors confidently navigate technology isn’t just about solving technical problems,” says Joel Jacobson, Co-founder of Gil. “It’s about preserving independence and dignity in a world that increasingly depends on digital literacy“
A Personal Problem Sparked a Nationwide Solution
After leading product development at industry giants like Amazon, Disney, ESPN, and Hulu, Joel Jacobson found his most meaningful project wasn’t in boardrooms or brainstorms, but at home.
“I was regularly helping my aging parents with tech issues,” Joel recalls. “I wanted to apply my experience to help them stay independent.” That spark led to the creation of Gil, an AI-powered companion that guides older adults through tech problems in a patient, friendly, and empowering way.
Gil isn’t just another chatbot, it’s a purpose-built tool designed with the 55+ community in mind. Everything about it, from the language it uses to the layout of the screen, is engineered for clarity, comfort, and confidence.
Why Seniors Love Gil
For years, older adults have been underserved by digital tools built for younger, tech-fluent users. According to AARP, 40% of adults aged 50 and up feel technology isn’t designed with them in mind. And Pew Research reports that 77% of seniors need assistance when learning new tech. Gil is changing that. “We focus on making Gil feel like it was made for them, because it was,” says Joel. “From large buttons and simple fonts to step-by-step guidance, every detail is intentional.”
What makes Gil stand out?
Clear, jargon-free language tailored to each user
Email and printable summaries after every session
Live human hand-off to Senior Planet experts if more help is needed
Consistent trust and accuracy with every interaction
Coming soon: community support tools that let seniors help one another
With Gil, seniors don’t just use technology, they feel confident doing it. Gil is giving them the tools, support, and step-by-step guidance to do it themselves and feel confident doing so.
Real Stories, Real Results
The stories from Gil users say it all, this isn’t just an app, it’s a trusted companion for figuring things out with calm, step-by-step clarity. One delighted user even joked, “I call Gil my son-in-law replacement.” Another happy user, Bella, shared how she used Gil to confidently buy a new phone and transfer her data, all without needing to ask for help. “Gil gave me confidence,” she said. “No Googling needed!”
Malvina turned to Gil to organize hundreds of email addresses for a community event, while Elaine leaned on it when her sons weren’t available to troubleshoot tech issues. Joe, a music lover, said Gil helped him get the hang of both his iPad and the audio software he now uses to play and enjoy music. The feedback is clear and heartfelt: Gil isn’t just helpful, it’s empowering. With its simple, clearly defined steps and human-centered design, Gil gives older adults the confidence to navigate technology on their own terms.
Tech with Heart: Designed by Experts, Built for You
The magic behind Gil starts with its creators. Joel brings deep product and consumer expertise, while his co-founder Phil previously led an AI development organization at Apple. Together, they set out to build something smart, safe, and truly human-centered. “Most products test for millennial use cases,” Joel explains. “We test with older adults at every step to ensure Gil speaks their language.” That thoughtful approach includes continuous feedback from real users and careful vetting of every answer Gil provides, so seniors never feel like they’re relying on random online advice. And Gil’s next chapter brings even more connection: a new human support feature will let users seamlessly reach real experts when they want more personalized help, while an upcoming community-sharing platform will empower older adults to support one another.
Try Gil For Free
Gil is completely free for older adults and works right in your browser. No downloads, no confusing setup, just easy, reliable help when you need it most. www.ChatWithGil.com
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About the Expert:
Joel Jacobson is the co-founder of Gil, the AI-powered tech support app designed specifically for older adults. With over 20 years of experience leading product, engineering, and business teams at top companies like Amazon, Disney, ESPN, and Hulu, Joel brings deep industry expertise and a personal mission to his work.
