An adaptable world interface helps progressively less capable persons maintain contact with friends, relatives, and the outside world, personal entertainment channels, telephone, e-mail, television, household appliances, etc. A hand-held device displays a selected, consistent GUI menu, simplified to match the person's present abilities. A selected ability-matched user interface controls a programmed set-top box feeding appropriate output devices. People may start using the invention while young and able so that, before possible disability begins and entry into hospital care commences, the person is already used to managing the world interface. Remote medical consultations are provided for.