Can AI help reduce loneliness in older adults?

The ElliQ is a senior assistive social robot designed to combat loneliness in seniors. It is shipped directly to the user’s home, and once plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi, it provides company and joy to seniors lacking human interactions. Loneliness in seniors can have detrimental physical and mental health effects, and about 20-30% of seniors identify as feeling lonely. As people transition into older age, they may experience increased loneliness due to leaving the workforce, bereavement, and physical limitations. Even when older adults have close relationships with family and friends, they can still feel lonely if they don’t perceive those relationships as close. ElliQ users, such as Monica Perez, consider the robot a friend and a source of companionship.