In the midst of the pandemic, loneliness and isolation have become major issues for people of all ages. The U.S. surgeon general has even identified it as an epidemic. When it comes to combating loneliness, social media has received a lot of criticism for isolating people even further. However, according to data from Intuition Robotics, technology could actually be the solution for older adults.
Intuition Robotics, the company behind AI companion ElliQ, has found that its product can help combat loneliness and contribute to healthier aging among seniors. The flagship AI companion has been in beta testing for years, and is now being distributed to American seniors through several state aging agencies.
Dor Skuler, the founder of Intuition Robotics, believes that the surgeon general’s report missed something important: technology’s impact on older adults is different from that on children and teens. While the surgeon general warns technology is a contributing factor for teen loneliness, the report and our data shows the opposite holds true for older adults, Skuler said.
ElliQ is designed to encourage seniors to be more engaged and connected. According to Skuler, It’s a proactive sidekick that anticipates your needs, orchestrates your day and encourages you to be more active and connected. The AI companion can help seniors stay connected with their families and friends, while also reducing loneliness.
The conversation surrounding technology and loneliness is complicated, and it’s easy to think that social media only contributes to loneliness. However, as Intuition Robotics has found, technology like ElliQ can actually help seniors feel less isolated. As we continue to navigate the pandemic and the various challenges it has brought with it, it’s important to remember that technology can be a valuable tool in combating loneliness and isolation.
