Resources

Isolation Companionship In Senior Living: Combating Isolation

By: Paul Gilbert,

World Health Net

Senior loneliness and isolation are serious public health concerns that require our focus. Age, changing social dynamics, bereavement, and restricted mobility are just a few of the reasons why seniors often feel cut off from the outside world. Loneliness and social isolation can have a serious negative impact on seniors' physical and mental health as well as their general well-being.

Loneliness Induces Brain Changes That Fuel Cognitive Decline

By: Lisa Kuhns, PhD, Psychiatry Advisor

Loneliness contributes to both psychological risk factors for cognitive decline and structural brain changes that are linked to dementia, according to study results published in Brain Behavior and Immunity.
Given that older adults are more susceptible to loneliness, targeted interventions for this vulnerable population are needed to prevent adverse health impacts.

Why Are Social Isolation and Loneliness As Fatal As Smoking, Obesity?

By: Ashima Sharda Mahindra, Times Now

The American Psychological Association says not only does loneliness underscore the importance of social connection, but it is also the cognitive discomfort of being or perceiving oneself to be alone.  

Social isolation, loneliness in older people pose health risks

NIH National Institute of Aging

Human beings are social creatures. Our connection to others enables us to survive and thrive. Yet, as we age, many of us are alone more often than when we were
younger, leaving us vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness—and related health problems such as cognitive decline, depression, and heart disease. Fortunately, there are ways to counteract these negative effects.

5 new innovations to help senior citizens live a better life

By: Shawn Johnson, Business News

Technology is changing the way we live, especially for older people who face various challenges in their daily lives. From social isolation to mobility
issues, senior citizens need solutions that can help them stay healthy, safe and connected. 

Robotic pets curb social isolation for older adults during COVID-19 pandemic

By: KimberlyBonvissuto, McKnight Senior Living

They are a powerful solution for many who love having pets yet are no longer able to manage the day-to-day care of a real pet,” Ted Fischer, co-founder and CEO of Ageless Innovation, told McKnight’s Senior Living.

Lifelike robotic pets are helping isolated seniors avoid loneliness

By Kelsie Smith, CNN

“Pretty,” was the word an Alabama senior used to describe the lifelike robotic companion pet she received from a new pilot project administered by the Alabama Department of Senior Services. It was the first word she had said in a long time, according to department Commissioner Jean Brown.

Robotic Pets Promote Connectivity and Wellbeing

Aging and Disability Services

The idea of usinganimatronics may seem like an inconventional approach to
the issue—and it has encountered some skepticism and even a bit of technophobia—but research has shown that robotic pets, also called “carefree companion pets,” can have positive impacts on mood and well-being.  

Can Robots Really Be Companions For Older Adults?

By Dr Simon Coghlan and Associate Professor Jenny Waycott, University of Melbourne

The plan aims to “battle social isolation” by providing older adults with robots that can initiate conversations, play games and provide general
support. 

Meet the new robots helping to solve the depression and loneliness epidemic in aging
adults

By: Matt Fuchs, Fortune Well

Isolation during the pandemic highlighted how harmful loneliness can be.
This sped up development of tech solutions, says Nilanjan Sarkar, an engineering professor at Vanderbilt University. One area of rapid advancement has been artificial intelligence for
companion robots.