There is a lot of potential for technology to help us battle isolation and loneliness among older adults. Some of the examples include:
Robotics. Robots exist that can read the same books as you, and can actually discuss the book with you. An interesting new option that is still primitive at this point, but is getting better fast.
Smart-Phone and Computer Apps. Currently, there are apps that can alert you, for example, that someone is nearby that is interested in meeting to get coffee. Or, other affinity-related apps for alerting you that I’m available and nearby for a walk, etc.
Alexa/Artificial Intelligence (AI). Taking the above affinity apps one step further, Alexa or similar AI capabilities allow a person to ask it to find others that want (e.g.) coffee, or other affinities. ‘Alexa’, by requiring just talking or speaking, can make these activities or benefits even easier to do.
We want and need better and simpler setups for using this technology. Simplicity, good instruction, and ease of use are critical, otherwise, these barriers can deter many of us from using these technologies.
Robotics. Robots exist that can read the same books as you, and can actually discuss the book with you. An interesting new option that is still primitive at this point, but is getting better fast.
Smart-Phone and Computer Apps. Currently, there are apps that can alert you, for example, that someone is nearby that is interested in meeting to get coffee. Or, other affinity-related apps for alerting you that I’m available and nearby for a walk, etc.
Alexa/Artificial Intelligence (AI). Taking the above affinity apps one step further, Alexa or similar AI capabilities allow a person to ask it to find others that want (e.g.) coffee, or other affinities. ‘Alexa’, by requiring just talking or speaking, can make these activities or benefits even easier to do.
We want and need better and simpler setups for using this technology. Simplicity, good instruction, and ease of use are critical, otherwise, these barriers can deter many of us from using these technologies.
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