Innovative App Aims to Alleviate Loneliness Among Seniors

Chronic social isolation poses a significant risk to health, comparable to the dangers of smoking 15 cigarettes a day. This concern is particularly pressing for the elderly population. In response to this pressing issue, researchers from Kennesaw State University are developing a novel AI-driven application aimed at helping older adults forge meaningful connections with others.

The application, named Sandrapp (Supporting Adults Needing Direct Relationship App), is specifically designed to address chronic loneliness in aging communities. Unlike conventional social networking platforms, Sandrapp does not emphasize digital messaging or content sharing. Instead, it leverages artificial intelligence to promote real-life interactions with individuals who share similar values, beliefs, and life experiences.

The concept for Sandrapp originated during a university-led think tank focused on health and wellness for aging populations. One of the project's key figures, Paola Spoletini, a professor and associate dean of research at the College of Computing and Software Engineering, drew from her personal experiences. Living far from her mother in Italy, she envisioned how beneficial it would be if someone with her mother's interests could provide companionship, creating a genuine connection rather than a professional caregiving relationship.

This personal insight led to the collaboration of Spoletini with fellow researchers Maria Valero, Israel Sanchez Cardona, and Luisa Valentina Nino de Valladares. Their combined expertise spans software development, psychology, usability engineering, and health technology, reflecting an interdisciplinary approach to tackling loneliness among seniors. Valero leads the app's development, while Sanchez Cardona provides insights into the psychological aspects of loneliness, and Nino de Valladares focuses on user experience to ensure the app is accessible and usable for older adults.

Sandrapp's innovative approach lies in its ability to connect older adults with volunteers, family substitutes, or community members who can resonate with their social identity. For instance, if an older adult prefers to discuss their faith, the app will facilitate matches with like-minded individuals, fostering a sense of comfort and companionship.

The development team emphasizes the importance of user feedback, actively involving undergraduate and graduate students in the design process. They conduct interviews with older adults, family members, and community service providers to ensure that the app meets the specific needs of its users. By prioritizing user input, the team aims to avoid common pitfalls associated with technology designed for older adults, which often neglect their preferences and limitations.

Sandrapp distinguishes itself by intentionally gathering data before implementation, rather than making assumptions about user needs. The team recognizes that technology alone cannot resolve the issue of loneliness; instead, it should facilitate real-life interactions. To enhance this, features such as subtle home monitoring may be integrated to alert family members of any irregular changes in the older adult's routine, thereby providing a safety net without infringing on privacy.

Usability remains a core focus for the Sandrapp team, as many applications fail due to a lack of consideration for older users' unique needs. By designing the app with these limitations in mind--such as interface aesthetics and button sizes--the team hopes to create a tool that is both functional and user-friendly.

Sanchez Cardona views Sandrapp as not merely a technological solution but as a vital health intervention. The app aims to rebuild support networks, emphasizing that social connections are crucial for both mental and physical well-being. Through Sandrapp, the team aspires to create meaningful relationships that can significantly enhance the quality of life for older adults.