Social Interactions (p1):
Research, explorations, discussions, and products and resources relating to Social Interactions: from Tech-enhanced Life.
Interacting socially with other people.
For Older Adults, their Families, and Caregivers
— and for Companies Creating Innovations Related to Aging.
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Analysis & Exploration | Explorer Discussions | Resources and Products shared by our Explorers.
Featured Guides & Reports: Social Interactions
The "Useful Apps Club" for Older Adults
Unlock the potential of your smartphone or tablet to improve your life.
The "Useful Apps Club" is for older adults and Boomers who have a smartphone or tablet (or are thinking of getting one) and need help to turn it into a useful tool. We are focused on finding Apps that can change your life, and teaching you how to use them.
Can Alexa Help Fight Loneliness and Isolation?
Perhaps it seems counterintuitive that an artificial intelligence(AI) might help combat loneliness and isolation. But as our Longevity Explorers evaluate the latest version of Alexa, paired with the Amazon Echo Show, which has an excellent video call capability, we are starting to see great potential for these products to do just that.
And while there are a variety of initiatives evaluating the potential of interactions between older adults and Alexa (Amazon's artifical intelligence) as a way to reduce loneliness, we think the communication capabilities of the Echo Show may make possible deeper human to human interactions (with friends and family for example) as well.
Quickly Getting Help for a Friend in Need
"Hi, this is Lisa. I'm not sure I can take care of myself right now. Can you bring me some food?" I found that scary sounding message on my voicemail one Saturday morning. It started me on a journey to coordinate care for a close friend. I learned several things that I'll share with you. I hope that if you are ever faced with a similar situation, my experience will help you.
Cohousing: The Power of Community
Cohousing: The power of community. Thoughts from a cohousing pioneer.
Amazon Echo Show: Older Adults Explore
Our Longevity Explorers have been testing the Amazon Echo Show and exploring its capabilities. With the ability to make phone calls and video calls on request, Alexa and the Amazon Echo Show have added important capabilities since our community of older adults first explored Alexa back in 2017. Learn what these "seniors" think is (or is not) useful about it; what questions they have; and what they think needs improvement.
Isolated and Lonely: How Can We Avoid This?
How do you avoid becoming isolated and lonely as you get older? Are there things you can do to help prevent this?
Isolation and loneliness is a very real fear for many older adults. Many of us know of someone suffering from it, and it can be very sad. Our Longevity Explorers came up with some practical tips to help avoid this problem.
Staying Independent as an Older Adult: The Challenges
Staying "Independent" as long as possible is one of the most important priorities for many people as they age. But what do older adults really mean when they talk of being "independent", and what are the obstacles to staying independent?
Best Video Call Technology
Now that we are all "sheltering in place", finding ways to interact virtually with people from our homes has rocketed up people's priority list.
We have had quite a few emails now from people wanting to know the best way to have video calls with their family and friends. Here are some... ....... Read more
SF Explorers use Amazon Echo Show to Reach Across the Country
The San Francisco Explorers participate in a cross country video call demonstration of the use of an Amazon Echo Show. .........Read more
The Loneliness of Old Age
Discussion of Social Isolation and Loneliness by the Longevity Explorers @ Avenidas .........Read more
Jitterbug Flip Phone: Evaluated @ Passavant
The Passavant Explorers were interested in options for friends in need of a cell phone, but not interested in learning to use a smart phone. We spent some time interacting with the Jitterbug Flip - our opinions are listed below. .........Read more
How Can I Keep My World from Closing In as I Age?
SF Longevity Explorers respond to the question "What can I do to prevent my world from shrinking around me with age"?
Marty's immediate response is to get a computer. She says that it gives her the ability to see church services, visit vacation sites and archaeological digs, to visit with... .........Read more
Robot Companions Help Lonely or Isolated Elders
SF Explorer Dan recalls seeing an article about development of an AI robot companion for older people who live alone, and feels that it is a good thing. .........Read more
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FamilyGram
FamilyGram is an iPhone app intended to connect family or friends and to foster connections via a private social network.
Readeo
Readeo is a subscription service consisting of a combination of an app with hardware intended to enable the pages of a story to appear on the computer screen, and for persons separated by distance to see, hear and talk to one another through video chat windows at the bottom of the screen.
The Wellbeing Monitor
The Wellbeing Monitor is a smartphone app that is intended to set up a private communication tool for use by elders and selected family or friends to check in and help assure an elder's well being.
Uniper
Uniper is an Internet connected platform intended to reduce isolation and loneliness in the elderly, whether at home or in congregate living.
Loop
Loop is an Internet connected monitor and iOS app intended to be a communication device that allows the user to share video, photos, and video chat.
Toobaloo
Toobaloo is a tubular device designed to give auditory feedback to children (or adults having speech therapy) and to help adjust fluency.
Joy for All: Companion Pets
Hasbro Joy for All companion pets are designed to provide company to persons who may be at risk for loneliness or isolation.
ViewClix
The ViewClix Smart Frame is designed to be placed in the home of an older adult to display pictures shared from smart phones, PCs or other mobile devices. It is also intended to be used for video calls.
Meetup Groups
Meetup is an Internet platform for like-minded people to get together for discussions, entertainment, vocational or social reasons.
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