Disciplines
Computer Engineering
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Social isolation and loneliness are significant challenges affecting the well-being of older adults, often leading to adverse mental and physical health outcomes. Prolonged isolation has been linked to increased risks of depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, and chronic illnesses such as hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. As digital technology continues to evolve, innovative solutions have emerged to address these issues and foster meaningful social interactions for older adults.
SANDRApp is a user-friendly digital platform designed to reduce loneliness and enhance social connectivity among older adults. The platform caters to three primary user groups: (1) families with elderly loved ones living far away, (2) older adults who may not have family support, and (3) volunteers who offer companionship and assistance. By providing an intuitive and accessible interface, SANDRApp ensures that older adults can easily engage with their social circles and support networks.
Key features of SANDRApp include video calls, instant messaging, virtual community groups, and scheduled reminders for social interactions, helping older adults maintain regular communication with loved ones. Additionally, the platform connects seniors with volunteers who provide companionship and emotional support, fostering intergenerational relationships and community engagement. Interest-based forums, wellness check-ins, and event notifications further encourage social participation and cognitive stimulation.
By leveraging technology to simplify communication and encourage social interaction, SANDRApp empowers older adults to maintain active and fulfilling social lives. The platform is designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring ease of use for seniors with varying levels of digital literacy. Through its comprehensive approach, SANDRApp helps mitigate the negative effects of social isolation, ultimately improving the mental and emotional well-being of older adults and enhancing their overall quality of life.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
CCSE - Information Technology
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Maria Valero de Clemente
Included in
SANDRApp: A Digital Intervention to Enhance Social Connectivity and Emotional Support Among Older Adults
Social isolation and loneliness are significant challenges affecting the well-being of older adults, often leading to adverse mental and physical health outcomes. Prolonged isolation has been linked to increased risks of depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, and chronic illnesses such as hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. As digital technology continues to evolve, innovative solutions have emerged to address these issues and foster meaningful social interactions for older adults.
SANDRApp is a user-friendly digital platform designed to reduce loneliness and enhance social connectivity among older adults. The platform caters to three primary user groups: (1) families with elderly loved ones living far away, (2) older adults who may not have family support, and (3) volunteers who offer companionship and assistance. By providing an intuitive and accessible interface, SANDRApp ensures that older adults can easily engage with their social circles and support networks.
Key features of SANDRApp include video calls, instant messaging, virtual community groups, and scheduled reminders for social interactions, helping older adults maintain regular communication with loved ones. Additionally, the platform connects seniors with volunteers who provide companionship and emotional support, fostering intergenerational relationships and community engagement. Interest-based forums, wellness check-ins, and event notifications further encourage social participation and cognitive stimulation.
By leveraging technology to simplify communication and encourage social interaction, SANDRApp empowers older adults to maintain active and fulfilling social lives. The platform is designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring ease of use for seniors with varying levels of digital literacy. Through its comprehensive approach, SANDRApp helps mitigate the negative effects of social isolation, ultimately improving the mental and emotional well-being of older adults and enhancing their overall quality of life.