Innovative AI-Driven App Aims to Reduce Elderly Loneliness

Research indicates that long-term social isolation can be as detrimental to health as smoking 15 cigarettes daily, making it a critical concern for the aging population. In response, Kennesaw State University researchers are developing an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) tool designed to help seniors forge meaningful connections and alleviate loneliness.

The project, named Sandrapp (Supporting Adults Needing Direct Relationship App), distinguishes itself from traditional social media platforms by not emphasizing messaging or content sharing. Instead, it leverages AI technology to facilitate real-world interactions with individuals who share similar values, beliefs, and life experiences, fostering genuine relationships.

Originating from a university brainstorming session focused on health and wellness in aging, the idea was inspired by Dr. Paola Spoletini’s personal experience of being separated from her mother in Italy. She envisioned a system where someone akin to her, sharing her mother’s interests and personality, could check in to provide companionship—not as a professional caregiver but as a natural, empathetic connection.

Sandrapp was developed through collaboration among experts in software engineering, psychology, usability, and health technology, including faculty members and students from various colleges within KSU. The team emphasizes a user-centered approach, prioritizing feedback from older adults, families, volunteers, and service providers to ensure the app's relevance and accessibility.

Unlike conventional chat-based apps, Sandrapp’s core functionality is matching older adults with volunteers, family members, or community members who mirror their social preferences—such as faith-based discussions or similar interests. The app’s design philosophy is to intentionally foster in-person or real-world meetings, avoiding reliance solely on screens.

To support emotional well-being, the team is also exploring discreet home monitoring systems that track subtle changes in daily habits, like water use or movement patterns, to provide gentle reassurance and alert trusted individuals if needed. This approach aims to enhance safety without infringing on privacy.

Design experts on the team ensure that the interface, visual contrast, and usability are tailored to older users’ needs, counteracting the common pitfalls of technology assuming familiarity that may not exist. Social scientists contribute insights into loneliness and social determinants of health, emphasizing that technology should serve as an enabler of connection, not a replacement for human interaction.

Sociologists and psychologists involved in the project see Sandrapp as more than a tech solution—it’s a form of health intervention. As Dr. Sanchez Cardona notes, social support significantly impacts mental and physical health, and this app aims to rebuild networks of support, one meaningful connection at a time.

The team continues to gather data through interviews and reviews to refine the platform, with the overarching goal of creating a tool that seamlessly integrates into daily life and enhances social well-being among older adults.