Social-health program uses AI to pair older adults with youths to combat loneliness

A social-health program is using  artificial intelligence to pair older adults with young people to help improve social connection and reduce loneliness across the ages.

The California Commission on Aging is partnering with Eldera, an online platform that bills itself as a “virtual village with a human soul,” to recruit California adults aged 60 or more years to participate in weekly, virtual conversations lasting 30 to 60 minutes with youths ages 6 to 17. The initiative aims to address the state’s Master Plan for Aging goals to create a California for all ages and abilities by 2030.

Under the initiative, older adults undergo a background check and complete a brief training to be matched with a young person. Participants must have access to a smartphone, tablet or computer with internet and video capabilities. 

Eldera, which comes from “Era of the Elders” —  is responsible for recruitment, vetting, matching, program support and safety through an “AI chaperone” designed to keep conversations safe and meaningful. All video sessions take place on Eldera’s secure platform and are recorded for safety, allowing employees and students’ parents to review session recordings. 

An AI algorithm using 200 different variables is used to match older adults and youths based on interests, personalities and language preferences. Eldera tracks engagement, satisfaction and well-being indicators to measure the success of the program. The company hosts weekly rolling orientations as participants sign up for the program.

According to the commission and Eldera, older adults benefit from a sense of purpose and broadened legacy, and youths benefit from social-emotional learning and increased resilience.

“As more of life moves online and AI becomes ubiquitous, young people need consistent human connection, someone who sees them, hears them and shows up,” Eldera co-founder and CEO Dana Griffin said in a statement. “Human connection requires a human, and our most untapped resource is adults over 60 with a little extra time, wisdom and a desire to do good.”

There is no cost to enroll in the program, although employers, associations and other groups — including senior living organizations — can sponsor pairings to promote enrollment. Eldera is supported by Age Wave founder Ken Dychtwald, PhD, who sits on the company’s “wisdom board.” The Cleveland Clinic recognizes Eldera as a “social prescription,” and the United Nations’ AI for Good recognizes the program as a case study for using AI to reconnect generations. 

“Our belief is simple: Older adults have the responsibility and ability to help protect and support the next generation, and when they do, everyone benefits,” according to Eldera.

Operating since 2020, Eldera said 94% of its matches talk weekly, and 72% of those talk for a year or more.