Combatting loneliness in older adults through a novel sensory stimulating communication tool

Award Date: 2021

Project Lead(s): Diya Jhuti, Anabela Cotovio

Project Title: Combatting loneliness in older adults through a novel sensory stimulating communication tool

In Canada, up to 77% of bedridden older adults cannot see their loved ones’ faces when they are confined in hospitals or long-term care for extended periods of time. The lack of access to face-to-face communication tools drastically increases social isolation and loneliness. Even more concerning, this absence is known to affect the neural synchronizations that are correlated with an increased risk of cognitive decline and premature mortality. To address this issue, this project is developing a sensory stimulating communication tool to combat loneliness in older patients.