Over the past few years, robotics developers have found conclusively that those high-tech companions are a welcome addition to senior living communities. 

Now, developers are further augmenting their robot pals with new tricks and personality. 

One of the companies at the forefront of introducing robots to long-term care settings, Intuition Robotics, is releasing its third iteration of ElliQ, which was conceived as a way to address older adults’ feelings of loneliness and isolation. 

One of the major innovations of the new model is a lighter, smaller design that is easier for older adults to handle, the company said. Even the earlier iterations of ElliQ were small, table or desktop-mounted devices that somewhat resemble the Pixar lamp. 

While they continue to fine-tune the robot’s capabilities, Intuition also is learning new insights about how interaction with ElliQ differs between demographics, Intuition Vice President of Strategy Assaf Gad told the McKnight’s Tech Daily on Friday. 

“The majority of ElliQ users are women,” Gad said. “And while everyone engages with ElliQ, rural users use it as a communication tool for family members, while in more urban areas, we’re seeing it used more for health and medication reminders.”

Gad cautioned that those trends are not definitive but said the company does have enough data to provide a meaningful snapshot of where the assistive robots market is at.

In addition to the updated design, ElliQ 3.0 also has new artificial intelligence capabilities that allow for more advanced conversation, Gad said. The robot now also can connect users for Bingo games and other synchronized events, the company said.

“We want to help older adults have a more meaningful conversation [with ElliQ],” Gad explained. “This allows us to learn more about their needs. And that empowers older adults to stay more independent.”

One way ElliQ could achieve this goal is by collaborating with older adults on cooking recipes, Gad noted. The new version of the robot can remember and draw on past conversations to help build recipes for a gluten-free or diabetic diet, or it can use that context to advise on how someone can combine ingredients that are in the refrigerator. 

While ElliQ’s conversational abilities are becoming more intelligent, the company has remained steadfast in the contention that the device is not a replacement for human interaction, but rather a tool to help foster it. 

“We try to bring trust and empathy to the table,” Gad said, “but it’s always a combination of the human and robotic touch.”

Understanding the effects loneliness can have, Arrow Senior Living first launched its Holiday Cheer initiative in 2020, when COVID-19 forced many senior communities across the country into lockdown. Back then, social media was one of the best ways residents could connect with family and friends, so Arrow initiated a 38-day photo challenge starting on Dec. 1. Today, Holiday Cheer continues to evolve, with daily events scheduled across every Arrow community, beginning Thanksgiving Day and running through Orthodox Christmas on Jan. 7.

This year’s 46 Days of Holiday Cheer enlivens the spirit while encouraging the pursuit of new knowledge. Residents have been invited to observe traditional religious holidays, including Christmas and Hanukkah, attending both tree-lighting ceremonies and the lighting of the menorah. The opportunity to find moments of joy sweeps over each community, bringing both nostalgia for the past and hope for the future.

Arrow has scheduled plenty of fun, creative events to engage in all season long. From cookie-baking and wreath-making to festive door decorating contests and caroling, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Even the Grumps, Grinches and Bah Humbugs who seem just a little annoyed by all the holiday cheer soon find themselves immersed in community merrymaking too. Those less enthused about the festivities can celebrate Festivus on Dec. 23.

Holiday Cheer easily is a favorite among residents and employees, as the team recognizes that the holiday season is also the perfect time to explore lifelong learning and appreciation for different cultures and traditions. In addition to all the fun events and traditions residents experience during this year’s 46 Days of Holiday Cheer, they also have an opportunity to gather at other cultural and educational events to learn about the land they occupy; to break bread with their neighbors while celebrating Las Posadas; and to discover the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Those shared learning experiences are designed to help Arrow Senior Living continue to cultivate more inclusive communities and reinforce our core values — listening to understand and believing kindness can drive change in the world.

It’s not too late for senior living providers to think about their own holiday initiatives for this year and future years. Start by building on the existing calendar to include holiday traditions from around the world. Celebrations don’t have to be overwhelming or hosted on a large scale; smaller gatherings easily can include opportunities for residents to learn and share their own experiences. Partner with local historians or other experts to host fun, intergenerational celebrations and activities, and if they are open to it, ask residents to contribute by sharing the unique ways they celebrate their cultural traditions.

The absence of human connection can have devastating effects on mental health and well-being, and the Department of Health and Human Services has labeled loneliness as an epidemic. Senior living providers have an opportunity to offer solutions, cultivating communities where residents are not just surrounded by their peers — they are building meaningful relationships with one another, too.

This season, as Arrow celebrates its fourth annual Holiday Cheer initiative, our team is more dedicated than ever to ensuring residents have an amazing experience and something exciting to look forward to through the new year. No one should feel the sting of loneliness or social isolation, especially when surrounded by community. Arrow’s events are focused on bringing people together in an environment that encourages purpose and intentional connection.

So, whether residents are sipping gourmet hot cocoa by the fire, recording their own rendition of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” at local recording studios, building the most epic gingerbread houses or learning about Icelandic folklore and the mischievous Yule lads, our team expects this year’s 46 Days of Holiday Cheer to have been our most joyous celebration yet.

Amanda Tweten is chief operating officer at Arrow Senior Living.

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The opinions expressed in each McKnight’s Senior Living guest column are those of the author and are not necessarily those of McKnight’s Senior Living.

Legislation targeting the parallel senior and child care workforce shortages was introduced Friday to address the epidemic of loneliness by fostering intergenerational connections.

The Care Across Generations Act, HR 6835, would provide resources to create and maintain childcare programs within assisted living communities. Research shows that intergenerational settings increase the health and well-being of both young and old participants, reduces social isolation and creates cost efficiencies, according to Argentum, but only a handful of communities offer this type of interaction. 

The nation’s 31,400 assisted living communities are home to nearly 2 million older adults and employ 1 million caregivers, many of whom report difficulties with finding reliable childcare, according to Argentum. 

“Assisted living, as a residential care setting where seniors live with dignity and independence while receiving help with daily activities, offers the ideal setting to embrace intergenerational care,” Argentum Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Maggie Elehwany said in a statement. “The Care Across Generation Act can help assisted living communities retain these vital caregivers by increasing childcare options at a time when high quality care can be hard to find.”

She added that assisted living communities enable residents to thrive by addressing social determinants of health, as well as reducing isolation and combating loneliness, which US Surgeon General Vivek Murthly called “America’s invisible epidemic.”

The legislation would provide grants for on-site childcare, multigenerational activities and dedicated intergenerational space, according to Matt Gatzke, CEO of the New Hampshire Association of Residential Care Homes. He said he believes the bill creates opportunities for older adults and children to “learn from each other, foster deep bonds, and enrich their lives.”

“As America’s population ages and the caregiving crisis is exacerbated for both seniors and children, the Care Across Generations Act offers an effective answer for many families,” Elehwany said. “Congress should embrace intergenerational care to improve the lives of millions of Americans today and into the future.”

The bill was introduced by US Reps. Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), Bryan Steil (R-WI) and Ann Kuster (D-NH). 

Loneliness significantly increases serious illness and mortality risk in mid to later life, supporting public health initiatives to reduce it, according to the results of a new study from University of Michigan researchers.

The focus on cumulative loneliness brings a new contribution to the field of research in the area, according to senior author Lindsay Kobavashi, PhD, MSc, director of the Social Epidemiology of Global Aging Lab at U-M. The results were published Dec. 11 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 

Using data from 9,000 adults aged 50 or more years who took part in the US Health and Retirement Study from 1996 to 2004, the researchers found that participants who reported more periods of loneliness had significantly greater mortality risk compared with those who reported no or fewer periods of loneliness. 

In results that surprised researchers, the data showed 106 excess deaths when loneliness was reported one time, 202 excess deaths when loneliness was reported two times, and 288 excess deaths when loneliness was reported three or more times over the eight-year study period.

“Loneliness is not a static experience; it is dynamic. So the eight-year duration of our data on loneliness was a unique part of this study that allowed us to look into cumulative loneliness over time,” Kobayashi said in a statement. “The numbers surprised me. They strike me as very high, because loneliness is preventable.”

The U-M researchers concluded that their findings indicate that public health initiatives and policies to reduce loneliness among aging adults may hold promise for increasing population life expectancy.

The US Surgeon General and the World Health Organization declared loneliness a global health crisis earlier this year.

Senior living promotes socialization

Previous senior living industry efforts have touted the socialization-related benefits of the setting. Argentum has pointed to assisted living as a home- and community-based shared care model that has the lowest incidence of loneliness among long-term care settings, offering improved quality of life and better health outcomes for residents. 

A U-M National Poll on Health Aging released last spring found that older adults who lived alone reported higher rates of social isolation than those living with others.

The American Seniors Housing Association and ATI Advisory, in a 2022 report, found that senior living communities had improved the quality of life for residents during the COVID-19 pandemic through cohesive social environments and by encouraging residents to participate in social activities.

Before the pandemic, in 2021, a survey from Activated insights reported a potential decline in loneliness among older adults in assisted living and other congregate living settings.

A recent study from Mercy Health shows that having too much time on our hands can negatively affect us. Engaging in challenging and novel activities can significantly improve memory function in older adults.

It is more important than ever for senior living communities to embrace vibrant living and support their residents with interesting programming. By making it easy for them to take up new hobbies, we support residents’ experience and growth, which ultimately preserve and enhance their cognitive functions.

Supporting neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and form new neural connections throughout life, has immense potential to keep our minds sharp as we age. When older adults engage in hobbies, there is a positive response from the brain as it forms and strengthens new neural connections.

Research has shown that regularly partaking in mentally challenging activities, such as learning to play an instrument, joining an art class, exploring different cultures or picking up a new language, can lead to improved cognitive function, particularly memory recall. 

Preventing isolation

One of the many takeaways of the pandemic was the danger of isolation for the aging population. We learned that loneliness and isolation increase the risk for individuals to develop mental health challenges, as well as heart failure, cognitive decline and dementia/Alzheimer’s disease, according to the surgeon general and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, respectively. When older adults participate in new hobbies, they spend more time with others and increase their chances for forming lasting friendships.

Inquire about their interests

When people of all ages try something new, it stimulates their attention and interest. It is crucial for senior living communities to ask residents what they are interested in, because one person’s idea of a fun activity could inspire others to join in.

For example, residents at Brightview Senior Living’s Shelton, CT, community recently went ziplining for the first time. One resident brought up the idea, and four others joined in on the adventure. Together, they had an exhilarating experience and made memories together — all because they wanted to try something they hadn’t tried before. 

Scientifically speaking, novel experiences such as ziplining trigger the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in memory consolidation. Ziplining is a unique example of this. Some others include learning chess and joining a tournament, taking pottery classes or trying new recipes.

A holistic approach

Vibrancy has become a buzzword in senior living, and for good reason. But beyond vibrancy, a holistic approach to overall wellness is a must.

SPICE in Motion, a proprietary program woven into every aspect of Brightview’s culture, is how we ensure that residents’ needs are met. SPICE stands for Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Cultural and Emotional health. Examples of those categories:

• Spiritual: Religion, meditation, positive affirmations, poetry and connecting with nature.
• Physical: Line dancing, drumming, fitness classes and walking clubs.
• Intellectual: Attending lectures, book clubs, current events and panel discussions that promote lifelong learning.
• Cultural: Learning about other cultures, trying new foods and learning a new language.
• Emotional: Grief support groups and comedy shows. 

Conclusion

It is the role of senior living communities to ensure that residents are constantly trying new things and to offer a holistic approach to health and wellness. At Brightview, the team of almost 50 vibrant living directors truly create custom, exciting experiences for their residents to support their quality of life and mental well-being. 

Dori Ray is corporate director of vibrant living at Brightview Senior Living 

The opinions expressed in each McKnight’s Senior Living guest column are those of the author and are not necessarily those of McKnight’s Senior Living.

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Researchers at the University of Glasgow have found that older adults who never are visited by friends and family are at a higher risk of dying. They shared the findings of their research in the journal BMC Medicine, suggesting that they could be used to help identify people at a higher risk of dying due to social factors and to develop more effective interventions to combat the increased risk of death associated with social isolation.

The investigators used data from 458,146 adults recruited to UK Biobank to investigate the association between mortality and five types of social interaction based on participants’ answers to questions about subjective measures (how often they were able to confide in someone close to them and how often they felt lonely) as well as objective measures (how often they were visited by friends and family, how often they participated in a weekly group activity, and whether they lived alone).

After a median 12.6 years follow-up, 33,135 of the participants had died.

The authors found that all five types of social interaction were independently associated with mortality from any cause. And overall, increased mortality was more strongly associated with low levels of the objective measures of social interaction compared with low levels of the subjective measures.

The strongest association, however, was for individuals who never were visited by friends or family; they were at a 39% associated increased risk of death.

Disappointingly, the benefit of participating in weekly group activities was not observed in participants who never had friends or family visit — participants who never received visits but joined group activities had a comparable associated increased risk of death to those who had no visits and joined no activities (50% and 49% respectively).

Participants who received friend or family visits on at least a monthly basis, however, had a significantly lower associated increased mortality risk, suggesting that this social interaction potentially had a protective effect.

“Our findings suggest that advice, interventions and policy may need to be tailored to address different aspects of social connection and target the highest-risk groups,” they wrote. “Specifically, we show that separate measures of different components of social connection may contribute different levels of risk of adverse health outcomes, and the combined associations and interactions of the measures examined here suggest that those who live alone with additional concurrent markers of structural isolation may represent a population who could benefit from targeted support.”

Perhaps, for older adults living in the greater community, that support could come in the form of a move to a senior living community? Previous industry efforts have touted the socialization-related benefits of the setting.

As one example, a summer 2022 report from the American Seniors Housing Association and ATI Advisory found that senior living communities improved quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic through cohesive social environments and encouragement of residents to participate in social activities. Residents, the study found, were more likely to have greater social, physical and intellectual wellness than their counterparts living in the greater community.

As next steps for research, the University of Glasgow authors suggested that studies could examine the effects of other types of social interaction on mortality or explore how much change in a type of interaction is needed to best benefit socially isolated people. In the meantime, it may be a good idea to keep in mind this study’s findings as the industry works to improve residents’ quality of life.

Lois A. Bowers is the editor of McKnight’s Senior Living. Read her other columns here.

More than 40% of US adults have “bucket lists” of goals they want to achieve in retirement, including ones that they believe support their overall mental health, according to the results of a recent Forbes Health survey.

According to Forbes Health, bucket lists can help inspire activity as well as provide a sense of focus, momentum and fulfillment. A survey of 2,000 US adults conducted by OnePoll found that across all generations, survey respondents were most excited about finding a new hobby due to their bucket list (57%), along with travel (56%) and trying “extreme” sports (53%). 

But bucket list priorities shift over time for older adults nearing or navigating retirement, according to survey results. 

Respondents aged 59 to 77 years were most focused on spending more time with family and friends (55%), prioritizing their health and well-being (52%), traveling (46%) and spending more time outdoors (46%). 

Participants aged 78 or more years, however, were more excited about travel (87%), finding a new hobby (78%), focusing on their health and well-being (74%), seeing the world (74%) and trying a new sport (74%). Other popular bucket list items for those older adults included learning to play a musical instrument (70%) and trying more extreme sports (65%)

The online survey was conducted by market research company OnePoll between Aug. 11 and 16. 

A previous Forbes Health survey found that the older people get, the less they fear aging. That survey found that, overall, 53% of respondents weren’t afraid of growing old, although that fear differed among age groups. Adults aged 18 to 25 feared aging the most (56%), compared with adults aged 77 or more years (21%).

But many aspects of aging were cause for concern. According to the survey, 63% of US adults who said they fear aging said they worried most about potentially declining health as they aged, followed by losing loved ones (52%), financial concerns (38%), loneliness or isolation (30%), and lacking purpose (20%). 

When it came to health concerns, mobility issues, including arthritis and joint deterioration, topped the list (45%), followed closely by cancer (44%) and cognitive decline (44%), including all types of dementia. 

But even those health concerns varied by age. Members of Generation Z said they were most afraid of cognitive decline, whereas millennials feared cancer the most. Generation X and baby boomers also feared cognitive decline the most, but that concern increased sharply with age — 55% of respondents aged 66 to 76 cited cognitive decline to be their greatest fear in aging, whereas 88% of people 77 and older said they were concerned about it. 

Although many physical robots aimed at senior living spaces are being adopted to combat loneliness, one new artificial intelligence tool will exist within older adults’ television screens.

AgeTech company Onscreen released a new generative-AI “friend, confidant and companion” named Joy that will interact with users via a screen, the company announced.

Joy will be available on Onscreen’s video platform 24/7 and is designed to help older adults with loneliness. It also assists with care coordination and physical health, the company said.

“We believe in the limitless potential of Joy, and this is just the beginning,” Onscreen CEO Costin Tuculescu said in a statement. “We envision a future where Joy is in millions of homes, a virtual companion and caregiver designed specifically to help with age-related issues and help all of us age gracefully.”

Joy can take the form of several customizable personas, including a young female caregiver or a talking teddy bear, according to a video demonstration of the tech.

Other innovations include the ability for Joy to remember past conversations, interpret accents and engage with users on a variety of topics, the company stated.

Over the past few years, many long-term care providers have started using AI to tackle loneliness or isolation among residents. One assisted living site in Phoenix recently conducted a pilot program with an Alexa-enabled alarm system that doubled as a social and entertainment tool to engage residents with jokes and trivia. 

Onscreeen was founded in 2020 as a video calling platform, which became an essential lifeline between older adults and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic. The tech also is designed to allow caregivers at senior living communities to check in with residents or to facilitate telemedicine visits.

Antonio Terracciano, PhD, from Florida State University College of Medicine in Tallahassee, and colleagues assessed whether loneliness is associated with the risk for incident PD and whether the association is independent of other risk factors or modified by age, sex and genetic vulnerability. The analysis included data from 491,603 participants in the UK Biobank followed for 15 years.

The researchers found that individuals who reported being lonely had a higher risk for PD (hazard ratio [HR], 1.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25 to 1.51), an association that persisted even after accounting for demographic factors, socioeconomic status, social isolation, PD polygenetic risk score, smoking, physical activity, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, myocardial infarction, depression and ever seeing a psychiatrist (fully adjusted model: HR, 1.25; 95 percent CI, 1.12 to 1.39). Sex (HR for interaction, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.81 to 1.18), age (HR for interaction, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.98 to 1.01), and polygenic risk score (HR for interaction, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.85 to 1.02) did not moderate the association between loneliness and PD. In the first five years, loneliness was not associated with the risk for incident PD (HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.91 to 1.45) but it was associated with PD risk during the subsequent 10 years (HR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.19 to 1.46).

“The findings add to the evidence that loneliness is a substantial psychosocial determinant of health,” the authors write.

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