Researchers at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), Spain conducted a review of the risks and potential of using systems such as Alexa or Google Home to reduce feelings of loneliness among older people. Estimates suggest that there are nearly three million older people who are experiencing loneliness in some way in Spain alone.

An initial literature search from 2010-2023 yielded 499 studies, 13 of which had enough data to be included in the final analysis. The authors found that 85% of the studies concluded that the use of devices made a direct contribution to reducing loneliness. Some of the participants in the studies described voice assistants as “a friend or a companion," and referred to them as "a human being." This aspect is essential, the authors said, as voice assistants not only provide a sense of social interaction, but can also provide considerable emotional support, especially for older adults experiencing prolonged isolation.

Even if the interaction is not physical, simply having a "presence" that responds and assists with everyday tasks can create a significant emotional connection, reducing the perception of loneliness and fostering a greater sense of well-being. This type of interaction can also mitigate the distress associated with isolation, and improve emotional stability.

"The aim is not to replace human interaction, but instead to offer a solution in situations where these systems can improve people's quality of life,” explained lead author Elena Castro, a student in the doctoral program in Health and Psychology at the UOC.

However, there are still barriers to implementation, such as lack of familiarity with technology, resistance to change and mistrust. "This is compounded by the need to tailor the assistants to suit individual needs, and to improve their ability to hold complex conversations", she added.

To read the abstract of the study, published in Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, click here