Feeling Isolated? Our Chatbot Can Help.

Sometimes having a simple conversation can help you turn “I feel so alone” into “I feel very connected.”

Thanks to artificial intelligence technology, chatbots are helping older adults with everything from finding the right medical care to reminding them to take their medication.

Now, there’s a chatbot that can help lonely people. For older adults who may struggle with feelings of loneliness and a lack of regular companionship — often referred to as social isolation — the AARP Foundation Connect2Affect chatbot couldn’t come at a better time.

Why a chatbot? Well, for starters, it’s available to talk anytime of the day or night (it doesn’t get more convenient than that!). It’s also the perfect non-judgmental sounding board for people who may find it hard to admit they feel lonely. All conversations are completely private and secure.

Can a chatbot replace a human being? Of course not. It’s no substitute for a health care professional or therapist. But text conversations with the chatbot can help you practice social interaction skills while getting personalized tips and resources for feeling more connected.

Talking to someone — even digital companions like a chatbot — can be an important first step to becoming more connected to your friends, neighbors, loved ones. Why not give it a try?

To get started, simply text “Hello” to 845-610-6472. After a few get-to-know-you questions, you’ll have text conversations and get suggestions based on your goals.