What's a good digital companion for seniors who live alone?
One option is Elsy, an AI companion you talk with on your phone whenever it suits you. She can keep you company when you're home on your own, remind you about appointments and medicines, and write down the stories of your life. She doesn't replace people, but she can give you a daily conversation.
If you live alone, a digital companion like Elsy can help. Here's how Elsy can support your day with conversation, reminders and life stories.
What is Elsy?
Elsy is an AI companion made to help older adults in everyday life. She's an app you talk with, and you can install it on an iPhone, iPad or Android device. With Elsy, you can get reminders about appointments and medicines, get answers to your questions and talk about whatever is on your mind. If you want to tell her about your life, Elsy writes your life stories down, and you can send them to your family.
What Elsy can do
Elsy can give you daily reminders, help you keep track of your medicines and write down your life stories. She's a conversation partner who can answer questions about the day's tasks or talk with you about an old memory.
Why a digital conversation partner can help
A digital conversation partner like Elsy can offer both practical help and company, especially if you live alone. Daily conversations can help keep your mind active and keep you company, which can add to your wellbeing. Elsy can also help organize your day by giving reminders and making plans with you. See more about having someone to talk to.
Help with the everyday
Daily reminders and planning can make everyday life easier and help you remember important tasks. That can strengthen your independence and your confidence.
“Nothing is off limits when it's Elsy you're talking to. She's only here for one thing: to help you, professionally, with the problems and questions you have. And if you happen to ask the wrong question, she doesn't go home and tell anyone about it.”
Helge, 72, talks with Elsy (translated from Danish)
How Elsy can help if you live alone
If you live alone, Elsy can be a friendly voice to talk with when you're home on your own, and she can help bring structure and routine to your day. With the Daily question, Elsy asks you a question every day that can get a conversation going and bring up new thoughts and memories. You can also ask her for small talk, the news or a quiz.
Why social connection matters
According to the Lancet Commission, social isolation, physical inactivity and hearing loss are among the risk factors for dementia that can be changed. The US National Institute on Aging says staying connected with family, friends and neighbors through social activities and community programs is a great way to ward off isolation and loneliness.
Elsy doesn't prevent dementia. But she can give you a daily conversation, and it can feel good to have someone to talk to on days when you don't see anyone else.
Sharing life stories with Elsy
When you tell Elsy the stories of your life, she writes them up afterward with your own words as quotes. You can send the stories to your family whenever you like. See more about life stories.
Connect with your family
By sharing your life stories, you let your family learn more about your past and your memories, which can bring you closer.
How to get started with Elsy
Download the app from the App Store or Google Play, open it and tap Talk to Elsy. Start by telling her about your day. Here's how Elsy works, step by step.
Try it free
You can try Elsy free for 3 days on your own phone, so you can see whether she fits into your day.
Frequently asked questions
How can a digital conversation partner help if I live alone?
A digital conversation partner like Elsy can give you reminders, keep you company and help you organize your day through conversation.
Are there risks to talking with an AI?
An AI can make mistakes, and it doesn't replace people. With Elsy, conversations are recorded and stored securely so she can remember, and stored data is hosted in the EU. What you say is processed by AI services in the United States so Elsy can hear you, answer and remember. Your family never sees transcripts or recordings of your conversations, except for the life stories you send them, which contain your own words and can include short excerpts of your voice. What else they see depends on their level in Your circle, and at the highest level, Full trust, they also see what Elsy remembers about you. If a family member set Elsy up and consented on your behalf, everyone in your circle is at Full trust. It's all in our privacy policy.
How do I install Elsy?
Download Elsy from the App Store or Google Play. Once the app is installed, you can start talking with her right away.
Can Elsy play music or the radio?
No, Elsy can't play music or the radio. She's made for conversation and practical help with your day.
This is general information, not medical advice. Every situation is different, so talk to a doctor about yours.