Connection Between the Real World and the Digital World: Voice Assistants as Promoters of Socialization for Older Adults

Juliana Camargo, Telmo Silva, Jorge Ferraz de Abreu

2025

Abstract

Socialization is crucial for the mental and emotional well-being of older adults, combating isolation and loneliness. In a digital world, voice assistants provide a simple, intuitive interface that enhances social engagement. These technologies facilitate communication with family and friends while offering activities that stimulate cognition and emotional connection. This paper explores the potential of voice assistants to promote socialization among older adults, focusing on their role in creating intergenerational connections and improving quality of life. The study presents findings from HUGTV - Helping Unite Generations through TV, a pilot project that demonstrates how voice assistants foster positive social interactions and emotional support in senior communities. The results of 12 tests conducted with participants in their homes show that voice commands effectively bridge the real and digital worlds, enabling seniors to converse on various topics, search the internet, and send voice and text messages, tasks they previously did not engage in.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Camargo J., Silva T. and Ferraz de Abreu J. (2025). Connection Between the Real World and the Digital World: Voice Assistants as Promoters of Socialization for Older Adults. In Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Information and Communication Technologies for Ageing Well and e-Health - Volume 1: IS4WB_SC; ISBN 978-989-758-743-6, SciTePress, pages 406-413. DOI: 10.5220/0013501100003938

in Bibtex Style

@conference{is4wb_sc25,
author={Juliana Camargo and Telmo Silva and Jorge Ferraz de Abreu},
title={Connection Between the Real World and the Digital World: Voice Assistants as Promoters of Socialization for Older Adults},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Information and Communication Technologies for Ageing Well and e-Health - Volume 1: IS4WB_SC},
year={2025},
pages={406-413},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0013501100003938},
isbn={978-989-758-743-6},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Information and Communication Technologies for Ageing Well and e-Health - Volume 1: IS4WB_SC
TI - Connection Between the Real World and the Digital World: Voice Assistants as Promoters of Socialization for Older Adults
SN - 978-989-758-743-6
AU - Camargo J.
AU - Silva T.
AU - Ferraz de Abreu J.
PY - 2025
SP - 406
EP - 413
DO - 10.5220/0013501100003938
PB - SciTePress