Can AI help reduce loneliness in older adults?

AI in Action

Patrcia McAlernon

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not just for the younger generation. The successful growth and deployment of this technology in the whole of society is critically dependent on engagement by the older generation.

AI can be used by older adults to make their lives easier and promote community involvement. Loneliness is a major issue in Ireland especially in rural regions such as Cavan and Monaghan. If AI can in some way alleviate the suffering caused when older people are isolated from other human beings it is worthwhile offering easy access to the technology.

How can we introduce AI to the older adult who may live alone and lack access to computer and internet services? Combining a visit to the Cavan Townhall Digital Suite to participate in classes whilst in town shopping or collecting their pension could be an attractive solution.

Older adults are not afraid of AI, but are indeed very curious about this new technology. It has been created and marketed as a product and service which is complicated with suggestions it is beyond the capabilities of the not so young person. The number of older people who attended my lecture on 'An Introduction to AI' in the Johnston Central Library in Cavan at the end of 2025 was an indication that they had an appetite for the technology and seeked to learn how it could help them make their life easier.

Through Cavan Connects, an initiative created and driven by Daniel Peeters of Cavan County Council, I will be providing future lectures and classes in the Cavan Townhall Digital Suite on how to use a software platform called GetSetUp. The objective will be to teach older adults and anyone interested on how to use GetSetUp to learn how AI can assist them in daily life and to help them navigate the modern world of AI. In addition, other benefits of GetSetUp will be highlighted to include access to free online classes and videos to improve physical, mental and financial wellbeing.

GetSetUp is a technology company which provides free education and services to older adults. I was introduced to the company by Mary Cronin, a Research Professor at Boston College and author of a book called 'Starting Up Smarter: Why Founders Over 50 Build Better Companies'. I reached out to Mary because her name suggested Irish ancestry and she appeared as an expert on an online discussion entitled 'The Impact of AI on Older Workers'.

Mature workers have gained knowledge and wisdom over many years and combining it with AI technology will help them work more efficiently.

GetSetUp’s digital platform not only offers a portal for numerous classes and videos on a range of topics to include how to use AI in daily life it also provides access to an AI assistant called Helen. Helen is like a superfast librarian which is private and secure and has knowledge built on four years of training data. GetSetUp’s Helen AI assistant is tailored to the specific needs of older adult users. Helen is built on ChatGPT but offers a more engaging and easier interface to ask questions and provides options to view appropriate videos and join classes on the subjects of interest to the user.

GetSetUp offers a way to engage with other older adults both locally and globally in a safe community environment to combat loneliness. Cavan Connects' objective is to bring digital technology to all age groups in our community. I look forward to introducing GetSetUp in a blended teaching approach through face to face sessions in the Cavan Townhall Digital Suite, online classes and in my bi-weekly AI in Action columns.