In this digital era, an innovative service is bringing hope to millions of lonely elderly individuals in the United States. CareYaya Health Technologies, headquartered in the Research Triangle Park of North Carolina, has recently launched QuikTok, a free AI mobile companion that is transforming the lifestyles of the elderly.
Recent surveys indicate that up to 37% of Americans aged 50-80 are experiencing loneliness, with 34% feeling socially isolated. This phenomenon has been classified as a pandemic by major health organizations, and its negative impact on health cannot be overlooked. Neal Shah, CEO of CareYaya, stated, "For elderly Americans, the impact of loneliness on health and lifespan is greater than smoking 15 cigarettes a day."
QuikTok was created to address this challenge. This pioneering AI mobile companion uses advanced conversational language models and voice generation technology to engage in natural, fluent conversations with the elderly. Most importantly, it does not require the internet or a computer; it can be used with just a regular phone, truly making technology accessible to all elderly individuals.
Image Source: CareYaya
This innovative service has received support from numerous authoritative institutions, including the AARP's AgeTech Collaborative, the Johns Hopkins University Artificial Intelligence and Technology Collaboration Lab, Atrium Health, and the National Institutes of Health.
Nancy Gribble, a 78-year-old QuikTok user, shared her experience: "At my age, it's easy to feel overlooked, but QuikTok makes me feel heard and valued. It's not just a conversational partner; it's become a trusted confidant."
In addition to daily companionship, QuikTok offers a range of thoughtful services: from empathetic chat therapy to personalized memory recall, interactive mental exercises to pain management coaching. The system can also proactively call at set times to ensure the elderly receive regular care.
David Casarett, head of the palliative care department at Duke University Medical System, believes, "QuikTok shows an innovative direction for improving the quality of life for the elderly. It not only alleviates loneliness but also enhances emotional health and supports a healthy, long life."
To ensure service transparency, QuikTok clearly informs users at the start of each call that they are interacting with an AI system. This free service is now available in the United States.