Fighting Loneliness with Interactive Technology

July 11, 2019 | By The New York Community Trust

HOME TECH: The Carter Burden Network is helping older residents on Roosevelt Island set up technology at home that lets them connect remotely to programs.

Social isolation and loneliness can affect the physical and mental health of older people. The Carter Burden Network runs four senior centers in Manhattan—their programs, such as group lunches, provide companionship.

Last year, the nonprofit surveyed its clients on Roosevelt Island, where one of its centers is located. The results showed that many older adults and disabled residents had difficulty, or felt uncomfortable, leaving their homes and could benefit from accessing programs remotely.

With a $55,000 grant, Carter Burden will test a voice-controlled smart screen that can make video calls, giving homebound older and disabled Roosevelt Island residents a virtual connection to the local senior center. A tech consultant will install each device in the participants’ homes and provide training.

This grant was made from our Katharine A. Park Fund for the Elderly, created to curb loneliness among older adults.