ElliQ extracts memories from every conversation with the user and classifies them based on importance and relevance, injecting context into future conversations. | Source: Intuition Robotics

The New York State Office for the Aging, or NYSOFA,  last week extended its partnership with Intuition Robotics. The company will continue bringing its ElliQ AI companion to aging New Yorkers at risk of loneliness and social isolation.

With the expansion, NYSOFA and Intuition Robotics created a new three-year, $2.1 million agreement.

The expansion builds on the organizations’ three years of experience working together. During that time, ElliQ has demonstrated its ability to reduce loneliness and improve health and wellbeing. The robot also helps older adults remain healthier and more independent in their own homes.

“Loneliness and isolation are commonly heard today, but make no mistake, the health effects are devastating, and NYSOFA is working continuously to provide the help older New Yorkers need,” said Greg Olsen, director of the office. “ElliQ is an essential tool to help combat the loneliness epidemic, joining dozens of other projects launched by NYSOFA to overcome the digital divide, address social isolation, improve health and wellness, and support caregivers.”

S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on the impact of loneliness and social isolation on older adults and Medicare spending. It stated that loneliness and isolation are equivalent to smoking almost a pack of cigarettes per day, cost Medicare more than $7 billion to treat, and make chronic conditions worse. They can also increase mortality, depression and anxiety, and the risk of dementia.

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