Social isolation refers to the factual circumstance of being physically isolated and disconnected from others. On the other hand, loneliness encompasses the subjective experience of not having the essential social connections one desires, even in the company of others. This can give rise to feelings of abandonment, as well as a noticeable absence of emotional closeness and affection. In essence, social isolation pertains to the tangible aspect of physical separation, while loneliness delves into the emotional realm, highlighting the perceived inadequacy of social bonds. As the elderly population grows and family dynamics change due to modernization, the emotional disconnect between generations is becoming more pronounced, leading to loneliness and mental health challenges among the elderly. The study addresses the pressing issue of elderly loneliness and the weakening of family and intergenerational bonds in contemporary urban India. This paper employs various research methods to understand the dynamics between generations in different family structures and proposes “Milan,” an IoT solution, with an overall evaluation scoring of 3.7 out of 5, derived from the final usability testing conducted with 17 participants, which was designed and its high-fidelity prototype and MVP was developed, to reconnect the elderly with their families. It tries to simplify and enrich communication, particularly aiming to prevent feelings of loneliness and distance. Through fostering consistent and respectful exchanges on both sides, Milan combining a smart radio with a mobile app offers a personalized music experience and family connectivity working to close the generational gap and cultivate a sense of unity, all while taking into consideration, factors such as maintaining a balance between work and personal life. It involves features like showcasing family memories on the radio screen to enhance the overall experience of connectedness.

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Addressing Elderly Loneliness and Strengthening Family Bonds

  • Abha Pawar,
  • Arundhati Guha Thakura

摘要

Social isolation refers to the factual circumstance of being physically isolated and disconnected from others. On the other hand, loneliness encompasses the subjective experience of not having the essential social connections one desires, even in the company of others. This can give rise to feelings of abandonment, as well as a noticeable absence of emotional closeness and affection. In essence, social isolation pertains to the tangible aspect of physical separation, while loneliness delves into the emotional realm, highlighting the perceived inadequacy of social bonds. As the elderly population grows and family dynamics change due to modernization, the emotional disconnect between generations is becoming more pronounced, leading to loneliness and mental health challenges among the elderly. The study addresses the pressing issue of elderly loneliness and the weakening of family and intergenerational bonds in contemporary urban India. This paper employs various research methods to understand the dynamics between generations in different family structures and proposes “Milan,” an IoT solution, with an overall evaluation scoring of 3.7 out of 5, derived from the final usability testing conducted with 17 participants, which was designed and its high-fidelity prototype and MVP was developed, to reconnect the elderly with their families. It tries to simplify and enrich communication, particularly aiming to prevent feelings of loneliness and distance. Through fostering consistent and respectful exchanges on both sides, Milan combining a smart radio with a mobile app offers a personalized music experience and family connectivity working to close the generational gap and cultivate a sense of unity, all while taking into consideration, factors such as maintaining a balance between work and personal life. It involves features like showcasing family memories on the radio screen to enhance the overall experience of connectedness.