CommunityBot – Creating real-world moments through digital bridges.

Background:

Over 30% of adults aged 65+ in Switzerland report feeling lonely - especially the oldest old in retirement homes. Traditional interventions often fall short in addressing social isolation. Digital solutions like chatbots offer new possibilities but are typically limited to one-on-one interactions. CommunityBot addresses this research gap by actively fostering communities and peer connections. It focuses on the oldest old with low digital literacy to reduce social and digital exclusion and promote healthy aging.

Methods:

The pilot study follows a user-centered, interdisciplinary approach. In two retirement homes, qualitative interviews and focus groups assess needs and expectations. A “Wizard-of-Oz” simulation tests the impact of a moderated chatbot. In parallel, an MVP prototype is developed to identify interests, form matching groups, and moderate them. The study evaluates technical feasibility, user acceptance, and interaction design.

Outcomes and Impact:

CommunityBot is expected to promote social interaction in retirement homes as a digital solution. Anticipated outcomes include positive feedback on usability and impact on social well-being. The study provides insights into designing digital communities, technical feasibility, and digital inclusion of the oldest old. It contributes to applied aging research and demonstrates how AI can enable social participation.