Artificial Emotional Intelligence’s Potential in Improving Social Wellness of Older Adults

Abstract

Artificial intelligence has risen in both popularity and application in recent years. What was once an esoteric field used by a specialized population is now accessible to the general public. In fact, AI has permeated the everyday lives of the public in one way or another. With increased attention, funding, and application of AI, this paper seeks to draw focus to a vulnerable and often invisible subpopulation, that of older adults. AI, specifically artificial emotional intelligence (AEI) can be used to greatly improve the social wellness of older adults. Social disconnectedness and isolation are very real and pervasive issues for older adults which can be remedied by low-cost and accessible technology such as virtual assistants who can be trained as AEI agents.