Unwanted loneliness has become one of the greatest challenges for older adults in today’s society. Despite social and technological advances, millions of people live every day with the feeling of being isolated, which profoundly impacts their physical, emotional, and mental health.
This loneliness, often invisible to others, is leaving painful marks on the quality of life of our elderly, and is becoming a public health priority in many countries.
A Global Problem: The Impact of Unwanted Loneliness
In countries like Spain, where it is estimated that around 16.3% of people over 65 experience loneliness on a regular basis, the problem is far from trivial. According to data from the La Caixa Foundation (2022), loneliness in old age not only affects those who live without company, but is deeply linked to a deterioration of both physical and mental health. Unwanted loneliness should not be confused with occasional or voluntary loneliness; it is that which is perceived as a negative and painful situation, in which people feel disconnected and excluded from their social environment.
The consequences of this isolation are devastating. Older people who suffer from prolonged loneliness have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, sleep disorders, depression, and cognitive decline. Furthermore, various studies show that loneliness can increase the risk of mortality by 25%. The impact is so severe that loneliness has been compared to the harmful effects of smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
ISECO’s Response: Technology at the Service of Our Elderly’s Well-being
At ISECO, we are aware that unwanted loneliness is one of the great challenges of our society and, therefore, we firmly believe in the power of technology to combat it. We are committed to developing solutions that not only connect older adults with their social environment, but also provide constant companionship, ensuring that each person feels cared for, supported, and valued.
Through our health and social care technologies, we seek to transform the way caregivers interact with the elderly, facilitating more personalized and efficient care. But it is not just about preventing them from feeling isolated, but also about creating experiences that foster participation, social integration, and emotional well-being. The technology we develop at ISECO is designed to offer solutions that allow continuous, real-time monitoring of the health and well-being of residents. They are essential tools to support the work of professionals in care centers and, in addition, bring peace of mind to families.
ISECO’s main tool is CALAS, a technological platform designed to integrate the care systems of a residential center, facilitating safer, more personalized, and connected care.
Through CALAS, and with the support of other solutions such as the digitalization of tasks according to the personalized care plan, which caregivers view and manage from touch terminals in the rooms, bed presence sensors, smart cameras, applications for medical data collection, or communication devices installed in the rooms, residents can easily communicate with the staff without leaving their room.
At the same time, professionals have tools that allow for continuous monitoring of each person’s condition, anticipating their specific needs, and efficiently coordinating care.
Betting on Innovation to Combat Loneliness
At ISECO, we are convinced that technology can be a powerful tool to improve the quality of life of older adults. And although the road is long, every small step towards more human and effective solutions represents significant progress. We believe that, with the use of innovative technologies, we can provide the elderly with an environment in which they are not only safe, but also feel accompanied, connected, and above all, valued for who they are: individuals with a life full of experiences and knowledge.
In the future, we see ourselves leading the creation of an environment where unwanted loneliness is drastically reduced, because we understand that the well-being of the elderly is our priority. Every day, at ISECO, we are committed to building solutions that not only solve immediate problems but also offer a long-term vision for a more connected and healthy future.
The Long Walk Towards Inclusion
Unwanted loneliness is a challenge that cannot be solved by technology alone, but technology can be a powerful tool to accompany and alleviate this suffering. By integrating innovative solutions and working together with the social and emotional environment of the older adult, we can create a more inclusive future, where aging is not synonymous with isolation. As a society, we have a duty to ensure that our elderly live with dignity, surrounded by love, support, and meaningful connections.
At ISECO, we are committed to this mission. We know that technology must not only be an immediate response, but also a foundation for the future of a more caring society. As the writer Mahatma Gandhi said: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” And in this service, technology can be the tool that drives a transformation towards a more connected, caring, and human society.
