LifeBio is a leading age tech company that has recorded the life stories of thousands of seniors. The company introduced a new app, LifeBio Memory, at this week’s LeadingAge Annual Meeting in Atlanta, GA. Intended to counteract the negative effects of loneliness and isolation on aging adults, LifeBio Memory provides reminiscence therapy by encouraging memory recall and storytelling. The new life story app uses AI and machine learning to initiate conversations with the user through visual and voice prompts.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, loneliness and social isolation increase the risk of serious medical conditions for older individuals, including dementia. Factors such as living alone, loss of aging loved ones, hearing loss, and chronic disease put seniors at risk for experiencing debilitating loneliness that can lead to depression and other health concerns. The CDC estimates that almost 25% of Americans over the age of 65 currently live in socially isolated circumstances.
To address the psychological and social needs of older adults, LifeBio Memory provides user interaction as well as support for holistic, patient-centered care. Its prompts help anyone, including individuals with memory loss or cognitive decline, share their stories. Family members and professional caregivers can access the recorded stories, helping them understand and connect with older users and improve social engagement.
Long-term and healthcare facilities can subscribe to LifeBio Memory to receive “Snapshots”: individual background information, likes, dislikes, and general preferences. The app also provides subscribers with a personalized action plan designed to facilitate individual care and activities. Available on iOS and Android devices, LifeBio Memory also offers the option to create life storybooks to honor their loved ones.
LifeBio developed the app in collaboration with the Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging (BRIA) with the help of a grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA). Continuing the partnership with BRIA, LifeBio Memory will now undergo a 242-person clinical trial exploring its impact on emotional health and patient care.
