iCareLoop: Closed-Loop Sensing and Intervention for Gerontological Social Isolation and Loneliness

Xiayan Ji, Ahhyun Yuh, Hyon-Young Choi, Amanda Watson, Claire Kendell, Xian Li, James Weimer, Hajime Nagahara, Teruo Higashino, Teruhiro Mizumoto, Viktor Erdélyi, George Demiris, Oleg Sokolsky, Insup Lee

Abstract: Social isolation refers to a lack of social contact and interaction, while loneliness is the subjective feeling of being alone. These two mental health concerns are highly correlated and can significantly increase the risk of premature death in the elderly. In fact, this risk may even rival that of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity. To address this issue, we propose iCareLoop, a closed-loop decision support system with clinician-in-the-loop actuation to mitigate gerontological social isolation and loneliness. By implementing targeted interventions, this system can help maintain the mental well-being of elderly individuals, which is particularly crucial given the social disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.