NYSOFA initiated its first public-private partnership after a report by AARP and the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) highlighted the significant impact of loneliness and social isolation.
A Partnership Focused on Improving Health and Wellbeing
NYSOFA initiated its first public-private partnership after a report by AARP and the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) highlighted the significant impact of loneliness and social isolation. The report revealed that these conditions are as detrimental as smoking nearly a pack of cigarettes daily and cost Medicare over $7 billion annually.
This initiative is a direct response to these findings, aiming to mitigate a quantifiable public health issue. ElliQ has demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing loneliness and enhancing health and wellbeing. Greg Olsen, director of the office, emphasized the importance of this effort:
"Loneliness and isolation are commonly discussed, but their health effects are devastating. NYSOFA is committed to providing the support older New Yorkers need," he said.
Engagement and Behavioral Metrics
The key metric for evaluating a companion device is sustained usage, and ElliQ users interact with the device an average of 48 times per day. This high level of engagement indicates that the device is well-integrated into users' daily lives.
Survey results further underscore ElliQ's impact:
- 94% of users report feeling less lonely.
- 97% experience improved overall wellbeing.
- 88% say the device has positively impacted their daily lives.
- 79% feel more connected to the world around them.
Behavioral data supports these findings: 88% of users engage in two-way conversations with ElliQ monthly, 92% regularly share updates on their wellbeing, and 81% participate in physical activities encouraged by the device.
An Intuition Robotics spokesperson highlighted the philosophy behind these results:
"Effective AI companionship is about proactive engagement, understanding individual needs, and building trust and familiarity, making technology a meaningful part of everyday life."
The Significance of the Extension
Dor Skuler, co-founder and CEO of Intuition Robotics, explained the practical benefits:
"An AI companion that remembers the older adult, checks in every morning, and encourages activities like taking a walk or calling a loved one can significantly enhance feelings of connection and independence."
The extension of this partnership reflects the success of the program over the past three years, with ElliQ proving its value in helping older adults remain healthier and more independent in their homes.
Expanding Reach and Impact
In addition to New York, Intuition Robotics has similar partnerships in Wisconsin, Florida, and Washington, where the program targets Medicaid recipients. The company, based in Ramat Gan, Israel, was founded in 2016.
The newly reported 2026 program data highlights ElliQ's impact:
- 92% of users find the companion useful.
- Participants engage with ElliQ an average of 48 times per day.
- 94% feel less lonely, 97% report improved wellbeing, 88% note a positive daily impact, and 79% feel more connected.
- 88% of users engage in two-way conversations, 92% share wellbeing updates, and 81% participate in physical activities.
- 88% of users report that ElliQ has improved their quality of life.
"This partnership extension underscores our long-term commitment to New York and its Office for the Aging, reflecting three years of measurable, record-breaking engagement results," said Dor Skuler. "Older adults across New York are engaging with ElliQ more often, feeling less lonely, and staying more connected to the people who matter to them."
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