Linguistic markers of social well-being in late adulthood

Close to 30 percent of older Canadians are at risk for social isolation and loneliness, defined as either an entire lack or an impoverished quality of communication between a person and the outside world. Social isolation is harmful for physical and mental well-being and often stigmatized either by the individual or the social group. Thus, it is difficult to identify individuals experiencing social isolation, let alone socially engage them. Prevention of social isolation and loneliness can lead to demonstrably better quality of life and reduced health costs among older adults. This project proposes the development of a software application to facilitate the non-invasive identification of older adults at risk of social isolation and/or loneliness and, simultaneously, promote social mobility and engagement.