Finding a solution against loneliness among the elderly living in a senior housing complex with the help of remote co-design

Loneliness among elderly is a growing problem that can cause many health related issues, like depression, anxiety, and malnutrition. Though it seems like living in a senior housing complex can be beneficial to decreasing loneliness, it can also do the exact opposite. With the help of co-design a new product was thought of that can be used as a tool in order to stay connected for elderly living in a senior housing complex. The final product designed in this thesis is a virtual environment which can be used as a service in a senior housing complex. Residents will be able to make virtual trips together, as well as have a chat with one another in the virtual coffee corner. Though physical human contact remains important, this thesis shows how a virtual environment can help elderly staying connected on a distance.