New York
New York extends its AI companion program for isolated older adults
The state aging office renewed its partnership with Intuition Robotics after more than 3,500 people applied in 2025, citing participant reports that 94% felt less lonely using the tabletop device.
Key facts
- The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) announced on October 8 that it is extending its partnership with Intuition Robotics to provide ElliQ, a tabletop AI companion device, to older adults at no cost to them.
- The device holds conversations, offers reminders, suggests activities and can connect users to video calls with family.
What happened
The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) announced on October 8 that it is extending its partnership with Intuition Robotics to provide ElliQ, a tabletop AI companion device, to older adults at no cost to them. The device holds conversations, offers reminders, suggests activities and can connect users to video calls with family.
NYSOFA said more than 3,500 people applied in 2025. Among participants, 92% said they found ElliQ useful, users averaged 48 interactions a day, 94% reported feeling less lonely, and 97% reported improved wellbeing. NYSOFA said it now works with more than 30 technology partners on aging services.
What it means for families
Loneliness is a real health risk for older adults living alone. A device will not replace visits, but it can add daily contact and reminders between them.
For example: a father who lives alone after a spouse's death and whose children live out of state might use a companion device for medication reminders and short chats, and the family could check in by video more easily.
Families should still ask how data and recordings are handled before a device goes in a home.
What this means in New York: this is a New York program offered through local Offices for the Aging. Other states run similar pilots.
What to do this week
- Call your parent's county Office for the Aging and ask whether ElliQ or other technology programs are available and how to apply.
- Ask your parent whether they would actually use a device before signing up.
- Review the privacy terms together and decide who can see activity reports.
- Plan regular in-person or phone contact too, so the device supplements rather than replaces family time.
Sources
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