We’ve previously discussed Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which emphasizes that beyond basic requirements like food, water, and safety, humans also need love and belonging to thrive. This need for connection includes relationships with individuals and with the broader community.
When those needs are met, Maslow suggests, people experience improved quality of life, greater fulfillment, and better physical and mental health. In short, people need people. Yet surprisingly, a type of technology — specifically a new artificial intelligence (AI) platform — is now helping older adults form human connections that can enhance their wellbeing.
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Artificial intelligence learns about residents
TSOLife began as a company focused on collecting and digitizing older adults’ life stories so families and future generations could preserve them. The founder soon realized that the data gathered for those stories — and the AI insights that could be derived from it — had broader applications within senior living communities.
From that realization came Minerva, an AI-driven platform that captures information during new resident move-in interviews to personalize and improve resident experiences. Minerva uses voice-to-text functionality so resident responses are recorded accurately and automatically, reducing the need for manual data entry.
The platform creates individual resident profiles — often called “story walls” — that can include photos and videos. Using AI and predictive analytics, Minerva can also inform adjustments to programming and services based on residents’ preferences, interests, goals, and needs.
One senior living operator has applied this resident data in a particularly valuable way: to foster human connections.
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Using AI to create connections
Benchmark operates 63 senior living communities across the Northeast, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs or life plan communities).
Last year Benchmark launched “Something in Common,” a program that leverages resident data collected through Minerva to identify shared interests and match residents with programs, neighbors, and staff who have similar backgrounds or hobbies.
When a new resident moves into a Benchmark community, they complete an audio interview using the Minerva platform. Those interviews are transcribed and converted into more than 80 data points about each resident’s interests and preferences. That information is securely stored in Minerva and made available to staff responsible for programming and activities.
Staff can search and filter the data to group residents by shared experiences or interests— for example, people raised in the same city who might enjoy reminiscing together, or residents with a common hobby who could form a club or small social circle.
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Harnessing AI to nurture belonging
Humans are inherently social. We thrive in environments that provide emotional and social support, and Maslow’s model reminds us that belonging is a core human need. Research consistently shows the health benefits of strong social connections and the negative effects of isolation and loneliness.
Senior living communities and CCRCs offer many opportunities for social engagement and programs that support residents’ minds, bodies, and spirits. For new residents, the ability to connect quickly with neighbors who share interests or backgrounds can be especially important for settling in and forming friendships.
Creating close, supportive relationships is one of the key advantages of living in a senior community. By using data and AI tools like Minerva, communities can proactively facilitate meaningful connections—an approach that may improve residents’ health and increase overall happiness.
Photo credit: Tara Winstead via Pexels