By: Jasmine Rooke, Communications Manager, Bruyère Health Research Institute

For many older adults in transitional or long-term care settings, loneliness can be an ongoing challenge. While family members and caregivers provide essential support, time constraints can make it difficult to engage in lengthy conversations that foster connection and spark cherished memories. New research suggests virtual companions may help fill some of those gaps, offering older adults another way to feel heard, engaged, and connected. 

Researchers at Bruyère Health Research Institute have been exploring how an AI-powered virtual companion named Kiera could support older adults living with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia. 

Designed by the research team to engage users in positive reminiscence conversations, Kiera encourages people to reflect on childhood memories and life experiences. 

“The goal is not to replace human relationships, but to provide an additional source of social interaction and cognitive stimulation,” said Lisa Sheehy, PhD, Investigator with Bruyère Health Research Institute. 

Development and testing of companions like Kiera in long-term care and transitional care settings contributes to growing interest in how AI can support aging populations when developed thoughtfully and used alongside human care. 

Some residents who used Kiera as a part of recent research at Bruyère Health spent up to an hour speaking with the virtual companion. Many shared that while loved ones care deeply about them, opportunities for extended reminiscence conversations can be limited in everyday life. 

“Even if someone is telling a story for the thirtieth time, Kiera remains endlessly patient and enthusiastic, inviting people to share memories as if it were hearing them for the first time,” said Kineta Tober, now a  PhD student at the University of Oxford, who conducted her master’s thesis on the AI companion. “I hope this is a positive way for older adults to feel like they always have someone to talk to, feel genuinely listened to, and to gain additional cognitive stimulation.” 

Recently, the research team has been evaluating whether it mattered if interactions with the virtual companion were through an immersive virtual reality (VR) headset versus a standard computer screen. Residents' experiences were remarkably similar regardless of how they accessed the technology, meaning participants reported feeling just as connected to Kiera when interacting through a computer screen as they did using a VR headset. 

“Immersive virtual reality may be particularly relevant for lonelier individuals,” said Tober. “People with higher baseline levels of loneliness appeared to benefit more from the interactions with Kiera and were more socially present with the VR headset than on the computer.” 

The results carry important implications for accessibility and implementation. While virtual reality technologies are becoming more readily available, screen-based approaches continue to be more affordable options and easier to introduce in a variety of care environments. 

As conversational AI technologies also become more accessible and responsive, the potential for them to address loneliness among older adults becomes increasingly valuable, especially as meaningful AI-supported interactions don’t necessarily require advanced immersive technology. 

“We’re stepping into a future where AI-powered companions can serve as practical tools that can help enhance well-being for older adults,” said Sheehy. “Thoughtfully developed models like Kiera can complement human connection and support more person-centered care.” ​