Can an AI companion be ‘someone to talk to’ for lonely elderly people?

Dec 05, 2025

Cover Alvin Cheung was inspired to create the AI Companion after realising he wished he had captured more of his late grandmother’s stories while she was still alive (Photo: Getty Images)

Alvin Cheung was inspired to create the AI Companion after realising he wished he had captured more of his late grandmother’s stories while she was still alive (Photo: Getty Images)

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A new AI companion is going beyond health monitoring to offer friendship, preserve memories and alleviate the crippling silence of isolation among elderly people

For many, the idea of artificial intelligence conjures images of cold data processing or impersonal robots. However, for Alvin Cheung, the Hong Kong-based founder of AI Companion, the technology represents a potential “bridge between generations”.

Cheung speaks from experience. His inspiration to launch the AI Companion, a Jellycat-like assistant for elderly people, stemmed from the loss of his own grandmother. “After my grandmother passed away, I spent a lot of time looking through old videos and photos of her,” he says. While these moments brought warmth, they also brought a pang of regret: “I also found myself wishing I had captured more of her stories while she was with us”.

He realised that every elderly person holds a “treasure trove of memories—their youth, their loves, their lessons”. But this memory fades as we age. As one tries to hold on to the precious time spent with loved ones despite this failing memory, it can lead to elders feeling doubly lonely: missing the old times and losing their grip on that memory. Cheung wanted to build the AI Companion to address this loneliness and to celebrate their lives.

Also read: Is it acceptable to have artificial intelligence solve your problems for you?

Addressing the crisis of isolation

Creative concept showing an elderly woman with a neon brain linked to a smartphone displaying “AI”, symbolizing connection between human intelligence and artificial intelligence, modern technology, and digital learning for seniors.

Above The AI prompts users to share memories, turning everyday talks into a lasting legacy for their families (Photo: Getty Images)

The AI prompts users to share memories, turning everyday talks into a lasting legacy for their families (Photo: Getty Images)

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Beyond the personal, Cheung was also driven by a pressing public health crisis: the disparity between the “rapid ageing of our population and the scarcity of human care available to support them”.

While society is often efficient at managing medical needs, the emotional toll of ageing is frequently forgotten. “The emotional and psychological needs of the elderly—specifically the crippling effects of isolation—are frequently overlooked,” says Cheung.

A proactive companion, not a chatbot

Above The AI Companion uses a Jellycat-style avatar or physical robot to appear warm and friendly rather than intimidatingly human (Photo: courtesy of Alvin Cheung)

The AI Companion uses a Jellycat-style avatar or physical robot to appear warm and friendly rather than intimidatingly human (Photo: courtesy of Alvin Cheung)

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To truly help, the technology had to feel human. Cheung notes that unlike standard chatbots that wait for a prompt, his AI is proactive. He says it acts less like a computer and more like a thoughtful companion.

AI Companion uses a check-in feature to initiate conversation based on the time of day, asking questions like, “Good morning, Mary, how did you sleep?”. It also employs emotional memory, remembering crucial details such as grandchildren’s names, hobbies, favourite songs and career to bring them up later and foster genuine connection.

Crucially, it weaves health monitoring—such as blood pressure checks or medication reminders—into this casual chat, so it feels like care rather than a clinical task.

Breaking down the digital barrier

The emotional and psychological needs of the elderly—specifically the crippling effects of isolation—are frequently overlooked

- Alvin Chueng -

One of the most significant hurdles in deploying technology for seniors is the fear of the unknown. “Lack of digital literacy is one of the biggest barriers,” Cheung admits. Many seniors worry about looking foolish or feeling that a machine is cold.

To combat this, the AI Companion is designed to be functionally invisible. It utilises a voice-first interface, meaning there are no keyboards or complex menus to navigate. “If they can speak, they can use it,” Cheung says.

Also, to avoid the Uncanny Valley effect—where realistic avatars look unsettlingly human-like but not quite humane—Cheung’s team implemented the Jellycat factor. By presenting the AI as a cute digital pet or physical robot, they tap into the psychology of nurturing, helping the user feel they are interacting with a friendly companion rather than operating a machine.

Scaling therapy and reducing loneliness

Above The AI Companion uses a voice-first interface so that seniors don’t need to navigate complex menus or keyboards to stay connected (Photo: Getty Images)

The AI Companion uses a voice-first interface so that seniors don’t need to navigate complex menus or keyboards to stay connected (Photo: Getty Images)

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Ultimately, the goal is to alleviate the depression driven by loneliness. For those living alone, the simple act of having “someone to talk with” helps fill a vast social void.

The AI is also trained in Reminiscence Therapy, a proven method to improve self-esteem in older adults. By asking users about their past, the AI “scales this therapy”, turning what is usually an occasional session into a daily occurrence.

As Cheung poignantly notes, when the technology works well, it fades into the background. “The AI is designed to be ambient. When the technology becomes invisible, the resistance fades.”

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Topics

AI companion AI for good Loneliness Senior living conditions Alvin Cheung

Suchetana Mukhopadhyay

Digital Content Manager, Tatler Hong Kong

Suchetana Mukhopadhyay is the Digital Content Manager for Tatler Hong Kong. In this role, she leads all digital editorial and branded content on Tatler Hong Kong’s website, from brainstorming story ideas with the writers to editing and publishing the articles, and from managing the overall content flow to driving search engine optimisation. She also leads the beauty content at Tatler Hong Kong and across the region, and is always looking to champion diversity through her articles. She was previously with Cedar Hong Kong and Gafencu, and freelanced for the South China Morning Post, Campaign Asia-Pacific, CNN and more. Contact her here.