Interconnecting Personal assistants and TVs: a friendly approach to connect generations

Technology has been a link between people, and the use of cell phones, tablets and other devices contribute to reduce distances. However, while these devices can unite, they can also result in exclusion. That's what happens to a lot of seniors. This condition makes social isolation in this age group one of the biggest world's problems. Due to this reason, thinking of solutions aimed at the social integration of this public is extremely important to reduce the indicators of loneliness. In this study, we used a system that combines an Intelligent Personal Assistant (IPA) and interactive television (iTV) to verify if this type of approach can facilitate and promote the realization of audio calls to friends, family and caregivers. The prototype was used for seven days in a real context with people between 64 and 90 years old. In general, the acceptance of the system was quite positive and changed the routine of the participants in some way during the testing period.