When a parent lives alone and far away, it's natural to reach for technology. A tablet for video calls. A smart speaker to play music and read the news. A family group chat full of photos. The hope is that these tools will fill some of the quiet hours and help them feel closer.
Sometimes they do. Sometimes they don't. And occasionally, they can make things worse.
This article looks at what the research says about technology and loneliness in older adults, why some tools help and others fall flat, and practical ways to use technology to support real connection.
Why this question matters
Loneliness is a serious health issue. In 2025, the World Health Organization's Commission on Social Connection reported that 1 in 6 people worldwide are affected by loneliness, and that it's linked to more than 871,000 deaths each year. For older adults, loneliness is also linked to a higher risk of dementia, heart disease and depression.
Our article on tackling loneliness in later life covers the bigger picture. Here, we focus on the role technology can play.
What the research says
The evidence on technology and loneliness is mixed, and it's worth being honest about that.
Some studies show benefits. A systematic review and meta-analysis found that remotely delivered interventions can reduce loneliness in older adults. Interventions delivered by video call showed an effect, as did those focused on increasing social support. The authors noted significant variation between studies and signs of publication bias, so the results need careful interpretation.
Other reviews are more cautious. A Cochrane rapid review on video calls for older adults found only a small number of studies, and the evidence on their effect on loneliness and depression was very uncertain. The authors called for more rigorous research with older adults who are actually lonely or isolated.
Technology alone doesn't solve it. In New Zealand, the Breaking Barriers study commissioned by Age Concern Auckland found that three-quarters of older people who used social media still reported feeling lonely, and almost two-thirds of those who were very confident with smartphones felt lonely too. The researchers suggested that social media may contribute to isolation if it isn't balanced with in-person contact.
In short, technology can help, but how it's used matters more than the device itself.
When technology falls flat
There are some common reasons technology doesn't ease loneliness:
It replaces rather than adds. Writing in Psychology Today, gerontology researcher Jasmin Tahmaseb-McConatha notes that when technology takes the place of in-person relationships, it has been found to increase loneliness. Online contact works best as a supplement.
It's too hard to use. Small buttons, confusing menus and constant updates can leave people frustrated and feeling left behind.
Nobody is on the other end. A tablet on the kitchen bench doesn't help if the calls don't come.
It highlights distance. For some people, seeing family on a screen is a reminder of how far away they are.
Fear of scams. Worry about being tricked can make people avoid technology altogether. Our guide to privacy and security in AgeTech can help.
When technology helps
Technology is most useful when it supports real relationships. That tends to happen when:
Contact is regular and predictable. A video call every Sunday afternoon gives something to look forward to.
It's easy to use. Simple screens, large text and one-touch calling reduce frustration. Our article on universal design explains what to look for.
Someone helps set it up. A patient family member, grandchild or volunteer makes a big difference.
It connects people to activities. Online classes, faith services, book clubs and interest groups can open new social circles.
It supports the day. Reminders and routines help people stay active and on track, which makes it easier to join in with others.
It leads to real-world contact. Technology that helps organise a visit, a lift or a coffee with a friend is doing its best work.
Practical tips for families
If you want to use technology to help a parent or older relative feel more connected:
Start with what they enjoy. A grandparent who loves photos might enjoy a digital photo frame that family can update. Someone who loves music might enjoy a smart speaker.
Keep it simple. Pick one tool and one use to begin with. Add more later.
Set up a routine. Agree on a regular call time, and stick to it.
Share the load. Ask different family members to take different days.
Make calls meaningful. Show them the garden, cook together, read to the grandchildren, or ask for their advice.
Keep in-person contact going. Use technology to plan visits, not replace them.
Check in on how it's going. Ask what's working and what's frustrating, and adjust.
Our article on how seniors can stay socially connected using technology has more ideas.
Elli Cares is built to support connection, not replace it. Family members can record video reminders so a familiar face and voice are part of the day, and send messages through the shared care circle. Daily wellbeing check-ins give families a gentle sense of how their loved one is going, so they can reach out when it matters most. See how Elli supports seniors and families.
Technology for people living with dementia
For people living with dementia, some technology can be especially helpful, as long as it's kept simple:
Video reminders from family members can feel more personal than a beep or text.
Photo phones that let you call someone by tapping their picture.
Music playlists of favourite songs, which can lift mood and spark conversation.
Digital photo frames that family can update from afar.
Keep the layout consistent and avoid frequent changes. And remember that as dementia progresses, the most meaningful connection will usually come from people, not screens.
The bottom line
Technology can help older adults stay connected, especially with family far away. But it works best as a bridge to people, not a substitute for them. The most helpful tools are simple, used regularly, and backed by someone who shows up on the other end.
Used that way, a video call, a message or a familiar voice can make a lonely day a little brighter.
