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COVID19: Technological Solutions to Tackle Isolation and Loneliness

Covid19 is a collective challenge that we all face, and social isolation and loneliness are big national issues we must address. Although loneliness is particularly prevalent among older people, loneliness can also affect people of all ages.  Human touch and connection is so important, even though that connection is not physical, tech can help to reduce this.


As part of the global effort, the IET is keen to help identify potential solutions across its national and international engineering networks that could help our governments solve problems and innovations that help to counter the ill effects of social isolation and loneliness, including providing mental health support and meeting social care needs.


We are keen to hear case-study exemplars and your thoughts on opportunities and challenges regarding the following areas:
  • Social Isolation

  • Remote working

  • Remote care (Technologies for healthy ageing, eldercare, dementia, end-of-life)

  • Mental Health (Technologies for wellness and mental health)

  • Childcare at home (Technologies for education, exercise, self-care)


Additionally, if you would like to volunteer your expertise and be consulted further in these areas above please email healthcare@theiet.org.

Parents
  • I wonder if there are lessons that could be learned from the great work of Temple Grandin.  Whilst we can't all have a squeeze box/hug machine in our houses, I think the requirement for personal contact and physical touch is something that all humans need.  Probably a lot we can learn from those who process the world in a different way and have been coming up with innovative coping mechanisms for years.
Reply
  • I wonder if there are lessons that could be learned from the great work of Temple Grandin.  Whilst we can't all have a squeeze box/hug machine in our houses, I think the requirement for personal contact and physical touch is something that all humans need.  Probably a lot we can learn from those who process the world in a different way and have been coming up with innovative coping mechanisms for years.
Children
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