Antiguo

As a result of COVID-19, nursing homes have been disproportionately affected; studies found that cases rose as much as 18% in long term care facilities over a 14 day period ending July 10th (Chidambaram, 2020). To protect their residents, nursing homes prohibit family and friend visitation. Many residents of nursing homes have experienced depression and anxiety because of decreased social isolation and decreased visitation. Socialization is extremely important to the mental health, quality of life, and cognitive function of elderly people. Studies have found that socialization may help to lessen potential cognitive impairment and improve seniors’ sense of self worth. Adequate social support and socialization are also associated with reduced mortality and risk of physical illness.

Elderly people in nursing homes have limited visits from family members and do not have people to talk about their interests. We believe that through Antiguo, residents of nursing homes can safely form and maintain new relationships with people that share their interests, which will bolster their mental health. The resident’s accounts are overseen by care coordinators and mental health professionals at their nursing homes. Despite seniors’ growing online presence, there are few platforms dedicated specifically to them, or to their meeting new people. 59% of Americans above the age of 65 use the internet. Facebook, Instagram, and other forms of social media are confusing for older generations, and are mostly used by seniors to maintain contact with friends and family they already know. Our easy-to-use app with large font and reduced toggles help seniors confidently use technology to make new friends, improving their mental health and quality of life during the pandemic.