An AI companion system for older adults after spousal loss

The global population of widowed adults aged 60 and older has reached 1.2 billion. Many face an increased risk of insomnia, depression, somatic symptoms, and premature mortality. Yet support is often difficult to access: older adults may lack day-to-day companionship, their adult children may not know how to respond to emotional distress, professional counseling can be hard to reach, and conventional wearables stop providing support once they are taken off.

Anxy addresses these gaps through a conversational wearable and a companion app for family supporters. The pendant combines bio-radar sensing, speech and semantic interaction, and movement-based positioning to understand changes in the user’s physical and emotional state. A short press provides information about nearby activities, while gentle deformation of the silicone back surface can guide the wearer through paced breathing during moments of distress. The housing is made from mineral-filled recycled polypropylene to improve durability while reducing reliance on virgin material.

The companion app helps family members understand shared wellbeing trends, check the status of the device, recommend community activities, and explore professional support when appropriate. Rather than replacing human care, Anxy is designed to provide everyday companionship, encourage self-regulation, and make it easier for older adults to stay connected to people and support around them.