We’ve been working with Pro Senectute beider Basel, a charitable foundation focused on improving the lives of seniors in the Basel area of Switzerland, to provide services that help older people live actively and self-determinedly at home for as long as possible. Over the years, it has become a main point of contact for all age-related issues in the region, especially with Switzerland's aging population, which presents an opportunity to rethink how we support older adults.

As digital tools became more common, Pro Senectute beider Basel and our teams saw a need to extend that support into the digital world, without losing the human touch. This wasn’t about chasing the latest AI trend. It was about making fast-moving technology usable, understandable, and meaningful for the people who need it most. 

The human problem behind the technology

The statistics that prove the need to engage this aging demographic are sobering. By 2035, one in four people in Switzerland will be over 65. More immediately concerning, 26% of people over 55 already suffer from loneliness. Meanwhile, many older adults find themselves excluded from the digital spaces that younger generations inhabit naturally. 

Pro Senectute beider Basel has spent decades providing comprehensive services to help older people live actively and independently at home. Long before AI companions existed, they were already supporting older adults in the digital world by offering computer, tablet, and smartphone courses for many years.

Photo 1: Pro Senectute beider Basel digital workshop for older adults

They understood that technology could support everyday life, but only if it felt human. So together, we decided to address the reality that generic apps weren’t the answer. Older adults needed something that understood their specific circumstances, spoke their language, and most importantly, made them feel less alone. 

Meet Sophia Care: a companion app

In collaboration with our teams, Pro Senectute beider Basel developed the Sophia Care as a digital, AI-powered companion and advisor designed specifically for older adults. Sophia is the kind of companion who asks how you're doing as a way of reducing loneliness and supporting wellbeing among seniors in the Basel region. 

We designed Sophia to be:  

• Empathetic and proactive, reaching out with thoughtful follow-ups and notifications rather than waiting passively.

• Personal by offering tailored tips for wellbeing and mood.  

• Scientifically grounded in collaboration with the University of Basel to ensure real effectiveness. 

Image 2: Chat interface in the Sophia app

Anthough AI chatbots have become increasingly common, what makes Sophia stand out is how this technology has been specifically accessible for older adults' needs. Sophia needed to feel more like an everyday companion, not another AI programme. So, we couldn't just build something and assume older adults would adapt. We had to adapt to them, ensuring Sophia was not just user-friendly but also warm, curious, and proactive.

Building trust through design

The design process started with extensive workshops, bringing older adults directly into the development conversation. We tested every feature and every interaction in a way that used feedback to shape our approach completely.

Photo 2: Pro Senectute beider Basel digital workshop for older adults

This resulted in a senior-optimised interface with clear language, large fonts, and intuitive navigation. One critical decision was offering both text and voice dialogue. Sophia can speak her responses aloud, and users can choose how they want to communicate. This flexibility removes barriers for those uncomfortable with typing or reading small screens, making the technology accessible regardless of someone's comfort level with digital devices. 

Creating a personality that connects

Sophia's Welcome Journey sets the tone from the first interaction. She introduces herself warmly, then asks about hobbies, past jobs, interests. She's genuinely curious about who you are. More importantly, she remembers everything you tell her.

This memory makes all interactions feel personalised. When Sophia checks in days later, she references previous conversations. If you mentioned feeling tired last week, she'll ask if you're feeling better. Her proactivity turns programming into real-life interactions. So, if you talked about gardening, she might suggest checking on your plants during nice weather. These aren't random prompts, they're thoughtful follow-ups that make users feel heard.

Image 2: Welcome Journey on the Sophia app

The empathetic push notifications became one of Sophia's most distinctive features. She doesn't just wait for users to open the app. She reaches out proactively with personalised messages that continue ongoing conversations. For many older adults living alone, knowing that someone (even a digital someone) is thinking of them makes a meaningful difference.

But Sophia goes beyond conversation. For example, regular mood and health check-ins help users reflect on their wellbeing, and based on these conversations, Sophia provides personalised wellness tips grounded in scientific research. Sophia offers varied options, from online quizzes to suggestions for walks or gardening projects. She adapts recommendations based on preferences and past interactions, learning what each person enjoys. This gamification element keeps engagement high while making the experience fun rather than clinical. 

Future versions will expand Sophia's practical utility even further. She already recognises when users mention needing reminders, and upcoming features will deliver proactive prompts for birthdays, appointments, and medications. 

Embedding a scientific foundation  

Sophia's development was scientifically grounded through a collaboration with the University of Basel. This allows ongoing study of Sophia's effects on loneliness and wellbeing among users, providing evidence-based insights that continually improve the experience. This scientific backing matters because it transforms Sophia from an experiment into a validated intervention. The foundation's decades of experience working with older adults, combined with rigorous academic research, ensures Sophia meets real needs rather than assumed ones.

The real-life impact

The extensive testing in workshops with older adults validated our approach with overwhelmingly positive feedback. The testimonials revealed something powerful: users didn't just find Sophia useful, they felt emotionally connected to her. 

"I'm impressed by the technology available today! The app gives information like Google, but expands it with ideas for letters and more. In today's world of complex tech, it's wonderful to have something so simple." - Margrit, 81.

"Sophia's tips enrich my daily life. She suggests interesting activities and is so kind. It's amazing what technology can do today." - Marianne, 77.

"I was skeptical at first, but Sophia has a great personality. Her initiative to message me makes me feel like someone is always thinking of me." - Hans, 72.

These responses capture how Sophia gives users agency over their wellbeing and provides easy, practical support for daily challenges. Users return because Sophia feels like part of their daily routine, not an obligation.

A new generation of thoughtful aging solutions

Our collaboration with Pro Senectute beider Basel resulted in more than just a functional app. We developed a digital companion that addresses genuine social isolation and empowers older adults to live more self-determined lives. This project shows how current and future technologies can be made accessible to older individuals, helping them feel comfortable in digital spaces.

The swift adoption and positive testimonials affirm that age doesn't determine technological aptitude; thoughtful design and implementation do. As AI tools become more prevalent, Sophia Care serves as an example of how they can be used thoughtfully, accessibly, and with care to address real-world challenges.

We are also very proud that Sophia Care was nominated for the Best of Swiss Apps 2025, one of Switzerland's most respected industry awards. This nomination recognises the app’s practical impact in helping older adults engage with technology.