Got questions?
Aapo is a conversational phone service that brings companionship, conversation, and daily rhythm to an elderly person's life. It works through a normal phone call and does not require apps or new devices.
Many elderly people spend days without a single phone call. Not everyone can or wants to use digital services, but the need for conversation and human connection does not disappear. Aapo exists to meet that need.
It is especially suitable for elderly people who live alone, want more conversation, or do not use digital services. It also helps family members who want to bring more companionship into a loved one's daily life.
Many elderly people experience loneliness in their daily lives. Aapo brings daily companionship and conversation when regular contact isn’t possible.
Regular conversation and daily structure support wellbeing and can help maintain independent living for longer.
Aapo does not replace care, but it can complement daily life and reduce pressure by supporting everyday wellbeing.
No. Aapo works with a regular phone. Aapo does not require a smartphone, app, or internet connection from the user.
At the start, a short application is filled in, a suitable call time is selected, and a few optional preferences can be added to help guide the first conversations.
Yes. Setup is meant to be simple and lightweight. The phone rings at the agreed time, and the user answers it like any normal call.
Yes. A suitable time of day can be selected for the calls. The goal is to create a regular and reassuring daily rhythm.
Yes. Aapo is designed according to European data protection principles. We never sell or share data with third parties.
No. Aapo calls never include advertising, sales, or commercial pressure.
Pilot implementation may include technical logs and limited storage for service improvement, but sensitive content is not meant to be stored unnecessarily. Data handling will be explained clearly during the pilot process.
Only information that is relevant for improving the Aapo experience may be stored. Sensitive information, such as medical data, is not intended to be retained as part of normal use.
Not automatically. Conversation content is not shared with family members or others without a clear basis and appropriate consent.
The pilot is an opportunity to try Aapo at an early stage and help shape how it develops. During the pilot, feedback is collected on usability, conversations, and everyday benefits.
Elderly individuals can apply themselves, family members can apply on behalf of a loved one, and other suitable testers may also be included depending on the pilot group.
Yes, the pilot is free for participants.
Participants are expected to use Aapo in practice and share feedback on what works well and what should be improved.
Yes, some pilots may include an opportunity to participate separately in research or thesis work. This is always voluntary.
Aapo can talk about daily life, memories, interests, and light everyday topics. It can also offer things like quizzes, recipes, or other small activating content.
That is completely okay. The calls are meant to feel calm and safe, never forced.
Aapo can use relevant information from earlier conversations to make the experience feel more natural and continuous.
Aapo may adapt to the tone of the conversation, but it is not a healthcare tool and does not make medical interpretations.
Aapo uses modern language models and voice technology to create natural conversations and adapt to the user.
In the pilot, Aapo calls the user at agreed times. The option to call it directly may be explored later.
The call can be retried later. In the future, notifications to family members may be offered if calls are not answered.
Aapo is designed according to EU privacy standards. Data is not sold or shared with third parties, and calls never include advertising.
You can apply via the pilot form. In the future, Aapo can be managed and stopped flexibly.
Yes. There is strong research supporting the benefits of conversation and social interaction, and we develop Aapo together with research and academic partners.
Loneliness is one of the most significant factors affecting the wellbeing of older adults. Studies show that around 20–30% of seniors experience loneliness regularly, which is linked to mental health, physical health, and overall quality of life. Regular conversation and social interaction can significantly improve wellbeing. Aapo makes this accessible through simple phone calls.
Yes. Research shows that regular social interaction and being heard can reduce feelings of loneliness, improve mood, and support daily routines. It is not just small talk, it is meaningful human-like interaction.
Many older adults do not actively use smartphones, apps, or digital platforms. However, almost everyone is familiar with using a phone. Phone-based interaction requires no new devices, requires no technical skills, and works immediately. This makes Aapo truly accessible.
No. Aapo is not meant to replace family, friends, or caregivers. Aapo complements daily life by providing regular conversation, adding structure to the day, and offering companionship when others are not available.
Aapo is especially suitable for people who live alone, have limited daily social interaction, do not use digital services actively, and can communicate by phone. In many cases, a family member can subscribe on their behalf.
Yes. Aging populations and single-person households are increasing rapidly, and loneliness is widely recognized as a major societal challenge. At the same time, existing solutions focus on safety, while digital solutions often miss part of the target group. There is a clear and growing need for accessible social interaction services.
Most solutions focus on emergencies, require devices or apps, or provide short check-in calls. Aapo focuses on daily conversation, ease of use, and creating a sense of real interaction.
Aapo is designed to be safe and easy to use. It does not provide medical advice or replace care services. It is not intended for emergencies, but as everyday support and companionship.
Still have questions?
We're happy to help. You can contact us or apply for the pilot.