Frequently asked 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.
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.
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.
No. Aapo does not replace loved ones, friends, care services, or professionals. Its purpose is to complement everyday life in the moments when other calls or companionship are not available.
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.
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.
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.
Older adults themselves, loved ones, caregivers, families, and other suitable participants can apply depending on the target group of the pilot.
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.
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 loved ones may be offered if calls are not answered as agreed.
Yes. Aapo is designed according to EU privacy principles and the Finnish operating environment. We never sell or share data with third parties.
No. Aapo calls never include advertising, sales, or commercial pressure.
The pilot implementation may include technical logs and limited storage for developing Aapo. Recording and data handling will be explained more clearly during the pilot process, and the required consents will be requested from participants.
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.
No. Aapo is not an emergency service, safety alarm, or healthcare tool. In emergencies, users should always contact emergency services or the appropriate healthcare provider.
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.
Aapo does not solve the conditions for living at home on its own, but regular conversation, daily rhythm, and a sense of connection can support wellbeing and independent everyday life.
Aapo does not replace care or professionals. However, it can complement existing services and provide light support in moments where conversation or daily rhythm is needed.
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.
Still have questions?
We're happy to help. You can contact us or apply for the pilot.