Amintro: A Social Solution to the Loneliness Health Epidemic

AUTHORS & CREDENTIALS: Charlene Nadalin, BA York University

AFFILIATED INSTITUTION(S): AGE-WELL startup affiliate partner; Sheridan Centre for Elder Research; Communitech

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BEGIN WORKING ON THIS PROJECT? DESCRIBE THE MAIN ISSUE OR CHALLENGE THE PROJECT AIMS TO SOLVE.

Concern for my mom’s quality of life, and physical and emotional wellbeing as she ages inspired me to begin working on a social solution to the growing epidemic of loneliness impacting older adults. Social isolation and loneliness contribute to a high mortality rate and are responsible for a multibillion dollar economic impact on Canada’s healthcare system, and these are two issues that Amintro is focused on addressing.

BRIEFLY SUMMARIZE YOUR PROJECT.

A Place Where Grown-Ups Come to Make New Friends. The opposite of a dating site, Amintro is a FREE online friendship-making platform and mobile app, that serves as a valuable resource for people over 50 looking for new ways to live happier, healthier lives. The service matches people for platonic friendships based on their similar life experiences, social circles, passions, interests, and close proximity to one another. Amintro allows users first, to engage with these new connections online, with an opportunity to continue interactions offline as well.

DISCUSS SOME OF THE PAST, PRESENT, AND/ OR INTENDED FUTURE REAL-WORLD APPLICATIONS OF THIS WORK.

Amintro launched in Canada in May 2018 and the growing membership throughout the country validates that Amintro’s friendship-making service and lifestyle-enhancing content addresses a gap in society. Future real world applications and plans include collorative opportunities with government partners, and national and provincial organizations that share a common interest and objective of improving the lives of older adults throughout Canada.