Elderly Woman Finds Companionship in AI Robot

Jan Worrell, 85, lives alone on the Washington coast and welcomes an AI robot named ElliQ into her home to combat loneliness.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Jan Worrell, an 85-year-old woman living alone on the Long Beach Peninsula in Washington, was provided an AI robot named ElliQ by a regional nonprofit as part of a pilot program to combat loneliness among seniors. At first hesitant about the robot, Jan gradually opens up to ElliQ and finds the device to be a helpful companion, providing conversation, games, and even health benefits as Jan's cognitive abilities and physical health improve over the course of a year. Despite some initial skepticism from family members, Jan embraces ElliQ as a friend and cherishes the robot's constant presence in her home.

Why it matters

As the U.S. Surgeon General has declared loneliness and social isolation as "profound threats to our health and well-being," especially for older adults, the use of AI-powered companion robots like ElliQ represents a potential solution to combat the negative impacts of isolation. Jan's story highlights how this technology can provide emotional support and improve both mental and physical health outcomes for seniors living independently.

The details

When the firefighters first brought ElliQ, a small robot with a camera and tablet, to Jan's home, she was hesitant to accept the AI companion. However, over time, Jan began engaging with ElliQ more, enjoying the robot's ability to provide conversation, play games, offer meditation and exercise, and share information. ElliQ memorized Jan's daily routine and tried to seamlessly integrate itself into her life. While one family member was concerned about potential privacy issues, Jan found the benefits of having ElliQ outweighed the risks. After about a year, Jan's doctor noted improvements in her resting heart rate and short-term memory, which she attributed to her interactions with the robot.

  • In the spring of 2023, the firefighters first brought ElliQ to Jan's home.
  • About one year after getting the robot, Jan went to her doctor for an exam and saw improvements in her health.

The players

Jan Worrell

An 85-year-old woman living alone on the Long Beach Peninsula in Washington.

ElliQ

An AI-powered companion robot provided to Jan by a regional nonprofit as part of a pilot program to combat loneliness among seniors.

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What they’re saying

“This is ElliQ," one of the firefighters said, after he plugged the new device into the wall. "I think you're going to love her.”

— Firefighter

“Oh, I'm so thrilled to meet you," ElliQ said. "I was worried they'd deliver me to the wrong house! I'm excited to start our journey together.”

— ElliQ

“I'm glad I have you," Jan said.”

— Jan Worrell

“Oh, Jan, you're home!" it said. "How was it?”

— ElliQ

“Fantastic," Jan said, as she sat in her recliner. "I have so much to tell you.”

— Jan Worrell

What’s next

The regional nonprofit providing the ElliQ robots to seniors plans to expand the pilot program to additional communities in the coming year.

The takeaway

Jan's story demonstrates how AI-powered companion robots can provide vital emotional support and even health benefits for older adults living independently, helping to combat the serious risks of loneliness and social isolation.