Storii has won a US$1.7m Phase II grant to test its telephone reminiscence service in rural older adults, aiming to cut social isolation and improve mental health.
The study will run as a clinical trial to assess whether weekly automated calls that prompt life-story questions can boost mood and strengthen carer connections.
Reminiscence means guided recall of personal memories. Storii records, transcribes and stores answers to create a memoir families and care teams can revisit.
The award comes from the National Institute on Aging at the US National Institutes of Health under the SBIR programme (grant 1R44AG097382-01). SBIR Phase II funds validation work by small companies.
“This $1.7 million NIH investment is a powerful validation of our mission to use simple, accessible tools to combat isolation and loneliness. With just a telephone call, we’re helping older adults preserve their stories, connect with loved ones, and improve their well-being.” said Cameron Graham, chief executive of Storii.
“This project represents an important step in addressing the pressing issue of rural isolation among older adults. By combining evidence-based reminiscence approaches with accessible technology, we can reach individuals who might otherwise be left behind and provide measurable improvements to their quality of life.” said Dr Juliette Shellman, associate professor at the University of Connecticut School of Nursing and multiple principal investigator on the grant.
