SE Valley Times

Loneliness has been called the silent killer. The U.S. Surgeon General has described the negative health effects of social isolation as being as damaging as smoking cigarettes. While many aging Americans are at risk of feeling or being socially isolated, veterans are particularly vulnerable.

Nicole Roberts, an associate professor of psychology in the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Arizona State University (ASU), has spent the last few years studying how to improve health care outcomes for veterans. She notes that Americans who have served in the military often suffer from medical conditions resulting from combat or highly physical jobs. Some veterans have spent significant amounts of time living in close quarters on bases and later with a structured lifestyle, leaving them uniquely impacted when they find themselves retired and alone.

Roberts also says many veterans have been especially driven by the spirit of providing service to their communities. “In many ways, veterans are the epitome of being active contributors earlier in their lives,” Roberts says. “When they transition into older age, many continue making these active contributions, but others suffer from serious health conditions that can make them feel marginalized and isolated.”

To tackle this problem, Roberts joined forces with Ming Zhao, an associate professor of computer science and engineering in the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence at ASU’s Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.

Together they are part of a cross-disciplinary team awarded a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to develop artificial intelligence (AI) tools for edge devices that will improve health care outcomes for aging veterans.

The project builds on Zhao’s previous work developing machine learning systems that integrate health care information into user-friendly tools and interfaces for older adults. He assembled a team including Roberts; David Coon, associate dean of research initiatives, support, and engagement and a professor in Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation; and Erin Chiou, an associate professor of human systems engineering in The Polytechnic School. They aim to help veterans not only survive but thrive by becoming more empowered and gaining greater access to social and community relationships.

The project supported by the grant is called “EdgeCare,” or Engagement for Older Adults via Data-Generated Efficacy.

Edge devices are small electronics like cellphones, smartwatches, and doorbell cameras that are becoming important parts of day-to-day life. Many people already use certain edge devices like Fitbits and Oura Rings to stay active and help improve their health by monitoring heart rate, steps walked, quality of sleep, etc., then making recommendations to the wearer.

Creating new AI technology for edge devices is an emerging focus for researchers at ASU who are developing machine learning systems for electronics used by healthcare professionals in hospitals. In recent years, Zhao’s research lab team has advanced edge computing in other sectors such as reducing stress for law enforcement officers.

Zhao explains his team is trying to create an AI-powered digital assistant running on a small device in the veteran’s home. EdgeCare will connect to the cloud for access to important information like language libraries and medical databases while personal information remains stored on the user’s device for security and privacy.

“First, the device will collect data about the veteran,” Zhao says. “Then it will learn from the data it gathers. Finally, the system can provide an intervention to help the user.”

Veterans will be able to enter information about their health such as chronic conditions and prescription medications they rely on. Like fitness trackers, Zhao’s system will gather movement data and health metrics before learning how best to assist users through memory exercises or physical workouts among other interventions promoting emotional well-being or community activities.

The device will monitor changes in behavior patterns alerting medical professionals or loved ones if necessary—providing critical early intervention for memory issues or worsening health conditions among veterans.

“The project is about helping veterans stay independent,” Zhao says. “But when they need help they can get help.”

Roberts agrees: “We now know that lack of social connection as well as lack of exercise mental stimulation even sleep can increase dementia risk so early tracking cognitive emotional changes helps veterans get care earlier stages cognitive decline.”

The EdgeCare team includes David Coon Erin Chiou Ming Zhao Nicole Roberts photo Erika Gronek/ASUCross-disciplinary team combines expertise deliver results

What’s unique about this NSF-funded project is its diverse group combining clinical psychological social technical acumen improving veteran's well-being support needs

Coon director Center Innovation Healthy Resilient Aging addresses social interpersonal cultural aspects ensuring holistic approach

Chiou human–automation interaction expert focuses understanding daily activities different life stages designing effective technology

Working students gaining insights focus group data makes design recommendations rooted study veteran's needs

Zhao studies develops distributed machine learning methods powering EdgeCare aligns efforts Center Accelerated Real Time Analytics focusing accurate speedy secure algorithms combining broad cloud information personal user data

YZ Yezhou Yang computer vision expert provides additional support

Combining clinical psychological social technical expertise aims improve veteran's well-being support needs front lines change

EdgeCare fosters interaction between veterans families caregivers aligned U.S Department Veterans Affairs initiatives improving healthcare outcomes inspired response enthusiastic using new technology improving fellow vet's health

“I think it’s surprising people resistant new technology very open really want solutions” Roberts says inspired dedication connecting maintaining sense community

Zhao hopeful benefits other groups providing solutions fast-growing aging populations Ross Maciejewski director School Computing Augmented Intelligence appreciates bridging research domains solving critical problem

“This work interesting example using artificial intelligence tackling under-resourced problem actually using technology fostering interaction between veterans communities caregivers” Maciejewski says