Texas ECE undergraduate Allen Zhou worked with UT biomedical engineering student Aditi Merchant and his brother, Anthony, a computer science student at the Texas Academy of Math and Science in Denton to build a website that matches older people with younger ones to give both older and younger generations a chance to connect with someone new and battle social isolation.
Zhou, who lives in Austin, said he volunteered at nursing homes in the past, and was aware of the issue of seniors being isolated even in “normal” times. As he watched retirement communities, assisted living facilities and nursing homes get locked down - with even family and friends denied visits - he grew more concerned.
