A groundbreaking new app is making waves in the Canary Islands by bridging the gap between generations in an inspiring bid to tackle the growing problem of unwanted loneliness.
Backed by the Ministry of Social Welfare, this trailblazing digital platform is already delivering meaningful results. Since its launch just a few months ago, Dialogae has connected over 20 people, bringing young volunteers and older adults together through video calls and chat to share conversations, stories, and companionship.
In just six months, the app has facilitated more than 20 hours of conversation across nearly 50 calls, with 20 active users ranging in age from 20 to 85. The longest call to date clocked in at 56 minutes, while some intergenerational matches have already spent over three hours chatting, proof of the lasting bonds being built.
During a recent event at a senior centre in Icod, Tenerife, Verónica Meseguer, Director-General of Seniors and Active Participation, posed a powerful question: “Is there anything more effective in combating unwanted loneliness than fostering conversation between generations?”
She highlighted the urgent need to reclaim genuine human connection in an era dominated by digital overexposure, especially for elderly people whose traditional support networks have diminished.
‘Dialogae’ isn’t just about offering companionship for older users; it’s also enriching the lives of young people through volunteering. Many of them report gaining new perspectives, knowledge, and a sense of purpose through their interactions with the older generation.
Interest in the initiative is growing rapidly, with inquiries arriving from mainland Spain. Older users have shared uplifting feedback, with many saying they feel more energised, more connected, and far less alone after using the app.
Serafín Mesa, Youth Councillor of Tenerife, praised the app for highlighting young people’s willingness to support their elders through shared stories and experiences. He called attention to the "silent epidemic" of loneliness that affects both the young and the old, and how Dialogae is becoming part of the solution.
The app’s creator, Mahesh Daswani, described Dialogae as a platform that "facilitates meaningful connections across generations." He also revealed that exciting new developments are on the horizon, including three upcoming updates and a bolder, improved version of the app designed to reach even more users across the islands and beyond.
As loneliness continues to affect millions across Europe, Dialogae is proving that a simple conversation, whether five minutes or fifty, can change lives.
