Embodied Communication Agents: A Scoping Review of The Impact of Applications To Support Older Adults

This paper presents a scoping review of the literature on the impact of Em-bodied Communication Agents (ECAs) embedded in digital solutions to sup-port older adults. The ten studies that were included in this scoping review reported on the implementation of digital solutions to promote physical activ-ity, minimize loneliness, provide spiritual comfort, facilitate problem solving and knowledge acquisition, and support the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases. In terms of impact assessment, different outcomes were consid-ered, and the included studies reported significant impact in terms of steps walked and acknowledge acquisition, a trend in the reduction of loneliness, and good sensitivity and specificity to diagnose neurodegenerative diseases.