Music soothes the soul and improves the mood.

A hot topic brought to you by SpecialtyRx, your partner in long-term care

SOLO, a new music video app, utilizes facial recognition technology and artificial intelligence to monitor a user’s emotional state. Ovation Jewish Home, a Milwaukee senior living and care provider is using the app in an effort to use music as a means of engaging residents and improving emotional health.

When used, the app scans 42 facial muscles, recognizing seven emotions and makes appropriate selections based on a user’s current emotional state. A dashboard allows staff to monitor resident changes, trends, and overall emotional well-being.

The app chooses music videos based on the data collected. If a resident appears agitated, soothing music videos are played. If a resident seems sad, the app chooses uplifting music.

According to SOLO, senior living and care communities reported a 92% engagement rate and 76% improvement in mood after using the app for 30 days.

According to Joe Kubulak, Chief Operating Officer at SpecialtyRx, “At SpecialtyRx, in addition to providing you with the best in pharmaceutical therapy management, we are always looking into new and innovative treatment options to present to our clients and studies have shown the benefits of music for older adults, especially those with dementia and cognitive issues.”