I was very close with my grandfather who suffered from age-related chronic conditions that made him homebound. It was a difficult time, and one that made me come to a stark realization: loneliness and social isolation are massive healthcare problems that need to be addressed.

So, we founded Televeda: a social venture working to prevent social isolation in vulnerable communities. Loneliness is a major predictor of functional decline and death, and bringing individuals together can improve a society’s physical, mental, and social health.

Accessibility is one of the most important problems of our times. I cannot stand to see more people affected by something that is easily preventable. Social isolation is now considered a global epidemic, so we must work together to change the future of our world.