Overview: In Canada, 30 % of seniors experience social isolation, which is associated with cognitive decline. Studies suggest that co-viewing videos with positive emotional content promotes communication and social engagement (Ansaldo et al., 2021). Seniors spend approximately 4 hours per day watching television. It is important to explore the impact of this fact on communication and global behavior in seniors and their proxies.

Objectives: To identify the emotions experienced by dyads, and the parameters modulating them, as well as communication.

Methods: 19 dyads of elderly individuals watched 20 videos with positive emotional content. During co-viewing, facial expressions, heartbeat and respiratory rates were measured. After each video, participants completed a questionnaire measuring emotions (PANAS), and a semi- structured interview. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted.

Results: Significant results in favor of positive emotional valence for each video were observed following quantitative analyses (t-test) of the PANAS; participants primarily felt enthusiastic, interested, and inspired. Analyses of semi-structured interviews confirm that dyads experienced positive emotions particularly with nature, animals, and children related videos. Most of the dyads perceived co-viewing as a means to promote communication and evoke memories. Machine learning supported analysis show a correlation between screen content type, and participants’ engagement as reflected by pupil dilation, and respiratory ratestabilization.

Discussion: The use of adapted video content encourages person-centered communication and empathy, thereby contributing to the maintenance of social engagement among the elderly.

Conclusions: These results provide evidence for the benefits of using adapted video content to promote communication in old age and point to innovative avenues in the study of co-viewing effects on communication and engagement in individuals living with major neurocognitive disorders.