Population aging reduces older adults’ social engagement, leading to loneliness and lower quality of life. Phatic communication—interaction aimed at maintaining social bonds rather than transmitting information—offers a non-pharmacological approach to enhance engagement. This study reviews its concepts, applications, and relevance for older adults, highlighting barriers such as sensory decline, technology complexity, and limited emotional richness. We propose integrating touch perception into everyday communication devices to simulate physical presence, strengthen emotional connection, and compensate for sensory loss. Using literature review, case analysis, and design exploration, findings suggest that tactile-enhanced phatic communication improves intimacy, stimulates engagement, and supports emotional well-being. A conceptual framework linking phatic communication, tactile technology, and social engagement is presented, offering guidance for inclusive, emotionally supportive technology design.