Pet robots: electronic dogs and cats become companions for the elderly

Societies around the world are aging rapidly, especially in developed countries. Despite being an improvement in relation to historical mortality rates, increased longevity has led to an increasing number of elderly people living alone, resulting in greater loneliness in this age group.

This scenario has drawn attention from several areas, including technological development, which seeks innovative solutions to improve the quality of life of the elderly. Among these solutions, robot pet dogs and cats stand out, designed to offer emotional comfort, interaction and companionship, helping to mitigate the effects of loneliness and promoting the well-being of the elderly.

The lonely tendency of aging

Loneliness among the elderly is a growing and alarming problem in many parts of the world. According to the 2022 Demographic Census from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), the number of people aged 65 or over in Brazil grew 57,4% between 2010 and 2022, reaching 22.169.101 people, or 10,9% of the population. This is the highest number of elderly people in the Brazilian population since 1980.

In Japan, 29% of the population is already 65 years old or over, which puts the country on the front line of this crisis. In the United States, although the numbers are not as high, the population aging trend is evident. Currently, there are 62 million Americans aged 65 and over, representing 18% of the total population. Projections of Pew Research indicate that by 2054, this number is expected to increase to 84 million, or 23% of the population.

The impact of loneliness on the health of older people is profound and worrying. The United States Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, highlighted that loneliness is associated with a reduction in life expectancy similar to that caused by smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and even greater than that associated with obesity. In addition to the physical effects, isolation can accelerate cognitive decline in older individuals, increasing the risk of diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer's.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly exacerbated the problem of this epidemic of loneliness among seniors. The social isolation necessary to contain the spread of the virus has made many elderly people feel even more isolated and disconnected from the outside world. Vivek Murthy recently declared loneliness an epidemic of its own, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue comprehensively and effectively.

Faced with this situation, technological development has sought innovative solutions to alleviate loneliness among the elderly. The development of robot pets reflects a broader effort to integrate technology into the care of the elderly, offering solutions that go beyond traditional medical care. Those robots They are equipped with sensors and artificial intelligence that allow them to recognize and respond to human interactions, becoming loyal and constant companions. Through realistic conversations, movements and behaviors, they can provide a sense of presence and reduce feelings of isolation.

Robot pets as a solution

Robot pets are emerging as an innovative solution to combat loneliness among older adults, offering companionship and emotional comfort in an accessible and practical way. Inspired by technological advances and growing social needs, programs like the Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) in New York have distributed more than 31.500 robotic pets since 2018, providing a comforting alternative for those facing social isolation. These devices, produced by Ageless Innovations under the brand Joy for All, include models of cats, dogs, and even birds, each designed to respond to human interactions with realistic movements and comforting sounds.

Founded in 2015, the Ageless Innovations adapted its expertise in children's entertainment to create robotic pets that meet the specific needs of seniors. The robot cat and robot dog, initially released in 2015 and 2016 respectively, soon became popular due to their ability to simulate the presence of a real pet without the associated care challenges. Recently, the “Walker Squawker“, a robotic bird, was introduced to the range, designed to encourage movement and physical interaction, as well as offering emotional companionship.

Studies have shown that the presence of pets can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness among seniors. Research has highlighted that pet owners are 36% less likely to report loneliness, even after controlling for factors such as age and living status. For many seniors, however, keeping a pet alive may be unfeasible due to physical, financial or health constraints. Robot pets fill this gap by offering a comforting and worry-free interaction, helping to improve the emotional and psychological well-being of their users.

A notable example is the Strike, a therapeutic seal pup developed in Japan, which stood out as one of the first and most recognized therapeutic robots for the elderly. Since its creation in the early 1990s, Paro has gained global fame for its ability to stimulate positive emotional responses and reduce stress among older adults. Their inclusion in pop culture, such as a cameo on “The Simpsons” in 2011, has highlighted their cultural impact and the growing acceptance of robots as therapeutic companions.

As technology advances and the global population continues to age, the demand for innovative solutions for elderly care and companionship will only grow. Robot pets represent not only a practical response to loneliness, but also an exciting evolution at the intersection of technology and human well-being, promising a future where inclusion and emotional support are accessible to everyone, regardless of age or circumstance.

Conclusion

Robot pets have emerged as a significant solution to mitigate loneliness and improve emotional well-being among seniors, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. These innovative devices not only offer constant companionship and sensory interaction, but have also demonstrated tangible benefits in reducing depression and loneliness among older individuals. The recent study on “The Impact of Robotic Pets on Depression and Loneliness of Elderly People with Dementia During the COVID-19 Pandemic” highlighted that participants engaged with robot pets experienced meaningful activities and positive experiences even amid severe restrictions. imposed by the pandemic, such as social isolation and limited family visits.

The research highlights that, although the relationship between robot pets and the elderly can provide comfort and emotional distraction, human interaction remains crucial to the general well-being of the elderly. Meaningful conversations between participants, their families, and professional caregivers were identified as essential components for creating an effective therapeutic environment. This combination of assistive technology and human care not only alleviates loneliness, but also strengthens the social and emotional bonds that are fundamental to the mental and emotional health of older adults.

Loneliness among older adults is a silent crisis that requires a multifaceted response. The combination of effective public policies, community support and technological innovations, such as robot pets, can contribute to significantly improving the quality of life of the elderly. As the global population continues to age, it is essential to seek solutions that promote not only longevity, but also the emotional and social well-being of this growing segment of society.

See also:

Sources: Tehcrunch, Joy for All e Pew Research

Reviewed by Noelle Pedroso on 11/07/2024