Elders get life-like robot pets to help them feel less isolated during the pandemic

In the United States, some governmental agencies dedicated to elderly care, like the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Alabama Department of Senior Services (ADSS) have embarked in a pilot project to combat the loneliness and isolation of senior caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Partnering with Ageless Innovation, a robot manufacturer, these government agencies will give robotic companion pets to isolated seniors. These robotic pets were designed to look, sound and feel like real animals. They have a “heartbeat” and respond to the owner’s voice and touch.

Previous studies have shown that therapy using robotic pets was highly successful in decreasing the feelings of social isolation, which was the motivation for the ADSS to get on board. “With our loneliness screening tool, we will be able to assess whether the pets are as successful in Alabama as they have been shown to be in other states. I am certainly hopeful about this pilot project during this time when many seniors have been choosing “safer at home” during this vile COVID-19 pandemic”, explained Jean Brown, ADSS commissioner.

"We know social isolation disproportionately affects older adults, and COVID-19 has required people with dementia and their caregivers to remain alone for extended periods of time. We look forward to delivering these therapeutic robotic pets to those who will benefit from their companionship", said Richard Produm, from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs.

Adapted from:
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/08/11/us/seniors-robotic-pets-loneliness-we...
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/04/27/us/therapy-robot-pets-wellness-trnd/i...
https://www.al.com/news/2020/08/life-like-robotic-pets-help-alabama-seni...