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Do you use robots in your day-to-day life? If you’re like most people, your knee-jerk reaction is to say no, you don’t interact with robots. That might be because our usual vision of a robot is something like C3PO in the Star Wars movies, or some sort of a machine.
But there are robots that might be underfoot – quite literally – that you don’t really think of as robots at all. Do you use a Roomba vacuum or other cleaning device to make life easier? A Roomba is a common robot found in millions of homes across the United States. Roombas don’t just clean the floors. They actually learn the layout of your home and can be instructed to clean certain areas and avoid others.
If you go in for surgery, it’s entirely possible a robot will handle the delicate work while being guided by the doctor. In fact, the surgeon’s hands might never touch you at all during the procedure. And studies have shown that surgical outcomes are often greatly improved by the presence of a robot in the operating room.
When you go to an amusement park, you encounter a multitude of robots as part of rides and attractions. Some parts of the park might have dozens or even hundreds of robots! The job of those robots is to entertain, and they do quite the fine job of it.
These robots are so much a part of your everyday life that they are no longer novelties. Just like a medical alarm to protect you from the consequences of falls, eventually the device becomes so much a part of your life that you wonder how you ever lived without it.
Seniors and elderly adults might come to feel that same way about animatronic pets.
What are Animatronic Pets?
According to the JMIR Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies journal, animatronic pets are also known as “social robots.” A social robot is defined as “a robot that interacts and communicates with humans by following the behavioral norms expected by the people with whom the robot is intended to interact.”1
That’s a bit of a technical definition, so what does it really mean for day-to-day life?
Social robots were designed with humans in mind, taking into account what we expect to see. For instance, most animatronic pets look like the pets you might have had throughout your life, especially cats and dogs. They also act the way you would expect. The cat might purr and meow when you touch it, and the dog might wag its tail or bark.
Often these robots look quite realistic and react in very real and familiar ways – so much so that they can actually become cherished companions.
What Are the Benefits of Robotic Pets for Seniors?
Though animatronic pets are often recommended to comfort those who have dementia, seniors who are of perfectly sound mind can benefit from them as well. They bring many of the benefits of pets without all the muss, fuss, or expenses: you’ll never have to take the robot to the vet, feed it, take it out on walks, clean up after it, or worry about what to do with it when you’re on vacation or otherwise out of the home.
Their benefits are in reducing social isolation and loneliness, which in turn can improve senior health, sometimes dramatically. According to the CDC, social isolation is a lack of social connections with others, while loneliness is the feeling of being alone no matter how much social contact you have. It’s possible to be lonely but not be social isolated – if you’ve ever felt alone in a room full of people, you know that loneliness can come even with a robust social life.
And that’s a dangerous thing for seniors. Studies show that loneliness can lead to higher levels of depression and anxiety, an increased risk of health problems, and even a higher risk of hospitalization and death. Social isolation can pile onto those dangers, leading to a much higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and even significant cognitive decline.2
But those who have some kind of interaction, even if it’s with a robotic pet that looks and feels like a living thing, can alleviate the loneliness to some extent. These robotic pets can also improve mental health among seniors. PsychCentral says that animatronic pets can bring some of the same benefits as real pets do, such as lowered blood pressure, lower levels of stress, a reason to interact with others, and a significant lifting of mood. In some people, these unique pets reduced the use of pain medications and enhanced their attention span.3
Sometimes, simply having something to cuddle that will respond to that cuddling can be a powerful tool to improve mental, emotional, and physical health.
Is a Robotic Pet Right for You?
Though animatronic pets might take a little getting used to, warming up to one might be much easier than you think. Consider stuffed animals, also known as plushies – these don’t have any robotic elements but they can look very realistic, and for some, that is enough to turn them into a beloved companion in the home. Loving these fun little plushies isn’t just for the grandkids! There are quite a few adults who have a sizable collection of stuffed animals they simply couldn’t bear to part with.
Consider that animatronic pets look realistic but also function very much like a real animal, and you have set the stage for a fun addition to your life that can actually improve your health. This can be especially true for those who have allergies that make it tough to keep a real pet, as well as those who live in apartments or other living spaces where pets aren’t allowed.
There are some robotic pets on the market right now that you might find intriguing:
· AIBO is one of the first robotic dogs. Introduced back in 1999, it’s clear that AIBO is a robot in the shape of a dog, but the cuteness of it can’t be denied. AIBO learns your habits and needs day-to-day interaction, which allows it to develop an endearing personality.
· Tombot offers a surprisingly realistic puppy that makes sounds and moves just like a real animal. Initially designed for those with dementia, these puppies have caught on with those who simply want to enjoy the fun of a little creature that doesn’t need the intense care and time you expect to give a real pet.
· Joy For All companion pets are among some of the most popular on the market today as they are an affordable option. These highly interactive cats and dogs have a calming heartbeat, can purr or bark in response to touch or voice, and are absolutely delightful for those of any age.
· PARO is an adorable seal that responds to attention with different motions and moods. The robot responds when you speak its name, gets sleepy at night, and learns the habits of its owner. Though it doesn’t look like a typical companion animal, it is an impressive cuddle machine that can make anyone smile. It also comes with a hefty price tag (in the thousands of dollars).
Others, such as JustoCat, are designed specifically to help those who have dementia and other cognitive impairments. Studies on these animatronic creatures have found that they reduce loneliness and agitation, and improve quality of life among those living in skilled nursing facilities and assisted living homes.
As you look into the options of animatronic pets, don’t forget that there are other technologies that can keep you safe and secure while offering good peace of mind. An emergency button alert from Alert1 can alleviate the worries about what might happen if you fall down or face any type of accident. That’s especially true if you opt for a medical alert system with fall detection, as the device can sense a fall when it occurs and call the monitoring center on your behalf.
Isn’t technology a wonderful thing?
Are They Affordable?
A stuffed pet that doesn’t have interactive features – in other words, one of those cute little plushies – can cost anywhere from a few dollars to a few hundred, depending upon the quality and brand. When you start adding robotic and interactive elements, the price goes up. In some cases, way up.
A typical AIBO dog costs about $3,000, while a PARO seal runs around $6,000. That’s a price that can be out of reach for many seniors.
Joy For All robotic cats and dogs, however, can cost around $150 or so. And studies have found that these pets are often more effective than the more expensive ones, mostly because of the way they look and interact. That price is affordable enough that you could choose to have more than one!
As you search for the perfect robotic pet, remember that another affordable option to improve your day-to-day life is the med alert for elderly adults from Alert1. Medical alert technology provides you with the safety net you need to enjoy everything about your life, including your pets – whether they are real living, breathing creatures or those that simply look like they are. Here’s to better senior health!
