Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: Aug 13, 2020
Date Accepted: Apr 13, 2021
Date Submitted to PubMed: Aug 4, 2021
The needs and preferences of companion robots and pet in middle-aged and older adults
ABSTRACT
Background:
In recent years, robots have been considered a new-tech industry that can be used to solve the shortage of human resources in the field of health-care. Also, animal-assisted therapy has been used to provide assistance, companionship, and interaction among the elderly and has been shown to have a positive impact on their emotional and psychological well-being. Both pets and robots can provide dynamic communication and positive interaction patterns. However, preferences for middle-aged and older adults in this regard is not clear.
Objective:
This study explored the degree of acceptance of robots and pets as a partner in later life and to determine the needs and preferences of elderly individuals related to companion robots.
Methods:
Middle-aged and older adults 45 years-old and above who live in the community(n=273) were invited to answer a structured questionnaire after watching a companion robot video. Sociodemographic data, physical health status and activities, experience with technology and eHealth literacy, and acceptance and attitude towards robots and pets were recorded and analyzed using a multinomial logistic regression analysis.
Results:
The results showed that age, education, type of building, job occupation, retirement, comorbidity, pet experience, App usage experience, and eHealth literacy significantly associated with robot or pet acceptance. Middle-aged and older adults preferred the robot that looked like an animal, but men preferred the robot that resembled a human adult. In terms of robot functions, they preferred a companion robot with dancing, singing, storytelling, or news reporting functions. Whether or not the participant lived alone and marital status affected the preference of functions in the companion robot.
Conclusions:
Findings from this study inform the development of social robots with regard to their appearance and function, with comparison to pet, to address loneliness in older adulthood in fast aging societies.
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