As our population continues to age, the need for companionship increases. For many seniors, pets provide the perfect companionship, but taking care of a living animal becomes a challenge. To address this issue, developers have created robotic pets that replicate the experience of owning a pet while minimizing the responsibilities. Here we evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of owning a robotic pet for seniors.
Advantages of robotic pets for seniors
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Companionship - Robotic pets are designed to offer companionship to seniors, which is crucial for their emotional wellbeing. Many seniors struggle with loneliness, and a robotic pet can help alleviate these feelings.
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Low maintenance - A robotic pet requires minimal maintenance in terms of feeding, washing, or taking it for a walk. Since seniors may have mobility issues or health problems, having a pet robot that doesn't require extensive care can be a life-changing solution.
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Less risk of allergies - Many people, especially seniors, have allergies to animal fur or dust. Robotic pets are hypoallergenic, offering a risk-free solution for those that are allergic to other pets.
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Less risk of injury - A senior may find it challenging to control a large dog or cat, leading to an injury either to the pet or the owner. Robotic pets, on the other hand, are easy to handle and pose no risk of injury to seniors.
Disadvantages of robotic pets for seniors
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Cost - Robotic pets can be expensive, and batteries, replacement parts, and repairs could drive up the cost even further. While the one-time cost of ownership may be less than that of a living pet, the long-term costs of ownership may be more expensive.
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Lack of real-life interaction - Robotic pets can mimic real pets, but they cannot replace the real-life interaction and affection a senior can receive from a living pet. While it may seem that robotic pets can provide the needed companionship, seniors may experience a sense of emptiness.
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Limited functionality - Robotic pets are limited and cannot do everything a living pet can do. For example, a robotic dog cannot fetch a ball, and a robotic cat cannot purr during petting.
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Battery and maintenance - Robotic pets have a limited battery life and require charging. Maintaining the robotic pet requires regular maintenance, such as cleaning and occasional replacement of parts.
Overall, the use of robotic pets for seniors can provide companionship with low maintenance and offer a hypoallergenic option for those who have allergies. However, the cost and limitations such as lack of real-life interaction and limited functionality may not make it a perfect substitute for a living pet. It's important to evaluate the individual needs of seniors before deciding on the best type of pet for them.
References
- Westland, M., Burdett, T., Cohen-Mansfield, J., & Bruemmer, B. (2017). Robotic pets in dementia care: A review of the impact on disturbances of behavior and mood. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 18(10), 897-902. doi: 10.1016/j.jamda.2017.06.017
- Logsdon, R. G., McCurry, S. M., Teri, L., & Vitiello, M. V. (2007). Evidence-based psychological treatments for disruptive behaviors in individuals with dementia. Psychology and aging, 22(1), 28-36. doi: 10.1037/0882-7974.22.1.28
- Tamura, T., Yokota, H., & Sekiya, Y. (2014). Robot therapy for elderly people with dementia: a review. Journal of advanced robotics, 28(5), 362-373. doi: 10.1163/1568553414-00151