Abstract

Objective

The primary purpose of this study was to explore the efficacy of robotic pets in alleviating loneliness for older adults.

Method

Self-reported lonely individuals with AARP Medicare Supplement plans insured by UnitedHealthcare who participated in a program with a robotic pet (n = 20) were recruited to participate in semi-structured interviews. Participants were asked to provide feedback about their experiences interacting with a robotic pet, their perceptions about the potential impact on loneliness, and recommendations for improving the program. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Participants’ responses were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Constant comparison and consensus-gaining processes were used to develop categories that later formed representative themes.

Results

Seven themes emerged from analysis: Openness to Adoption of Robotic Pet, Reactions to Pet and its Attributes, Integration of Pet in Daily Life, Strategic Utilization and Forging New Connections, Deriving Comfort and Camaraderie, Advice for Future Users, and Recommendations for Enhancing Ownership Experience. Participants living alone, with fewer social connections and less active lifestyles, derived the most benefit from interacting with their pets. Common responses to pets included cuddling, petting, grooming, and sleeping with them. Some shared or loaned their pets, while others refused to loan their pets to interested peers. Most reported showing their pets to others, which helped some facilitate communication and social connections.

Conclusion

Robotic pets may be an effective solution for alleviating loneliness in older adults, especially among those who live alone, have fewer social connections, and live less active lifestyles.

中文翻译：

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在社区居住的老年人中使用机器人宠物

摘要

目的

这项研究的主要目的是探索机器人宠物在减轻老年人的孤独感方面的功效。

方法

招募了自我报告的孤独者，他们参加了由UnitedHealthcare保险的AARP Medicare Supplement计划，该计划与机器人宠物一起参加了计划（n = 20），参加了半结构化访谈。要求参与者提供有关与机器人宠物互动的经验，对孤独感的潜在影响的看法以及改进程序的建议。采访被录音和逐字记录。使用定性内容分析法分析参与者的反应。不断的比较和达成共识的过程被用来开发后来形成代表性主题的类别。

结果

分析得出了七个主题：对机器人宠物的接纳程度，对宠物及其属性的反应，宠物在日常生活中的整合，战略利用和建立新的联系，获得舒适感和友情，对未来用户的建议以及增强所有权经验的建议。独自生活，社交关系较少和生活方式较不活跃的参与者从与宠物的互动中受益最大。对宠物的常见反应包括拥抱，抚摸，梳理和与它们一起睡觉。一些人分享或借用他们的宠物，而另一些人拒绝将其宠物借给感兴趣的同伴。大多数人报告向其他人展示他们的宠物，这有助于一些人促进交流和社交。

结论

机器人宠物可能是减轻老年人的孤独感的有效方法，尤其是在那些独自生活，社交关系较少，生活方式不太活跃的老年人中。