Seniors snuggle up with robotic pets to beat loneliness
A video from the New York State Office for the Aging shows the reaction of adults to getting a new pet — one that doesn’t need to be fed or walked.
Thousands of older adults in New York are getting all the benefits of a furry friend — without the responsibility — thanks to a program that gives seniors animatronic pets.
The idea for the animatronic pet initiative at the New York State Office for the Aging came about when NYSOFA director Greg Olsen’s daughter purchased an animatronic pet. NYSOFA says the robotic pets are plush and lifelike, designed to make realistic sounds and motions.
“They were immediately intrigued by the potential benefits of this product for people living in isolation,” explained Roger Noyes, director of public information for NYSOFA.
An animatronic pet program in New York has provided thousands of robotic pets to older adults who feel isolated (New York State Office on the Aging).
Olsen began researching the product and then discussed with its maker, Ageless Innovations, about putting robotic pets into the hands of different older adults.
Since launching the program in 2018, NYSOFA has partnered with counties to provide more than 31,000 robotic pets to older adults experiencing loneliness. According to the state agency, 75% of older adults who received a robotic pet reported a reduction or significant reduction in loneliness — and a 75% reduction in pain.
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Noyes said the robotic pet is one of several programs the agency has to combat loneliness in the aging population.
An animatronic pet program in New York has provided thousands of robotic pets to older adults who feel isolated (New York State Office on the Aging).
“Social isolation is a public health crisis — an epidemic, as the US Surgeon General has aptly named it,” Noyes said.
in The advisor, the US Surgeon General, laid out Social isolation has staggering health effects, including a 29% increased risk of heart disease, a 32% increased risk of stroke, and a 50% increased risk of dementia for older adults.
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Isolation also increases the risk of premature death by more than 60%. Health effects of Social isolation is almost like smoking a pack of cigarettes per day, the report warns.
An animatronic pet program in New York has provided thousands of robotic pets to older adults who feel isolated (New York State Office on the Aging).
As part of the robotic pet pilot, NYSOFA collected self-reported data at various times after seniors received their pets. The researchers observed adoption trends three months, six months and 12 months after receiving the pet. The agency wanted to learn more about feelings of loneliness among seniors, as well as other factors such as feelings of pain, “given well-documented research on how mental health can influence physical health and well-being.”
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“The response has been overwhelming and incredibly moving,” Noyes said. “We regularly hear testimonials from recipients who have named their pets, telling us they feel more connected, calmer, more engaged. It’s truly transformative.”