Robots Help Elderly Stay Healthy, Keep Independence: New Zealand Study

Wellington (PNA/Xinhua) — Robots specializing in home healthcare can provide companionship and help lessen the isolation of elderly people in remote areas, according to a pioneering New Zealand study out Monday.

Auckland University researchers trialled robots in the rural homes of five independent elderly people for three months in what they claimed was the first study of its type.

Some participants enjoyed hearing the robot talk and interacting with it, while others liked the robot reminding them to take their medicine on time, said senior researcher Dr Elizabeth Broadbent.

“The results suggest the healthcare robots were feasible for use with a rural population and may have benefits for some patients in reducing the need for medical care, increasing quality of life, reminding patients to take medicine on time, and providing companionship,” Broadbent said in a statement.

“Patients said that having the robot felt like they had a companion in the house and they didn’t feel so alone,” she said.

An unexpected finding was that the robot’s blinking lights reassured patients and enhanced its social presence.

“Patients found comfort in seeing the robot light up, as they felt it was the robot’s way of interacting with them,” said Broadbent.

“They all reported that they would miss the robot when it went with one patient describing the robot as being part of the family. ”

The study also highlighted how the health robots could enhance the experience of patients by including familiar games, a large function screen and a simpler Skype interface.

The study showed a decrease in the rate of patients’ doctor visits and calls, but these could not be attributed for certain to the presence of the robot.

Researchers said many elderly rural people were concerned about losing their independence and the robots could help them care for themselves for longer. (PNA/Xinhua) FPV/EBP