According to a recent analysis of Census Bureau data conducted by the Chamber of Commerce real estate research firm for older Americans, the condition of isolation in which they may find themselves can be particularly dangerous as it puts them at greater risk of becoming depressed and inactive, having accidents and neglecting their health. In particular, the study found that seniors residing in Washington D.C. are more likely to live alone than residents of any other major U.S. city, often finding themselves isolated as they remain without family or friends.
To address this hardship, three local nonprofit organizations have spearheaded a program that is part of a nationwide initiative to distribute robotic pets to the elderly with the aim of alleviating their loneliness. Last month, the Washington Home Foundation spent $150,000 to purchase 1,000 “robopets” and then, in partnership with the nonprofit organization East River Family Strengthening Collaborative, distributed them at the Washington Seniors Wellness Center in senior housing complexes.
Joy for All Companion Pets robotic pets from parent company Ageless Innovation, “really offer companionship and need nothing in return,” said Steve Cone, communications manager at nonprofit provider Capital Caring Health, one of the organizations involved in the .D.C program. “There’s no maintenance, no cleanup.”
These robots are programmed to replicate some behaviors of domestic animals. They have soft fur and they stretch and roll on their bellies to be petted. Robot dogs bark and wag their tails, and robot cats purr and meow. “I’ve been alone, I’ve been depressed.” “I think this will help me,” said Ms. Rose Watkins, 67, who is participating in the program, as she stroked her pet-robot, a beige dog with a red bandana, which she named ”Little Rose.”
A 2022 study found that elderly people who had owned a living, non-robotic pet for more than five years showed a slower decline in verbal memory over time than those who did not have pets.
“We can’t say for sure that it is pets that cause this effect, but we think they can alleviate stress,” said medical sociologist Jennifer Applebaum, author of the study and professor at the University of Florida. However, veterinary expenses and having to attend to their needs as living things can make it difficult or even impossible to care for them. During the coming months, East River Deputy Director Aisha Bailey along with her team, will conduct surveys to detect the effects of the companionship of “robopets” on the mood of the elderly.
