The Role of Socially Assistive Robots in the Care of Older People: To Assist in Cognitive Training, to Remind or to Accompany?

Sylwia Łukasik, Sławomir Tobis, Julia Suwalska, Dorota Łojko, Maria Napierała, Marek Proch, Agnieszka Neumann-Podczaska and Aleksandra Suwalska
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Sylwia Łukasik: Institute of Human Biology and Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
Sławomir Tobis: Department of Occupational Therapy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland
Julia Suwalska: Department of Treatment of Obesity, Metabolic Disorders and Clinical Dietetics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-569 Poznan, Poland
Dorota Łojko: Department of Mental Health, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-572 Poznan, Poland
Maria Napierała: Department of Mental Health, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-572 Poznan, Poland
Marek Proch: Department of Mental Health, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-572 Poznan, Poland
Agnieszka Neumann-Podczaska: Geriatrics Unit, Department of Palliative Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-245 Poznan, Poland
Aleksandra Suwalska: Department of Mental Health, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-572 Poznan, Poland

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 18, 1-16

Abstract: The rapid development of new technologies has caused interest in the use of socially assistive robots in the care of older people. These devices can be used not only to monitor states of health and assist in everyday activities but also to counteract the deterioration of cognitive functioning. The aim of the study was to investigate the attitudes and preferences of Polish respondents towards interventions aimed at the preservation/improvement of cognitive functions delivered by a socially assistive robot. A total of 166 individuals entered the study. Respondents completed the User’s Needs, Requirements and Attitudes Questionnaire; items connected to cognitive and physical activity and social interventions were analyzed. Perceptions and attitudes were compared by gender and age groups (older adults ≥ 60 years old and younger adults 20–59). Women showed a more positive attitude towards robots than men and had a significantly higher perception of the role of the robots in reminding about medications ( p = 0.033) as well as meal times and drinks ( p = 0.018). There were no significant differences between age groups. Respondents highly valued both the traditional role of the robot—a reminding function—as well as the cognitive interventions and guided physical exercises provided by it. Our findings point to the acceptance of the use of socially assistive robots in the prevention of cognitive deterioration in older people.

Keywords: elderly; cognitive impairment; psychosocial interventions; sustainable technology; socially assistive robots (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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