THE IMPACT OF COMPANION ROBOTIC PETS ON WELL-BEING AMONG COMMUNITY-DWELLING WOMEN AGED 65 AND OLDER
2024

The Impact of Companion Robotic Pets on Well-Being in Older Women

Sample size: 45 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Kang Suk-Young, Kim Jeungkun, Kuhl Melanie

Primary Institution: Binghamton University

Hypothesis

Do companion robotic pets improve well-being among community-dwelling women aged 65 and older?

Conclusion

Companion robotic pets may enhance mental well-being and self-rated physical health in older women dealing with depression and anxiety.

Supporting Evidence

  • Depression scores significantly decreased from pre-test to post-test.
  • Anxiety scores significantly decreased from pre-test to post-test.
  • Loneliness scores significantly decreased from pre-test to post-test.
  • Self-rated physical health significantly improved from pre-test to post-test.

Takeaway

Having robotic pets can make older women feel less sad and lonely, and help them feel better about their health.

Methodology

Time series design with three data collection points after providing robotic pets to participants.

Participant Demographics

Community-dwelling women aged 65 and older with depressive symptoms.

Statistical Information

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.2908

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