Exploring Interactions of Older Adults with Mild Dementia Participating in Robotherapy with Robot Cats in a Day Hospital in Spain: A Qualitative Study
Source abstract
Abstract
The growing aging population has raised concerns about the treatment of age-related diseases, such as dementia. An emerging technology that could assist individuals with dementia is the development of social robots. However, interactions with these robots have been underexplored. This study aimed to examine the interactions between a robot cat and older adults with mild dementia during robotherapy sessions. Thirteen older adults with mild dementia who used a robot cat during robotherapy sessions in a day hospital in Spain were interviewed. Following semi-structured interviews, a thematic qualitative analysis of the data was conducted, revealing four main themes: (1) therapeutic effects of robotherapy (relaxation, mood improvement, cognitive stimulation, and increased social interaction); (2) preferences regarding the types of robotherapy activities; (3) interaction with the robot cat during the sessions; and (4) technological characteristics of the robot cat. Overall, the findings indicate positive interactions and suggest promising benefits for older adults with mild dementia participating in robotherapy with robot cats.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Human-Animal Interaction Studies · Social Robot Interaction and HRI · Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Research Group on Assessment and Valuation of Capacity, Functionality, and Disability (TO + IDI), Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Rey Juan Carlos University, Avenida de Atenas s/n., Alcorcón, 28922 Madrid, Spain
Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Manitoba, 771 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T6, Canada
Department of Occupational Therapy, Association of Caregivers, Family Members, and Friends of People with Dependency, Alzheimer’s, and Other Dementias (Acufade), Calle de la Rosa, 1, 38002 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
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