Investigating the effectiveness of Socially Assistive Robot on Depression and Cognitive Functions of Community Dwelling Older Adults with Cognitive Impairments

Investigating Older Adults' Use of a Socially Assistive Robot via Time Series Clustering and User Profiling: Descriptive Analysis Study

BACKGROUND

The aging population and the shortage of geriatric care workers are major global concerns. Socially assistive robots (SARs) have the potential to address these issues, but developing SARs for various types of users is still in its infancy.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to examine the characteristics and use patterns of SARs.

METHODS

This study analyzed log data from 64 older adults who used a SAR called Hyodol for 60 days to understand use patterns and their relationship with user characteristics. Data on user interactions, robot-assisted content use, demographics, physical and mental health, and lifestyle were collected. Time series clustering was used to group users based on use patterns, followed by profiling analysis to relate these patterns to user characteristics.

RESULTS

Overall, 4 time series clusters were created based on use patterns: helpers, friends, short-term users, and long-term users. Time series and profiling analyses revealed distinct patterns for each group. We found that older adults use SARs differently based on factors beyond demographics and health. This study demonstrates a data-driven approach to understanding user needs, and the findings can help tailor SAR interventions for specific user groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This study extends our understanding of the factors associated with the long-term use of SARs for geriatric care and makes methodological contributions.

The Role of Chatbots in Enhancing Health Care for Older Adults: A Scoping Review

OBJECTIVES

This scoping review aimed to review the characteristics, applications, evaluation approaches, and challenges regarding the use of chatbots in older adults.

DESIGN

The scoping review followed the methodological framework by Arksey and O'Malley, with revisions proposed by Levac et al. The findings were reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews checklist.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

The reviewed articles primarily focused on older adults, with research conducted in both clinical and nonclinical settings.

METHODS

Studies published from January 2010 to May 2023 were searched through 8 databases. A total of 29 studies were identified and evaluated in this review.

RESULTS

Results showed that the chatbots were mainly delivered via mobile applications (n = 11), most of them used text as input (n = 16) and output modality (n = 13), and most of them targeted at improving the overall well-being of the older adults (n = 9); most chatbots were designed for fulfilling complex health care needs (n = 7) and health information collection (n = 6). Evaluation approaches of chatbots captured in this review were divided into technical performance, user acceptability, and effectiveness; challenges of applying chatbots to older adults lie in the design of the chatbot, user perception, and operational difficulties.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The use of chatbots in the field of older adults is still emerging, with a lack of specifically designed options for older users. Data about the health impact of chatbots as alternative interventions were still limited. More standardized evaluation criteria and robust controlled experiments are needed for further research regarding the effectiveness of chatbots in older adults.

Social Workers' Perspectives on Socially Isolated Older Adults Living with a Robot Companion

Addressing depression and social isolation among solo-living older adults in South Korea requires a multi-faceted approach. This study aims to explore the advantages and obstacles of a robotic elder care program by analyzing social workers' viewpoints regarding interactions between older adults and a companion robot named Hyodol. Through the purposive sampling method, we conducted comprehensive interviews with 10 social workers who are pioneering the integration of robots in elder care. The study participants observed and compared the demographic characteristics of users and non-users, elucidated usage patterns, described the roles of robot companions, and shared remarkable instances. Overall, the experiences of these social workers underscored the positive influence of Hyodol in offering companionship, care, and emotional support, especially in circumstances where clients experienced isolation or lacked regular family interactions. In addition, social workers' perspectives hold significant value in comprehending the genuine effects of anthropomorphism - the inclination to attribute human-like qualities and emotions to robots. Our investigation revealed the existence of two distinct modes of personification among older adults, which we have labeled as "imagination" and "projection."

Exploring the Use of Socially Assistive Robot Among Socially Isolated Korean American Older Adults

This pilot study explored whether a socially assistive robot (SAR) would have positive effects on Korean American immigrant older adults' health behaviors and emotional well-being and whether the older adults would be receptive to the SAR. A total of 30 participants (age 65+) in a large metropolitan area participated in the study, and each participant was provided a SAR named Hyodol for 4 months and interacted with it in ways that they saw appropriate. We used one-group pre- and post-test design to assess changes between baseline and follow-up in medication adherence, depressive symptoms, loneliness, and disability. Additionally, we employed in-depth qualitative interviews to explore participants' perceptions about the SAR. At post-test, participants showed improved medication adherence, reduced depressive symptoms, and a slightly and statistically nonsignificant decrease in loneliness scores. Qualitative data suggested high adoptability of this particular SAR among the participants.