Marcus

They’re not about to replace real-life therapy dogs, but research shows that motorized mutts can benefit people struggling with loneliness or dementia.

As seniors find themselves cut off from loved ones during the pandemic, some are turning to automated animals for company.

When Linda Spangler asked her mother, in a video chat, what she would like as a gift for her 92nd birthday, the response came promptly.

For some, limiting the spread of coronavirus has meant long periods of isolation. And for older adults — who are among the most vulnerable to the illness — that social distancing has come at a particular cost.