Florida’s Department of Elder Affairs is delivering more than 375 robotic pets to socially isolated senior citizens and adults living with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementia to help them during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since the coronavirus outbreak, strict visitation rules and social distancing guidelines imposed at nursing homes in Florida have left some seniors feeling isolated. In order to help them cope during the pandemic, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs is providing...

“A true gift of joy.” “A miracle.” “Great kitty for your elderly loved ones….and no litter box to clean!”

Robotic pets designed for an aging population were the big winner at the New Product Pavilion Providers' Choice Awards at Medtrade Spring. The awards, which HomeCare sponsors, are given based on attendee voting at the event at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las...

Get this Joy for All Golden Pup Companion Pet for your friend who doesn't have a puppy, but wishes they did.

A personalized, playful approach to respite care by Ted Fischer. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates more than 16 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. These individuals provided an estimated, and astonishing, 18.5...

When the holidays roll around nearly everyone with a child in their life starts to think about gifts. Many families choose to give kids one gift as part of the holiday experience that will be memorable and played with at least until the next holiday season rolls...

Studies are mixed on whether automatons can cure loneliness, but some seniors like the cleanliness and convenience of robotic pets. By Trevor Hembling Loneliness is a big problem for many elderly Americans. One-third of adults older than 45 say they feel alone, and...

I plan to name my robot Jeanne Calment, after the French super-ager who lived to be 122. Jeanne will like to read British mysteries, go to the theater and eat cheesecake while standing in front of a refrigerator (the calories are less that way.) In other words, she...

I just learned there is a bell-shaped curve on the age of adoption of stuffed animals. The young have always loved them and now people on the older end of the age spectrum are adopting them as well. Many older adults continue to have cherished live pets–in a...

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Robots are increasingly replicating more and more lifelike human behavior, but can they imitate animals? This is a different twist on robotic pets and scientists say they can serve as friends and therapy aids to the growing elderly population.  

[with video] ***This story and video originally ran/aired on USA Today. It’s reposted here with permission.*** Brooklyn resident Marilyn Stone* isn’t your typical early tech adopter. She’s 95 years old, can’t see or hear very well anymore, and grew up in a time when...

Jennifer Jolly | Special to USA TODAY When you think of tech early adopters, this Brooklyn resident isn’t who typically comes to mind. She’s 95 years old, can’t see or hear very well anymore, and grew up in a time when the hottest new gadgets around were toaster ovens...

Here, robo kitty! When elderly clients of the Bronx-based RiverSpring Health Plans are feeling low, they might get a cat in their lap — a robotic cat that is. Susan Garelick, 66, did. After she said goodbye forever to her 14-year-old feline two years ago, she was...

Those ages 50 and older in the U.S. generate $7.6 trillion in economic activity, according to AARP, representing a huge financial force. That trend will grow as the number of older adults more than doubles by 2050, representing over 20% of the population.  

Using robotic pets to relieve isolation in dementia patients by Ted Fischer As health care costs for a growing population of older adults continue to skyrocket, the opportunity to address patient needs has become saturated with expensive solutions, from...