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...

So your kid is asking for a pet, right? Of course, he or she is. Get your child a robot dog instead. There’s no clean-up, and no walks during torrential downpours. But all that aside, given that they come in all shapes in sizes, what is most fascinating about robot...

Readers Shared their Mother’s Day traditions that include taking trips down memory lane via family photographs, gifts of plants and flowers, dining out so Mom doesn’t have to cook, and more. Seems the greatest Mother’s Day gift is the gift of time … You Can Still...

When people think of the public library, I’m fairly certain that books come to mind before all else. Of course libraries have lots of programs and events, and lend a multitude of other materials such as movies, museum passes, and even video games. Nowadays tech-savvy...

Having a living, breathing pet as a member of your family that needs food, water, and playtime can be expensive and time-consuming. Electronic pets offer all the fun and absolutely none of the commitment of a four-legged friend that needs walks regularly. We've tested...

Pawtucket, R.I. – Ageless Innovation LLC, a global company devoted to developing fun and engaging products for older adults, proudly announces that key members of its leadership team have been recognized as visionaries in the senior living market. Ted Fischer, chief...

Tom Stevens pets his golden retriever Jennie. The dog squints her brown eyes. “How are you?” Tom says. Jennie barks in response. This encounter, documented on YouTube, seems typical except for one important detail: Jennie is 100-percent robotic. Her bark sounds from a...

A colleague called the other day, asking for help finding care for her brother, who was recently diagnosed with dementia. That’s a common enough request, but this colleague is a doctor, and she had already taken her brother to an elite academic medical center that did...

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — They are used in nursing homes across the nation, and now the Stratton VA issues them to veterans suffering from dementia.  What are they?  They are robot cats and dogs.  Each veteran gets their own companion robot, and they get to keep them...

Animals are often known for their therapeutic benefits, especially within the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, which promotes service and companion dogs for Veterans. However, some patients may not be able to care for an animal but still need some therapeutic...

(NBC NEWS) – Jennie has big brown eyes, soft golden fur, and a tail that won’t stop wagging. Scratch behind her floppy ears, and she’ll lean in for more. She even barks on command. But Jennie’s not a dog. She’s a prototype for Tombot, a puppy-like companion robot...