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.  

Older people tend to not have pets. Whether it’s too much upkeep or their living situation doesn’t allow for it, the fact remains true. According to a press release from the University of Cincinnati, Claudia Rebola, an associate professor and graduate studies...

CINCINNATI, OHIO–It’s no secret that pets bring joy to their owners’ lives. Caring for animals keeps us active, gives us purpose, provides stress relief, and builds a loving bond. Studies show pets can even increase people’s lifespans. For some older populations,...

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...

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...