Residents of Parkwood Village’s Memory Care Unit in Pratt now have a dog to call their own, courtesy of the Pratt Lions Club. At a special dedication ceremony Wednesday, May 15, staff, administration (and Lions Club members) already found the animated Golden Doggie irresistible.
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 coordinator for UC’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning, is trying to change this. She and the graduate students from DAAP and UC’s College of Engineering and Applied Science are sprucing up an existing line of robotic pets so they pass as “real” pets and can do more extensive skills, like calling emergency services, if needed.
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, having a pet isn’t possible. Perhaps they can’t care for an animal or their retirement community doesn’t allow it. Robotic companions have entered the market to fill that void, and one University of Cincinnati professor is re-imagining these high-tech pets to not only provide companionship but care.
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 donate to the Nevada County Diaper Project’s Moms Helping Moms promotion (NevadaCountyDiaperProject.org). One in three American mothers struggle to provide diapers for their babies. “Make a donation anytime this month, and include the name and address of a woman you’d like to honor,” says project director Karen Keegan. “We’ll send a thank you card to let her know how much she is loved …”
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 them all and here’s how our favorite electronic pets rank.