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.

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 pharmaceuticals to products to services. What if something simpler could actually help aging loved ones? What if it were as easy as a prescription for play?

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 dogs is the range of features they incorporate. Some robot toys, as we’ve found, are packed with tech features that require a smartphone to fully unlock. Others are about the connection your son or daughter makes with the toy, and they can be useful surrogates when an actual pet can’t be accommodated. Kids can get the benefits of pet-ownership, like bonding and play, without the responsibility of, you know, actual pet ownership.

You’ve probably heard of pet therapy, a type of animal-assisted intervention used to improve a patient’s social, emotional, and cognitive functioning. It’s been shown to be particularly helpful for seniors. But what you may not realize is that using robotic cats and dogs may be just as effective. Here’s what you should know about battery-powered pets.

It’s Amazon Prime Day and this product which we love has a rating of almost five stars. There are over 1,100 reviews!

Aging seniors that cannot care for a companion animal will love this cat companion as it’s almost a real pet. It’s much more than a plush toy!

Pets can provide their owners with unconditional love and companionship, which is especially important for individuals who live alone.

Without a doubt, the hardest thing about getting older is watching the people you love get older, too. Your aging parents or loved ones deserve to spend their remaining years with as much love and warmth as possible, especially if they are battling an illness.