Robotic companions and healthy aging: A mixed-methods exploration of older adults' perspectives and insights

Abstract

This study investigates older adults' perceptions and opinions regarding companion robots, contributing to the understanding of the benefits and risks associated with technology designed for senior users. Employing a mixed-methods approach, we first conducted qualitative research to explore key concepts and variables, followed by quantitative testing of the proposed model. The qualitative phase involved online interviews with 182 participants aged 55 or older. Data were analyzed using NVivo software, employing thematic analysis to identify conceptually similar themes. Six primary themes emerged, categorized into perceived benefits (health and wellness, companionship and support, and technology design advantages) and perceived risks (digital dependency and social disconnection, information integrity and online resilience, and implementation costs). Based on the qualitative findings, we developed a research model comprising six hypotheses. The model was subsequently tested quantitatively using structural equation modeling via AMOS with data from 313 adults aged 55 or older. All hypotheses were supported, with the model demonstrating an explanatory power of 56 %. Results indicate that while companion robots offer potential social and emotional support for older adults, they also present significant challenges. The study highlights the importance of balancing the advantages of companion robots with their potential drawbacks. These findings have implications for the design and implementation of smart healthcare devices for older populations, suggesting that maximizing benefits while mitigating risks could enhance adoption and utilization. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on Age technology, offering insights for researchers, technology designers, and healthcare providers working to improve the quality of life for older adults through technological innovations.