Social Robots
Highlights
- Evidence: Limited research directly measures the impact of social robots on social isolation and loneliness in older adults.
- Effectiveness: Social robots can reduce anxiety and depression and improve quality of life, which may lead to a small reduction in social isolation and loneliness. Confidence in this estimate is very low.
- Implementation: Individual sessions are preferred, but there is wide variation in how the intervention can be delivered.
- Future Research: More randomized trials, standardized reporting, and inclusion of non-English studies are needed to improve reliability and inclusivity.
Is it effective?
There is limited research directly measuring the impact of social robots on social isolation and loneliness. However, some evidence shows that these robots can reduce anxiety and depression and improve quality of life, which are linked to lower social isolation and loneliness. Based on this relationship, the best estimate is that social robot interventions may lead to a small reduction in social isolation and loneliness among older adults.
Social robot interventions were generally preferred when delivered one-on-one, especially with PARO, as individual sessions were seen as more acceptable and practical than group sessions.
The study included adults aged 55 and older from seven countries: Denmark, Norway, New Zealand, the United States, Australia, Japan, and Spain. Of the 1,042 participants, about 80% had dementia or cognitive impairment. Most participants were women, but no additional demographic details were provided.
How much does it cost?
On average, social robot interventions are likely to be high-cost.
In addition to the cost of purchasing the robots, there may be expenses related to training staff or hiring external trainers. Evaluations of three social robot brands estimated costs ranging from $3,000 to $19,000 per robot.
How strong is the evidence?
Our confidence in the estimate for reducing social isolation and loneliness is very low.
The available studies did not directly measure the impact of social robots on social isolation or loneliness. Instead, they examined outcomes such as anxiety, depression, and quality of life, which are known risk factors for social isolation and loneliness.
This means the findings should be interpreted with caution. More high-quality research is needed to confirm these results.
How can you implement it well?
To implement this intervention effectively, consider the following strategies:
Prefer individual sessions: Offer social robot interventions one-on-one rather than in groups, as personalized interactions are generally more acceptable and practical. A single approach may not work for everyone.
Dose-response effect: Recognize that it is unclear how much exposure is needed to see benefits, and provide the intervention as appropriate.
Augment human-animal interaction: Use social robots as a supplement, not a replacement, for live human-animal interaction. Maintain a balance to respect the rights and autonomy of older adults.
Continuous feedback and adaptation: Set up ways to regularly gather feedback and evaluate the intervention. Assess user satisfaction and adjust the approach based on surveys, interviews, or observation to better meet participants’ needs and preferences.