In 2018, 32.5% of the population aged 65 and over lived alone. This population is a fragile group facing a situation that leads many of them to loneliness and isolation, and it is difficult to solve for both family and institutions. Previous studies showed that loneliness has adverse effects on health and can increase the chances of premature death. In addition, the physical and cognitive decline due to advanced age hinders the seniors’ independent living and social interactions with others, which often leads them to apathy. Due to the lockdowns around the world caused by the recent COVID-19 pandemic, it has been observed how scenarios of public health crises usually affect older adults most strongly. Under these circumstances, citizens may be locked down for long periods, being the smartphones and smart devices the most likely ways to keep in contact with their relatives and friends. These devices can also help older adults stay informed and, therefore, can contribute to mitigating isolation. In addition to these technologies, researchers have shown the potential impact of social robots (SR from now on) on the well-being of the elders.
Aim
The SoRoLI project hypothesises that using social robots could help combat the loneliness and isolation of elders to extend their optimal quality of life. We propose a novel approach to face loneliness and isolation in a holistic manner where we consider the potential of social robotics to accompany elders and promote interaction with other peers.
Robots play a dual role in this project: a) to connect the elder with other people; and b) to connect the elder with the robot itself as a being that provides entertainment and companionship. The holistic approach followed in this project extends the concept of social isolation farther than the connection with other people.
The project proposes two scenarios that involve elders in their daily life. On the one hand, SoRoLI will address the issue of loneliness and isolation for older people living independently at home. On the other hand, these issues will also be addressed in environments such as nursing homes where, even though the elderly live with more people, loneliness and isolation continue to appear. To this end, the project proposes the use of the three robotic platforms, grounded on the developments in the projects ROBSEN and ROSES, that will be adapted to the needs of each scenario:
- A desktop robot will serve as a companion to connect the elderly with the outside world (e.g. relatives, information, etc.).
- A pet-like robot will provide affection and company to the elderly participants in the project.
- A mobile robot will perform activities that require moving around in the scenario.
Grant PID2021-123941OA-I00
Funded by:
