Evaluating Human-Robot Interactions to Support Healthy Aging-in-Place

Abstract

Declines in older adults’ cognitive and physical health pose challenges to maintaining their independence. Robots can improve independent living and facilitate aging-in-place. Despite recent innovations in healthcare robotics, the use of robots has not advanced significantly among older adults. This review seeks to understand human-robot interactions in older adults, focusing on their experiences and perceptions of robots for independent living. We identified 17 studies that utilized qualitative methods to investigate older adults and/or their caregivers’ experiences and perceptions of robots designed to help older adults improve independent living. Drawing on content analysis, we identified eight themes: usefulness, ease of use, safety, reliability, self-efficacy, satisfaction, emotional connection with the robot and reciprocity, and intention to use. The findings provide insights to improve existing robots and guide future research about designing robots with higher acceptance. This review may have implications for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers working with robotics to support healthy aging-in-place.