Finding ikigai: How robots can support meaning in later life

Abstract

Previous research in human-robot interaction has explored using robots to increase objective and hedonic aspects of well-being and quality of life, but there is no literature on how robots might be used to support eudaimonic aspects of well-being (such as meaning in life). A sense of meaning has been shown to positively affect health and longevity. We frame our study around the Japanese concept of ikigai, which is widely used with Japanese older adults to enhance their everyday lives, and is closely related to the concept of eudaimonic well-being (EWB) known in Western countries. Using a mixed-methods and exploratory approach, including interviews with 17 older adults and the collection of 100 survey responses, we explored how older adults in the US experience a sense of meaning, and if and how a social robot could be used to help foster this sense. We find that meaning for older adults is often obtained by helping others, through family connections, and/or through activities of daily life, and that sources of meaning often differ based on the older adults’ living situation. Assessing how meaning compares to happiness and social connection, we highlight general similarities and differences, and also find that living situation influences older adults’ sources of happiness, desire for social connection, and barriers to well-being., in addition to companionship and happiness having a weaker correlation with meaning for those who live alone than for those who live with others. Additionally, we evaluated initial perceptions of a social robot (QT) meant to enhance ikigai and overall well-being. Finding mostly positive perceptions, though those who live alone also reported being less willing to adopt a social robot into their homes. Using both data collected on older adults’ meaning and the potential use of QT to support meaning, we make several design recommendations with regards to using robots to enhance ikigai, such as by prompting daily reflecting, enhancing family bonds, and suggesting new experiences and volunteer opportunities.

Making Meaning Together: Co-designing a Social Robot for Older Adults with Ikigai Experts

“…This also suggests that the use of robots in the home might be particularly appropriate for supporting ikigai in ways that are currently not available to OAs. These findings add to our previous survey-based study of OAs in the United States, conducted as part of this same broader project on developing robots to support OAs’ ikigai, which found that OAs often obtain ikigai by helping others, through family connections, and/or through activities of daily life, that sources of meaning often differ based on the OAs’ living situation, and that OAs are generally positive about the potential of using social robots to assist in supporting meaning in later life [ 58 ].…”

Between Reality and Delusion: Challenges of Applying Large Language Models to Companion Robots for Open-Domain Dialogues with Older Adults

“…Previous studies have identified age-specific strategies for interacting with conversational agents [25]. For older adults, companion robots can evoke feelings of independence and empowerment [26].…”

Understanding the Connection Among Ikigai, Well-Being, and Home Robot Acceptance in Japanese Older Adults: Mixed Methods Study

“…In addition, we analyze how an “ikigai” robot—showcased to participants via video—is viewed by older adults and might further be developed to support their ikigai. Previous studies with older adults in the United States have suggested that robots may be beneficial in helping older adults maintain and enhance their ikigai [ 20 ]. In addition, feedback obtained via interviews with ikigai experts, both academic scholars and those running ikigai centers in Japan, has been largely positive about the idea of using robots cross-culturally to support ikigai [ 21 ].…”

“…The ikigai-9 is a 9-item scale developed with Japanese older adults aged >60 years, designed as a tool to measure their sense of ikigai across three different aspects: (1) optimistic and positive emotions toward life (eg, “I often feel that I am happy”), (2) active and positive attitudes toward one’s future (eg, “I would like to learn something new or start something”), and (3) acknowledgment of the meaning of one’s existence (eg, “I believe that I have some impact on someone”) [ 28 , 43 ]. The reliability of both scales has been validated with Japanese populations [ 43 , 44 ] (and international populations for the kigai-9 [ 28 ]), and they have been used as valid tools to investigate older adults’ ikigai [ 20 , 28 , 45 ].…”

“…For instance, it is possible for social robots to enhance older adults’ well-being by enabling fun, engagement, and calming interactions [ 59 ]. Social robots might also enhance social bonds and self-reflection [ 20 ]. Furthermore, robots can increase older individuals’ perceived emotional support and social connection for a better quality of life [ 12 ].…”