Understanding older adults’ initial perceptions of robot appearance and function: Implications for acceptance

摘要

Robotic potential for older adultsBy 2030, older adults (65 and older) are expected to reach 20 percent of the population (National Institute on Aging, 2018).As Generation X ages, it could create a 50 percent increase in the number of Americans who require nursing home care to about 1.9 million in 2030 (Population Reference Bureau, 2019), which can lead to a limitation of resources to support these individuals.Many older adults prefer to age independently in their homes (Binette & Vasold, 2018;Roy et al., 2018).However, aging can be associated with decreases in physical capacity, mental capacity, and function, which can create barriers to aging in place (WHO, 2018), in the home and community (Rogers et al., 2020).Assistive technology, which can refer to several different devices (i.e., computers, aids, wearables), over time has increasingly improved and has enhanced potential support for older adults who are aging in their homes (Tinker, 2016).Robots have the capability to bridge the gap between the strain on resources and older adults' needs.It could especially help older adults experiencing limitations and having difficulties with everyday living activities (Mitzner et al., 2014).Robots are currently being developed specifically to aid in functional tasks required to support everyday living.Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are physically demanding tasks that involve selfcare activities like ambulation, transferring, and bathing (Lawton,1990).Samuel et al., (2023) found that studies with older adults and robots that assist with ADL tasks focus on medication intake, lifting objects, ambulation, eating/drinking/cooking, shopping, and bathing.The capability of carrying out ADLs is a major factor in how long an older adult can remain independent (Lawton & Nahemow, 1973).