Cantonese-speaking social robots reduce feelings of loneliness among older adults
The preliminary findings of a research study carried out by the Centre, which examined the acceptance, feasibility, and benefits of the intelligent interactive social robots# (named Ka Ka) at home showed that the social robots helped reduce the feelings of loneliness and boredom among the older adults, diversify daily activities and enhance the communication and relationship between the older adults and the caregivers. With the increasing numbers of single-older/two-older households, Ka Ka could be an innovative solution to support ageing in place in Hong Kong.
Led by Prof. Angela Leung, (Principal Investigator) Professor & Associate Head (Research), the research team## recruited older adults aged 60 or above who required care at home or assistance from family caregivers to participate in the study. Four older adults completed the two-week trial. Three family caregivers involved in the study.
The research team studied four out of the many features of Ka Ka. The results showed that the older adults interacted regularly with Ka Ka every day. Interactive modalities and calendar reminder were the two most commonly used features. These features helped diversify daily activities of the older adults, allowing them listening to songs, performing exercise and playing games to train cognitive abilities conveniently. The news and weather information as well as the medication reminders provided by Ka Ka reduced the feelings of loneliness and allowed the older adults stay connected to the community. Ka Ka also provided a common topic of conversation, hence, enhanced the communication between the older adults and their caregivers.
#The intelligent interactive social robots, Ka Ka, is a collaborative work between the School of Nursing of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and NEC Hong Kong (NECHK).
##Member of the research team: Dr Ivy Zhao, (Research Assistant Professor), Dr Shuang-lan Lin (Postdoctoral Fellow) and Mr Terence Lau (PhD student).
Left photo: A member of the research team taught an older person how to use Ka Ka. Right photo: Ka Ka provided a common topic of conversation.
