A Conversational Robot for Cognitively Impaired Older People Who Live Alone: An Exploratory Feasibility Study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Human-Computer Interaction
• Mental Health and Technology
• Assistive Robotics

Background:

• Social isolation and loneliness are critical risk factors for mental health decline in older adults, especially those with cognitive impairment living alone.
• Socially assistive robots (SARs) present a potential solution for improving social connection and emotional well-being in this vulnerable demographic.
• This study investigated the feasibility, acceptance, and psychosocial effects of a 16-week home-based conversational SAR intervention for older adults with cognitive impairment living alone.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a 16-week home-based conversational SAR intervention.
• To explore the potential psychosocial impact, including loneliness and depressive symptoms, of SAR use.
• To gather qualitative insights into user experiences with SARs in a home environment.

Main Methods:

• A single-arm, exploratory feasibility study utilizing a humanoid conversational robot (RoBoHoN) for 16 weeks in participants' homes.
• Usability was measured using the System Usability Scale (SUS).
• Loneliness (UCLA-LS3) and depressive symptoms (GDS-15) were assessed pre- and post-intervention, with qualitative data from semi-structured interviews analyzed via hybrid content analysis.

Main Results:

• Eleven participants (mean age 81.9 years) with mild cognitive impairment, mild dementia, or late-onset psychosis were enrolled; nine completed the study.
• High usability was indicated by a mean SUS score of 81.7. Small-to-moderate effect sizes were observed for reductions in loneliness (r=0.40) and depressive symptoms (r=0.64).
• Qualitative feedback revealed perceived companionship and increased verbal interaction, alongside challenges such as limited conversational depth, response delays, and technical issues.

Conclusions:

• Home-based use of a conversational robot for 16 weeks was feasible and well-accepted by older adults with cognitive impairment living alone.
• Preliminary findings suggest potential psychosocial benefits of SARs for this population, particularly in mitigating loneliness and depressive symptoms.
• The results support further investigation through a controlled trial to confirm the efficacy of SARs in addressing the mental health needs of socially isolated older adults with cognitive impairment.