Exploring the needs of older adults for social assistive robots: A qualitative analysis based on Maslow's hierarchy
Rong Yuan1, Chuhong Luo1, Qian Liu2
1School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
Background:
Socially Assistive Robots offer potential solutions for active aging, yet their effectiveness is hindered by ambiguous supply-demand consistency.
Objective:
To explore the needs of older adults for Socially Assistive Robots.
Methods:
This is a qualitative study based on Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory. 28 elderly people from three nursing institutions and one community were interviewed. The interview data were analyzed according to Colaizzi's analysis method.
Results:
13 themes and 32 sub-themes were identified, include: (a) Physiological needs: Health assistance and Living assistance; (b) Love and belonging needs: Recreational and sports activities and Social interaction; (c) Safety needs: Physical safety, Travel safety, Home safety, and Information safety; (d) Esteem needs: Ageing-friendly, Self-esteem and sense of worthiness and Impairment of autonomy; (e) Self-actualisation needs: Skill development and Continuous learning.
Conclusions:
This study summarizes the needs and characteristics of elderly individuals regarding social assistance robots. The findings will contribute to the development and improvement of these robots, aiming to actively address the challenges posed by an aging population.
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