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Some UK care homes are todeploy robotsin an attempt to allay loneliness and boost mental health.
They are being introduced afteran international trialfound they reduced anxiety and loneliness.
These robots can hold basic conversations and be programmed to peoples interests.
This is positive, but they are not a viable alternative to human interaction.
Its a sad state of affairs when robots are presented as solutions to human loneliness.
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But robots cannot provide thealtruism and compassionthat should be at the core of a caring system.
Its also important to factor in the role of novelty, which is often missing in care home environments.
Cuddly toys can be hugged and even temporarily moulded by the shape and temperature of the human body.
Its because robots do not have flesh and blood, or even the malleability of a stuffed toy.
Similarly, robots lack the warmth of a human or animal companion.
Loneliness is aphysical afflictionas well as a mental one.
Companionship can improve health and increase wellbeing, but only when it is the right kind.
Stroking a dogcan be soothing for the person as well as the animal.
Walking a dog also gets people out of the house where that is possible, and encourages social interaction.
As the owner of a young labrador, I am not always a fan of early rising.
An Xbox cant curl up on your bed in the middle of the night to keep you warm.
So its smell, as well as touch, that is involved loneliness along withall the senses.
Techno-fix
I am not a technophobe.
Similarly, robot companions may well in time become more lifelike.
Who will remember the early, clunky days ofFurreal pets?
But care robots are offering a solution that should not be needed.
Care homes are an architectural way of concealing those that are least economically productive.
How we care for the elderly and the infirm is a cultural and political choice.
Historically, elderly and infirm people were part of the social fabric and extended families.
Care home schemes inthe Netherlands, house students with elderly people and is popular with both.
With a little imagination, care homes can be radically rethought.
New technologies have a role to play in society, just as they always have had in history.
