Thanks to medical advancements, people are living longer than ever. By 2030, it’s estimated that one out of every six people worldwide will be over 60 years old. This rapid growth in the elderly population means more people will need care. However, family members and professional caregivers might struggle to keep up with this demand. Moreover, many developed countries are facing a significant shortage of healthcare workers, including nurses, highlighting the need for new solutions to support older adults.
Technology as a Solution
Simple and effective technologies, such as robots, can help fill the gap by assisting older individuals to live independently at home. Despite their potential, these assistive robots are not widely accepted in aging societies. Their adoption is also hindered by the challenge of creating robots that meet the diverse needs of elderly individuals across different countries, considering cultural, ethical, and financial differences.
Research on User Acceptance
A recent study by researchers from Chiba University, Japan, aimed to understand what influences people’s willingness to use home-care robots. Past studies have shown that involving the public in research enhances study design and patient involvement. Building on this, the researchers focused on a user-centric approach, engaging potential users in the research and development of home-care robots. This approach considers the real-life expectations and challenges users face.
Insights from the Study
Published in Scientific Reports on November 12, 2024, Professor Sayuri Suwa, the lead author, explains, “In countries with aging populations, home-care robots can help people age in place. Each country has unique cultural and legal differences, and we wanted to see how home-care robots could be adapted to respect these differences.” The study was co-authored by experts from Japan, Ireland, Finland, and other institutions.
Survey Findings
The team conducted a survey among care recipients and caregivers in Japan, Ireland, and Finland. The survey explored four aspects of user willingness: familiarity with robots, key points about home-care robots, expected functions, and ethically acceptable uses, across 48 items. The responses from 525 Japanese, 163 Irish, and 170 Finnish participants were analyzed to identify common and distinct factors affecting their willingness to use robots.
Key Factors
The study found that “willingness to participate in research and development,” “interest in robot-related news,” and “having a positive impression of robots” were common factors in all three countries. However, specific factors like “convenience” in Japan, “notifying family members and support personnel when unexpected changes occur” in Ireland, and “design” in Finland were unique influences on robot use.
Cultural and Historical Influences
The study also highlights how historical, cultural, and demographic factors affect the adoption of home-care robots. In Japan, government, industry, and academia are actively promoting robot development, and there is a general optimism about their use. In Ireland, although robot development is slower, there’s growing recognition of their benefits for older adults. The Finnish emphasis on ‘design’ aligns with their global reputation for quality design, indicating its importance in robot manufacturing.
Conclusion
Overall, the study underscores the importance of user involvement and perspectives in developing home-care technology. Home-care robots have significant potential to empower older adults. “Collaborating with potential users, like older people and care providers, in developing home-care robots will lead to better product acceptance and expand their use. This will ultimately enhance the well-being of users,” concludes Prof. Suwa.
