Unsure about companion robots for seniors? Here’s why some can’t wait.

“I hate this!” That’s how Jude from Oregon reacted to my newsletter last week about Abi, the AI-powered companion robot that has been deployed in some senior care facilities to reduce isolation.

“I’m 84, still independent and active,” Jude explained. “This whole idea sets of all sorts of alarm bells. In an era when solitary people are falling in ‘love’ with AI chatbots, and vulnerable teens are goaded into suicide by what they find on unregulated social media, I don’t see this project as a move toward life-enhancing, humanistic values.”

Jude was far from alone. “It’s a very sad day when robots take the place of a live human being,” wrote Stephen from Massachusetts. Agnes from Virginia agreed, adding that she found robots as well as other age tech that I’ve written about, such as using televisions to communicate with elderly family members, “simply ignorant and offensive.”

Many readers pointed out the limitations of the companion robots, which for now are largely focused on social interaction. “Can Abi administer medications?” asked Richard from Ohio. “Bathe a patient? Lift a patient out of bed and transfer to wheelchair? Change an adult diaper then clean the patient? No. So what good is she? This is about allocation of scarce resources and return on investment. The cost of a robot could cover the salary of a human aide.”

Annie from Virginia, a longtime home care nurse, similarly explained that what values most is help with the physical tasks of caregiving. “I would have loved help with physical tasks, especially I got on in the years myself,” she said. “That’s the part a lot of family caregivers need help with, too. Conversation is the most meaningful part of caregiving, so why have technology to replace that?”

I understand these readers. The idea of having to depend on an AI-powered robot for companionship can be unsettling and frightening. It forces us to confront difficult truths about aging, isolation, declining physical abilities, families who live far away or are not present at all and the loss of dear friends. It also reflects the very real shortage of caregivers and the gaps that already exist in senior care.

But those who find the concept of robot companions horrifying should consider the surprising number of messages I received from readers who found them appealing. “I love this!” said Aguila1, in the article’s comment section. “I can talk the tail off a donkey! I think the robot and I will be great friends. … I’m in my 70s. Still pretty fit with lots of friends and community. However, the numbers are depleting. Great to know there may be a backup plan!”

“I think [Abi] would be perfect for me living alone as an 83-year-old,” wrote Jim from Massachusetts. “She will improve to the point where she can just keep an eye on me and watch for changes in behavior, falls, etc. I have already been in touch with [the company] and am on the waitlist.”

“Sign me up!” wrote Andrew from New Hampshire, who lives in an assisted-living facility. “My wife has early dementia, and she and I would both love to have something/someone who can come up with puzzles, word games, quizzes and activities. How about teaching us a new language?”

Another commenter, 1elf, wrote that they have seen many older friends depend on other seniors for social contacts. “If they’re living outside of a facility, sometimes there is almost no one left who is a close friend still able to drive and visit often. This is especially true of seniors who have no close family or are single. Some of my married older friends with a spouse who is significantly handicapped might appreciate having a robot that can act as a caregiver for a few hours a day, allowing the human caregiver some respite time.”

This commenter added that though most of the staff they’ve encountered in nursing homes are well-meaning, they may not have time to provide companionship. “So a robot seems like a good alternative. Think of how many people enjoy pets because they mostly aren’t demanding and give support; a robot wouldn’t be that much different but without the need to walk them even on rainy days, feed, and clean up after them. ... A robot also would be much more engaging than the TV screens that, when you visit an assisted-living facility, seems to be what passes for recreation during much of the day/evening for some of the more disabled residents.”

AI companions will not be right for everyone, and they should not be a substitute for human connection. But there may be value in exploring tools that can help people stay mentally engaged, feel less alone and give older adults more options for how they want to live.

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