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Sheryl Zimmerman on Animatronic Pets: A Comfort for Aging Adults

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In a recent article by The Washington Post, Sheryl Zimmerman, co-director of the Program on Aging, Chronic Illness, and Long-Term Care at the Sheps Center and Professor in the School of Social Work, offered insights into the growing use of animatronic pets to support older adults. These lifelike robotic companions, designed to mimic the behaviors of real cats and dogs, are being used in eldercare settings to help alleviate loneliness, provide comfort, and even reduce anxiety, particularly among individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Zimmerman highlighted that while animatronic pets cannot replace genuine human interaction or the care of real animals, they serve as a meaningful intervention for those who might struggle with the responsibilities of pet ownership. “They can bring a sense of purpose and connection,” she remarked, underscoring their role in fostering emotional well-being for older adults, especially in long-term care facilities or at home.

The article delves deeper into how animatronic pets are being adopted in care settings across the U.S., backed by research showing their positive impact on mood, engagement, and overall quality of life. Experts, including Zimmerman, point out that these innovations are especially valuable as the aging population grows and the need for creative, scalable solutions to combat loneliness intensifies.

Read the full article here.