How soon before one runs for office?

Star Tribune Fri, 29 Feb 2008 21:16:09 GMT
Study finds robots and Rover equally decrease loneliness in the elderly

... One group had weekly, 30-minute one-on-one visits with Sparky; another group had similar visits with AIBO; a control group did not visit with either dog. Their level of loneliness â€" determined by residents' answers to several questions â€" was tested at the beginning and near the end of eight weeks of visits. Investigator Marian Banks delivered the dogs, but did not interact with the residents. In the end, both groups were less lonely and more attached. Most of the elderly used Sparky, a 9-year-old, reddish-brown mutt with a white muzzle and floppy ears, as a confidant, telling him "their life story," Marian Banks said. "He listened attentively, wagged his tail, and allowed them to pet him," said Banks, who adopted and trained Sparky after finding him in an alley behind her home seven years ago. Those who visited with AIBO took a little longer â€" about a week â€" to warm up to the metallic creature. Over time, they grew more comfortable with AIBO, and petted and talked to him. He responded by wagging his tail, vocalizing and blinking his lights. "AIBO is charismatic if you start to interact with him," said the study's author, Dr. William Banks, a professor of geriatric medicine at Saint Louis University. "He's an engaging sort of guy."

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