D.A.I.S.Y.
Depression Assistance in Senior Years
Combating Geriatric Depression
Our idea for a future way of preventing geriatric depression is a robotic pet that responds to its owner’s emotions.
​
The main service that the D.A.I.S.Y. pet would provide is companionship. Geriatric depression stems from feelings of isolation and loneliness, and owning a pet is proven to eliminate these feelings. However, older adults often decide to not adopt a pet because they are worried they will not be able to look after their pet. A robotic pet eliminates these fears because it cannot get sick or die like a live pet, and doesn’t require care. It will simulate the companionship of a live pet without needing to be taken care of.
​
One of the limitations of current robotic pets is that they cannot independently engage with their owners as a live pet could. This makes the owner lose interest with their robotic pet. However, our robotic pet would have the capability to sense its owner’s emotions and engage with them accordingly. This technology does not currently exist, but scientists are working on technologies that can pick up emotions through heart rhythms and breathing. Our robotic pet would be able to accurately detect the emotions and therefore needs of their owners. This will allow it to engage with the older adult before they become lonely or bored.
Benefiting Physical Health
D.A.I.S.Y. can also be used in external conditions. This is a huge advantage over the current robotic pet technology, which are designed for indoor, stationary use. The D.A.I.S.Y. pet is able to help its owner with exercise, as it is designed to be taken for walks. Physical activity is very beneficial for seniors. Exercise has many physical health benefits such as weight control, reduced risk of heart disease and lowered blood sugar level. Exercise can also improve mental health and reduce the effects of depression. Our robotic pet will encourage its owner to “take” it for a walk, therefore benefitting its owner’s mental and physical health.
Monitoring Health
D.A.I.S.Y. is equipped with the capability to accurately detect emotions in its owner, making it a great life companion. This means that the pet will be able to sense negative mood changes or mental health issues. D.A.I.S.Y. will also be able to detect major health issues, such as their owner taking a heart attack or stroke, falling or not being able to take care of themselves. If the pet detects that the older adult is having emotional, mental or physical issues, it will contact a family member and/or a health professional to inform them about these changes. D.A.I.S.Y. works with medical professionals to support its owner's health.
​
D.A.I.S.Y.'s capability to monitor physical and mental health changes ensures that their owner receives the best medical care in their senior years. This robotic pet will grant their owner and their owner's loved ones peace of mind.
