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From Social Interaction to Occupational Engagement: Evaluating the Role of Social Robots in Meaningful Activities for Older Adults

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: (1) Background: Population ageing highlights the need for interventions promoting meaningful participation and occupational engagement. Social robots may support engagement in meaningful activities, but evidence addressing occupational engagement remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the role of an animal-like social robot in facilitating occupational engagement among older adults. (2) Methods: A longitudinal single-group pre–post study was conducted with 60 cognitively intact older adults attending day centres. Participants engaged in meaningful social, leisure, cognitive, creative, and activity-based experiences incorporating the MetaCat Smart Robot Cat twice weekly for three months, with 30–40 min sessions. Occupational engagement was assessed using the Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey, while occupational performance and satisfaction were evaluated using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Human–robot interaction was also monitored. (3) Results: EDIAS scores increased significantly after the intervention (mean change: 4.4 points; 95% CI: 3.4–5.4; p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 0.82), alongside improvements in occupational performance and satisfaction. Spontaneous interaction initiation and persistence increased over time and were positively associated with occupational engagement. (4) Conclusions: Animal-like social robots may facilitate occupational engagement when embedded in meaningful activities. Controlled studies are needed to establish causal effects.

Source: Applied Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/app162110491