Robots in ageing societies

Abstract

Addressing the topic of ageing societies, the present paper stresses the importance of preserving the autonomy, social participation and affective bonds of elders. Claiming that maintaining the social and affective ties that link someone to their home environment and to their close family and friends is fundamental for physical and mental health, and consequently for extended years of life with quality, the authors identify the potential benefits of assistive/domestic robots adverting to the potential ethical issues to be safeguarded.