Can social robots reduce the loneliness of older adults? -Interaction and communication between social robots and older adults.

This study explored how older adults living alone interact with social robots over time, focusing on whether such engagement mitigates social and emotional loneliness. Fifteen adults (≥65 years) who had used a specific social robot for at least three months participated in in-depth interviews and observations, analyzed through a constructivist grounded theory lens. Many participants anthropomorphized the robot (e.g., "friend," "granddaughter"), resulting in deeper emotional engagement, especially when two-way communication was sustained. Others used it primarily for functional tasks yet still experienced mild relief from social isolation. Mediators, such as care workers or family members, influenced interaction depth, though older adults with higher digital literacy required less support. Over time, adherence depended on the robot's conversational abilities, accurate initial framing, and user willingness to form a "relationship." Despite these promising outcomes, repetitive dialogue or mismatched expectations led some participants to disengage, underscoring the need to refine design and introduction processes.