Without a doubt, the hardest thing about getting older is watching the people you love get older, too. Your aging parents or loved ones deserve to spend their remaining years with as much love and warmth as possible, especially if they are battling an illness.
That’s why, over the last few years, pet companions have become so popular, particularly for older adults who are feeling lonely or have dementia. In fact, a 2017 study revealed that the interaction between ageing adults and animals — whether real or robotic — can help lower blood pressure, ease anxiety, reduce feelings of loneliness, and improve overall quality of life. Some nursing homes even offer pet therapy for dementia patients to ease any unintended agitation and aggression.
For these very reasons, more than 1,300 Amazon shoppers have left five-star reviews for Ageless Innovation’s Joy for All Companion Pets. Perfect for dog or cat lovers, these plush animals have built-in sensors, ‘vibrapurr’ or ‘barkback’ technology, and brushable fur, making them surprisingly realistic. In other words, they look, feel, and sound exactly like the pets that your loved ones grew up with (minus the litter box or backyard cleanup). Insert four batteries, and the cats, which come in four different shades to mimic real breeds, can open and close their eyes, lift their paws, and move their head and body. If you pet them in the right spot — like on their belly or back side — they’ll let out a ‘purr.’
If your loved one is more of a dog person, you can also buy a stuffed golden puppy, accessorised with a red bandana, that will bark if he’s feeling happy, sad, or needy. At only four pounds, the stuffed pup is easy to play with and won’t weigh down even the most fragile frame.
Although the price of Ageless Innovation’s toy is steeper than other stuffed animals on the market, the glowing reviews prove that these lifelike robotic pets are worth every penny, especially if you’re gifting them to a loved one with pet allergies or dementia. ‘My family recently had to place my mom in a nursing home for long term care. She has dementia and my 88-year-old father could no longer care for her. We worried about the time she would spend there when no one was visiting or during the periods of time with no activities. Because of this, I got her one of these cats. I am happy to say that this was one of the best purchases I have ever made. It is truly remarkable what this cat can do. It is very lifelike and although my mother knows it isn’t real, she enjoys it nonetheless,’ one Amazon shopper wrote.
One reviewer who has a wife with dementia shared a similar sentiment: ‘My wife of 72 years has been diagnosed with rapid onset moderate dementia. She always wanted a dog, but I knew that in our situation a real dog would demand more than we would be able to provide. When searching for robotic dogs as a novelty gift, I came across this companion pet and purchased it, if for no other reason than its realistic appearance. She has since spent hours with it every day since.’It has a heart’ she says, reacting to the beating mechanism inside. Anything that can bring such joy and happiness is something to be truly grateful for.’
But perhaps this reviewer put it best: ‘There’s just some things you can’t put a price on and his happiness right now is one of them.’
Get your own robotic pet
1. Golden Pup
Ageless Innovation Joy For All Companion Pets Golden Pup Lifelike & Realistic
Puppy-like movements & sounds: the companion pet acts just like a real puppy
R1 715 Amazon SHOP NOW2. Orange Tabby Cat
Ageless Innovation | Joy For All Companion Pets | Orange Tabby Cat | Lifelike & Realistic
The revolutionary VibraPurr technology gives the cat an authentic purr that sounds and feels just like real purring. A real cat would, our companion pet cat is able to open and close its eyes, lift its paw, open its mouth and move its head and body. The companion pet cat also has synthetic, soft, brushable fur inspired by real feline breeds.
R1 441 Amazon SHOP NOWSource: Good Housekeeping US
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