In 2017, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy declared loneliness an “epidemic” among Americans of all ages. This warning was partly inspired by medical research that revealed damage that social isolation and loneliness can inflict on a body.

The two conditions are not the same: isolation is not having much contact with the world, and loneliness is a feeling that the contact you have is not enough. Both are thought to prompt a heightened inflammatory response, which can increase a person’s risk for dementia, depression, high blood pressure and stroke.

It is well known that social isolation disproportionately affects older adults, many of whom often only have social contact out of the home at community venues or places of worship. Older people are more susceptible to loneliness; 57% of Americans who are 60+ identify as lonely.

The Johnson County Area Agency on Aging and other AAAs nationwide, have been exploring strategies to address social isolation and loneliness among older adults. Recently one initiative involved offering Joy for All Companion Pets, a type of robotic pet, to some clients. These clients were able to select either a dog, cat or bird as their companion.

Robotic pets themselves are not new, but their usage to address social isolation and loneliness among older adults skyrocketed during the pandemic. Operating on batteries, these pets don’ t walk to prevent any tripping hazards, yet they feature moving eyes and heads, as well as sounds like barking, purring and meowing.

Equipped with sensors, these companion pets can interact with people, respond to touch, and adapt to their surroundings. Companion pets allow socially isolated older adults to receive similar gratification and comfort that they would from live pets by calming anxiety, decreasing loneliness and providing a better quality of life — without needing to worry about food or vet bills. These cute animals bring all the love of pet ownership without any of the pet care responsibilities to their owners.

Many older adults who love pets can no longer take care of them, and these companion pets are a great substitute. They make life-like noises, move, and can be loved and snuggled. During difficult times, these companion pets are even more comforting and appreciated by isolated older adults.

Individuals who received the pets have had positive response to their new “companion.” They are delighted to have company when watching television, reading and resting. Many recipients have been eager to show off their pet to friends or family.

Martha White, who received a cat companion, stated, “It sits nearby on a chair in my bedroom. I talk to it often. It started up one day, and I told it to stop all that meowing. Then I thought maybe I do need that cat more than I thought! I have had more fun with that cat; it has made my day more than once. I tell my grandkids I have a cat, and they always say no, you don’t, and then I go grab it. I have had a really good time with it.”

Many owners have named their pets and have bonded quickly.

“I enjoyed sitting and talking with them; he would talk back and bark back at me. It was so nice, and I miss my own dog; it was nice to have the replacement; it was a true companion. I would take it with me throughout the building and put it on my walker when I went downstairs to get the mail,” Paula Quade said.

“My son and grandkids were so happy I had it because they knew how much I missed my dog. When I moved in here, the grandkids said let’s get grandma a dog, but I said no because I would have to take it out and feed it.”

For more information about the programs implemented by JCAAA to combat social isolation and loneliness, call 913-715-8861.

Tim Wholf is director of the Johnson County Department of Aging and Human Services.