Investigating the Appropriateness of Healthcare Robots for Elderly People in Bangladesh

Abstract

Worldwide there is an increase in life expectancy, due to better and advanced medical consciousness. Ageing issues automatically bring in factors such as health care and human rights. An increase in the elderly population brings in a demand for increase in health services, both physical and mental health. Old people suffer from degenerative, communicable and noncommunicable diseases, as the body’s immune system no longer is as effective as of before, due to the natural process of ageing. This health related and socio-economic issues make them dependent on family members and caregivers. The fact is family members, professionals or informal care givers are neither easily available nor affordable and reliable. All these factors leave the elderly all alone, which in turn results in morbidity, loneliness, isolation and depression. Nowadays, the elderly also want to preserve their independence and live on their own. The culture of old homes is still in its initial stages in developing countries. Even in developed nations living in care homes, away from loved ones and society does not seem to be too much of a preference with the elderly. Here comes the role of Artificial Intelligence and Assistive Technology, thus the Healthcare Robots which can assist, support and be a good approach to the problems of the aged. This research work probes into the acceptability and design specifications of the Healthcare Robots through data sample collection and analyses so that it will meet the requirements, be cost effective, reliable and appropriate for the senior citizens of our country Bangladesh. Thus it will be a milestone for developing countries such as India, Pakistan, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Malaysia, and countries from Middle East.