New York State Office for Aging distributes 4,725 robotic pets to seniors to combat loneliness.

New York State Office for Aging will distribute 4,725 additional robotic pets to seniors to combat loneliness. These battery-powered pets, which resemble a golden retriever puppy, have already been given to 31,500 seniors. Robotic pets are seen as a tool to help alleviate loneliness, a health issue that can have severe consequences for seniors, says Greg Olsen, the acting director of the agency.