ENG 106: Essay on Technology's Role in Elderly Care and Companionship

This essay provides a critical response to Lauren Smiley's article "What Happens When We Let Tech Care for Our Aging Parents," focusing on the use of technology, such as the CareCoach application and animated companions like Pony, in providing care for the elderly. The essay summarizes the article, highlighting the benefits of technology in monitoring and assisting aging individuals while also acknowledging the importance of human connection and family involvement. The author agrees that technology can be helpful but emphasizes the crucial role of closeness, empathy, and active engagement from family members. The essay argues that while technological advancements can address some needs, they cannot fully replace the companionship and emotional support provided by loved ones, especially in addressing loneliness and memory issues like Alzheimer's. The conclusion reiterates the importance of a balanced approach, integrating technological care with the care and presence of family members for the well-being of the elderly.

Running head: MANAGEMENT
Management
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author note

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Briefly Summarizing Reading
The name of the article is What Happens When We Let Tech Care for Our Aging
Parents and the author of the reading is Lauren Smiley. From the respective case study
named What Happens When We Let Tech Care for Our Aging Parents, the main aspect
which can be summarized is the fact that in the current scenario, the young generation people
are letting technology care for the ageing parents. Arlyn Anderson, after watching her dad
interact with Pony, the reservations regarding outsourcing companionship of her father
vanished. It has been noticed the CareCoach has been capable of conveying the
perceptiveness along with emotional intelligence of the different human beings powering the
same, however, masquerades as the animated type of application.
CareCoach is considered to be the pioneering game changing innovation for the aging
as well as geriatric care which leverages best of both technological capabilities and human
beings. Arlyn tried to pay the amount for achieving the multiple as well as strategic goals
with single along with easy implement system. Arlyn paid $200 a month for the human
powered avatar which would be capable to watch over the homebound person for 24 hours a
day. Arlyn received the Google Nexus in the coming week and she included a German
shepherd appearing on-screen which was standing at the digitalized lawn.
From the analysis of the CareCoach application, it can be seen that technology has
been playing a vital role for the aging individuals who stay alone along with their children.
They will be able to keep a watch on the different activities done by their parents and it
assists in reducing the risks and improved satisfaction among patients as well. However, the
technological advancements cannot be able to take away the loneliness faced by the aged
person and in such scenario, Pony; the pet was considered to be the friend with whom he was

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comfortable in sharing his viewpoints. Pony and Jim would be comfortable in sharing their
pleasantries several times a day which made their bind stronger in nature.
Critically Respond to Ideas of Reading (Agree or Disagree)
From the analysis of the “What Happens When We Let Tech Care for Our Aging
Parents”, I partially agree with the viewpoints shared by Lauren Smiley as I feel that
technology and the animated dogs can be helpful to a certain extent.
The closeness of the children and family is the key aspect that is required to be
treating the aged parents who are suffering from various mental illnesses. As Arlyn
implemented the CareCoach application for her elderly father, therefore, it is advisable to the
other children to take good care of their parents through implementing such technologies. In
the old-age, companion is highly essential for sharing their thoughts as loneliness can be
dangerous for the health and it can be taking toll on health of the aged individuals.
As they age, I feel that parents need more help, however, it cannot be understood
exactly how to lend them a hand. The reason I disagree with the viewpoints of Lauren Smiley
is the fact the closeness is the key element which is needed. I know that empathizing with
parents can be frustrating as their mood fluctuates; however, it is necessary to be empathetic
and understand what they are going through. The people need to understand their situation by
keeping themselves in such scenario as it will be providing them with views.
Encouraging them to be active is the other element wherein i agree with Lauren
Smiley that the advancement in technology can be playing a vital role. Many aging parents
tend to be isolated, however, during such instances, when their children are not around, the
CareCoach Applications and other such apps can be playing a critical role in making them

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feel pleasant and happy. For instance- The relationship between Jim and Pony, the animated
dog were enjoyable as they used to share their pleasantries.
Helping them to create a memory book is the other vital aspect that is needed to be
maintained as it is common among the seniors for experiencing short term memory problems.
In the case study, there was problem of Alzheimer’s, which was solved with the help of the
CareCoach application. However, on contrary, the seniors or the aged people prefer to spend
time with their children as it is the best medicine that can be making the lives better.
Therefore, from the analysis and critique of the article, it has been finally concluded
that during the old-age, the technological care is essential to a certain extent, however, the
care and closeness of their children and family members are the most critical elements which
are needed to be implemented for making them feel special and wanted in the family.