They may not be able to take pets to animal hospitals in case of an emergency, either. Also, pets are not always accepted in nursing homes. Some people there might not like animals, and they are likely to cause problems such as making loud noises or leaving messes. All of these problems can be solved with robotic pets. Studies have shown that these “animals” can lower stress, reduce depression, prevent loneliness, and even improve social and communication abilities in those suffering from dementia. Researchers have yet to find any problems using robotic pets to keep people company. With these cute pet robots, people with dementia can be comforted without running the risk of harming or losing their pets.
如果发生紧急状况，他们可能也没办法带宠物到动物医院。此外，疗养院有时并不太欢迎宠物。有些在那里的人可能不喜欢动物，而且牠们很可能会制造像是大声吵闹或把四周弄乱等问题。以上这些问题都可以靠机器宠物解决。研究显示这些「动物」可以让罹患失智症的人纾解压力、减轻忧郁、预防孤单，甚至是改善社交及沟通能力。研究人员尚未发现使用机器宠物陪伴人们有任何问题。有这些可爱的机器宠物，失智症患者可以从中得到安慰而不用冒著伤害或失去他们宠物的风险。
生活必备字词：
in case of... 万一……；如果……
mess n. 脏乱
comfort vt. 安慰
◆免费线上听外师朗读 https://ivyforfree.pse.is/3jks97
本文节录自《常春藤生活英语》杂志，完整内容请见三月号。
爆料信箱：news@nextapple.com
★加入《壹苹》Line，和我们做好友！
★下载《壹苹新闻网》APP
★Facebook 按赞追踪
點擊閱讀下一則新聞
壹苹派生活美语 姿势正确，未来没烦恼～（二）
