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.
如果發生緊急狀況，他們可能也沒辦法帶寵物到動物醫院。此外，療養院有時並不太歡迎寵物。有些在那裡的人可能不喜歡動物，而且牠們很可能會製造像是大聲吵鬧或把四周弄亂等問題。以上這些問題都可以靠機器寵物解決。研究顯示這些「動物」可以讓罹患失智症的人紓解壓力、減輕憂鬱、預防孤單，甚至是改善社交及溝通能力。研究人員尚未發現使用機器寵物陪伴人們有任何問題。有這些可愛的機器寵物，失智症患者可以從中得到安慰而不用冒著傷害或失去他們寵物的風險。
生活必備字詞：
in case of... 萬一……；如果……
mess n. 髒亂
comfort vt. 安慰
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本文節錄自《常春藤生活英語》雜誌，完整內容請見三月號。
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