Pam Simmons of Sherburne sits with a “lifelike” robotic pet received from the Chenango County Area Agency on Aging. (Photo Submitted by the Chenango County Area Agency on Aging)

CHENANGO COUNTY – Concern over social isolation among aging adults has cued the Chenango County Area Agency on Aging to combat the issue through an unlikely source.

The department has followed suit with the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) to roll out an initiative that connects local seniors to "lifelike" robotic pets designed to make realistic sounds and motions in hopes of providing comfort and companionship to individuals. The pets, manufactured by Ageless Innovations and Joy for All, are being distributed to individuals throughout the state.

The Chenango County Area Agency on Aging says the aim is to combat loneliness and the health hazards that come with it.

“This is something to help with social isolation because these things are simple and they’re responsive,” said Chenango Area Agency on Aging Director Heather Felter. “When our outreach workers do a home visit, sometimes the issue comes up. A lot of times, we have an outreach worker who’s called by older adults just to talk. It helps seniors who are panicked just to have something soft in their lap that they can interact with. It’s perfect for someone who might have a mobility issue or has gone into an assisted living situation where pets aren’t allowed.”