People often consider the advancements in technology and how they apply to their daily lives. How does it make our work easier? How does it entertain us? How does it improve our home life? What isn’t often considered is how technology can help in caring for the elderly.
As a doctoral student pursuing a Ph.D. in sociology, Adedayo Adeagbo is doing her research on dignity care for aging people using advancements of technology in healthcare. With a specialization in medical sociology, Adeagbo’s thesis is built on the perceptions and attitudes of healthcare workers and the use of robots for caring for older adults.
“I'm very excited that I'm working on something that has the potential to alleviate some of the problems of people enjoying their lives or living older with dignity and with respect,” Adeagbo told Kent State Today.
Adeagbo said she has a specific interest in the use of robotic caregivers to alleviate shortages in the workforce.
In her research, Adeagbo found that some healthcare workers find the use of robots in direct care can diminish the purpose and self-esteem associated with their profession. Some of the implications the use of this technology entails include the loss of empathy, human touch and compassion with the patients.
“It may also result in the loss of skills acquired through rigorous training over the years in nursing school,” Adeagbo said. “The use of robots in healthcare is not inherently negative. However, it is important that they are applied for other purposes and not direct caregiving.”
In addition to her research, Adeagbo works at the Ohio Department of Aging through the Ohio Scholars in Aging Program. Through the program, she is learning more about policymaking and the state resources and initiatives to ensure quality of life for older adults.
“I've attended several sessions in Columbus to learn about the different programs available for older adults, and this has driven my passion for ensuring that aging people are aging with dignity and my research is helping other adults achieve aging with dignity,” Adeagbo said.
With the mission of ensuring care for aging people in the future, Adeagbo said she loves working with a state that is compassionate and devoted to ensuring that people live well.
“I love the fact I'm able to talk about my research, and that I'm able to influence policy making by talking about some of the policies that affect the lives of older adults,” Adeagbo said. “Especially underserved and underrepresented populations and low-income older adults.”
Ohio currently has a shortage of caretakers. Adeagbo explained that her research is centered on guaranteeing that the application of technology and artificial intelligence to address this scarcity is done responsibly, with the protection of the rights and dignity of older adults.
“While the use of technology might help to alleviate some of these shortages, they should not take away the integral parts of caring for people, they could help with administrative tasks,” Adeagbo said. “But when it comes to direct care, compassionate care, eliciting emotions that are important for caring, technology should never be able to take that away.”
Adeagbo’s work earned her second place at the Kent State 2024 Three Minute Thesis competition for her presentation “Human Touch or Robot Care: Perceptions of Healthcare Workers on Robots in Human-Centered Care.”
“I love the fact I'm able to talk about my research and that I'm able to influence policymaking,” Adeagbo said. “It is such a huge privilege to be a part of that organization, to be a scholar, to have been recognized for my outstanding work and research.”
Learn more about the Department of Sociology and Criminology.