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Module E
?‫כיצד עונים‬
‫שאלות אמריקאיות – למרקר את התשובה הנכונה‬
‫שאלות פתוחות – להקליד תשובה ולסמן אותה בקו‬
BARKING ROBOTS FOR OLD
abridged from The Jerusalem Post – March, 2003
I.
Dogs and cats have been proven to improve the health and extend the life spans of their
elderly human companions. But suppose the owner is not mobile and can’t properly take care
of a pet? The next best thing may be robotic ‘dogs’. Researchers are placing such
mechanical dogs in the homes of isolated, old people to see whether the mechanical
substitutes, like living pets, can improve their quality of life. Then the impact of robotic
dogs on seniors’ depression, physical activity, life satisfaction and morale will be evaluated.
II.
No one will argue that an older person is better off being more active, challenged or
stimulated, but how can these be promoted for those who are socially isolated. A robotic
dog could be a solution. The robotic dog, called AIBO [‘pal’ in Japanese], is about the size
of a small lap dog. People over 65 who live alone will be recruited to house an AIBO for six
weeks. Participants will fill out a journal to note their feelings and activity before and
after AIBO. Then the researchers will review the information to see if the cogwheel
canines inspired any changes in the lives of their masters.
III.
Originally it was believed that no one would relate to a robotic dog because it was metal
and not furry, but it’s amazing how quickly that belief has been dispelled. “I talk to him all
the time, and he responds to my voice,” said one study participant. “When I am watching
TV, he’ll sit in my lap until he wants down. He has a mind of his own.” The AIBOs respond to
some commands, such as ‘bark’ and ‘play’. They don’t have to be walked or fed, and won’t die
if their owners can’t care for them properly. In addition, they won’t upset landlords.
IV.
These robotic animals can have their own role in health care. In the future robotic
companions could record their masters’ blood pressure, oxygen levels or heart rhythms.
One day AIBO’s may even play games that can help stimulate older individuals’ minds.
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY!
© Phyllis Oded
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BARKING ROBOTS FOR OLD
QUESTIONS A [by Phyllis Oded]
1. Circle the correct answer based on the first and second paragraphs:
AIBOs may be good for people:
a. who are unable to move about.
b. who are socially isolated.
c. who speak Japanese.
d. don’t like live animals.
2. Why is the robotic dog called a ‘cogwheel canine’? [last line in paragraph II].
The answer is not in the text.
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
3. How long will the AIBO be in each participant’s house? [paragraph II]
a. one year
b. sixty-five days
c. six weeks
d. The article doesn’t say.
4. Give two human qualities the study participant in the third paragraph attributed to
her robotic dog?
a. ____________________________________________________________
b. ____________________________________________________________
5. Give three reasons why AIBOs are better companions than regular dogs.
a. They don’t ___________________________________________________
b. They won’t ___________________________________________________
c. They won’t ___________________________________________________
6. According to the last paragraph, AIBOs can be useful for the elderly by:
a. ____________________________________________________________
b. ____________________________________________________________
7. Circle the correct answer. Based on the article above, research has proven that:
a. old people, who have pets, live longer.
b. old people can’t take care of pets properly.
c. isolated old people suffer from depression.
d. animals prefer older people to younger people.
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY!
© Phyllis Oded