A new study by AI experts from the University of Oxford and the University of Melbourne sheds light on a surprising gender divide: men, it turns out, are far more open to receiving home care from robots in old age than women. The study, which examines views on robotic caregiving in later life, spans 28 European countries and considers local factors like GDP, women’s workforce participation, and spending on elderly care.

The researchers set out to address three questions: whether women are indeed less comfortable than men with robotic caregiving, whether people with higher opportunity costs favor tech-based care, and how community and economic factors shape personal views on the issue.

A range of attitudes

The findings reveal a range of attitudes toward the use of robots for caregiving, with both local context and individual factors shaping comfort levels. Among the key results:

• Reluctance overall: Most people are wary of robots as caregivers.
• Gender divide: European men are notably more receptive to robotic care in old age than women.
• Education and occupation matter: People in professional roles and those with higher education levels are more likely to consider robotic care.
• Age and tech exposure: Younger individuals and those familiar with robots in work or home settings are more open to robotic care.
• Community influence: Those living in areas with high female employment and low adult care spending are more willing to consider robotic care in their later years.

Shaping perceptions

The study also highlights that attitudes are shaped by the available welfare provisions and broader community factors, not just individual circumstances. As the researchers explain, local context plays a crucial role: “Communities with high female employment and less government spending on elder care see more acceptance of robots for caregiving, while areas with higher investment in elder care are less inclined toward robotic alternatives.”

For policymakers, the study points to a need for careful balancing. Technology should not be assumed as the default solution. Investments in digital caregiving tools should be weighed against support for human caregivers, both paid and unpaid, to ensure the human connection in caregiving isn’t lost.

As aging populations and technology develop, the authors urge policymakers to ask: Are people truly comfortable with robots as caregivers? And what social and economic factors are influencing these views?