世界各已開發國家都已進入高齡化社會，我國也不例外。剛退休年齡約50至64歲的樂齡族必須面臨社會角色截然轉變的壓力，加上大家庭觀念已蕩然無存，驟增的閒暇時間與身體各機能逐漸退化之餘，子女又無法陪伴、缺少特定嗜好、親友也逐漸凋零，因而極易導致生心理健康的危機。本研究探討運用電子寵物來幫助樂齡族增加退休樂趣，讓樂齡族能夠快樂學習，並創造健康的退休生活樂趣，如此不但對於身心有極大的幫助，也能增進與子女或是親朋好友的交流。

本研究首先進行樂齡族電子寵物感性需求整理與探討，並據此訂定電子寵物研究載具設計規範，其後則完成感性電子寵物研究載具模型製作及感性實驗執行。製作樂齡族群專用的電子寵物需求方面應有以下特點：(1)以感性設計原則為基準去設計寵物外觀，(2)能夠學習使用者的指令，(3)能夠提醒使用者生活中各式各樣的注意事項，(4)能進行視訊通話，(5)能夠配合相關遊戲增加生活樂趣。

研究結果顯示樂齡族電子寵物操作簡單並且有良好的互動功能是極為重要的感性需求，但是樂齡族群並未把電子寵物當成不可或缺的友伴對象。樂齡族最關心及滿意的就是健康相關的感性需求，而退休後能有社交活動及安排自己的時間，還有強調擬生命互動行為之溫馨感也是不可或缺的。

All developed countries in the world have entered the aging society, including Taiwan. Newly retired senior citizens who are aged between 50-64 have to face the pressure of changing social roles dramatically, in addition sudden increasing in leisure time, gradual degeneration of body functions, no child by their sides, lack of a specific hobby, passing away of relatives and friends, the pressures can easily lead to physical and mental health crises. This research investigated the utilization of electronic pet to enhance happiness and health for the retiring life of senior citizens.

This research examined senior citizens’ needs of electronic pets and defined the design requirement of the research vehicle of electronic pets. Then we made a prototype of the research vehicle of electronic pets and performed an emotional test. The design requirement of the research vehicle of electronic pets was defined as: (1) its appearance must be designed according to the guidelines of emotional design, (2) it must be capable of learning and identifying its owner’s instructions, (3) it should be a reminder of various important events in life of the user, (4) it must be capable of making video calls, (5) it must be capable of enhancing the pleasure in life for senior citizens through games.

The result showed the operation of electronic pet of senior citizens were simple, friendly interaction was very important to sensible requirement, and senior citizens did not treat the electronic pet as an indispensable friend. The most important consideration to senior citizens was health-related needs. Social activities, time arrangement and interaction with others after retirement were necessary as well.

樂齡族、電子寵物、感性設計

Senior Citizen、Electronic Pet、Emotional Design