Rie Narukawa

National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Rie Narukawa is a dedicated researcher in geriatric rehabilitation and human-robot interaction, focusing on how technology can alleviate mental health challenges and caregiving burdens in aging populations. Her work centers on the therapeutic use of companion and communication robots to support older adults, particularly those receiving home-visit rehabilitation services. In her 2020 case report, Narukawa demonstrated that a communication robot could reduce family care burden, a finding that has garnered 4 citations and highlights the practical benefits of robotic assistance in home care settings. Her 2023 study, conducted during the COVID-19 state of emergency, explored how a companion robot improved depression symptoms in a community-dwelling older adult, showing promise for mitigating social isolation and diurnal mood fluctuations. Though her citation counts are modest, Narukawa’s contributions are notable for their timely relevance to pandemic-era mental health interventions and their focus on real-world, low-cost technological solutions. Her work bridges robotics and gerontology, offering actionable insights for clinicians and caregivers seeking to enhance quality of life for older adults through accessible, non-pharmacological approaches.