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85-Year-Old Receives Robot Companion to Combat Loneliness

2/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Jan Worrell, an 85-year-old in Long Beach, Washington, received ElliQ, a robot provided by a regional nonprofit to alleviate loneliness.
Firefighters who had helped her husband previously returned to help set up the robot.
The ElliQ pilot program for seniors includes a $700 subscription, covered by the nonprofit.
Jan expressed skepticism, referring to the robot as "it" rather than "her."

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Story summary

Jan Worrell, an 85-year-old in Long Beach, Washington, received ElliQ, a robot provided by a regional nonprofit to alleviate loneliness.
Firefighters who had helped her husband previously returned to help set up the robot.
The ElliQ pilot program for seniors includes a $700 subscription, covered by the nonprofit.
Jan expressed skepticism, referring to the robot as "it" rather than "her."