Chief technology officer and cofounder of LUCID, working to transform music into medicine. Mental health advocate.
getty
Many of us assume that technology adoption—and AI adoption, in particular, is a daunting process for older adults. We have this image of the struggling senior citizen, which clouds the product design process, often forcing a reluctance to push AI features (no matter how powerful) within products for the aging population. This notion may have been valid at one point in time. Still, it’s likely an ageist assumption among the younger generation developing this tech, as research has shown that AI adoption is rapidly increasing for people aged 65+, with over half of this population in the U.S. being aware of ChatGPT.
In reality, various applications of artificial intelligence can add convenience, access and companionship to senior care. As AI-based product leaders, we must prevent ourselves from assuming a lack of understanding of our aging users. Whether it be personalizing and simplifying medical care or mitigating social isolation, there are various ways in which artificial intelligence can be used to improve the lives of older adults; even some of the more abstract and complex implementations of AI can and should be seen within reach. AI can play a helpful role in assisting us through some of life’s most complex challenges, especially in health concerns faced by older adults.
How AI Can Tackle The Issues Facing Senior Care
Medical care can be one of an older adult's most important and challenging aspects of daily life. Regular in-person visits with medical professionals can be inconvenient and stressful, especially for those who need to arrange travel and physical aid accommodations. Wearables and remote monitoring technologies have provided a way for healthcare providers to monitor and track the biodata of their patients without needing to see them in person, and AI-enabled processing helps predict the moments when patients will need more acute care. This allows for convenient and continuous care for older patients, reducing unnecessary in-person visits where access may be challenging.
Social isolation is another common challenge faced by seniors, especially those living alone or in care facilities. Artificial intelligence can provide much-needed support with these challenges as well. Companionship can be provided in the form of virtual assistants or chatbots, and these companions can engage in conversations, play games or provide information, helping to alleviate feelings of loneliness and boredom. Conversational AI, such as Amicus Brain’s caregiver app, can also offer personalized recommendations and strategies to improve the quality of life of someone living with a challenging condition such as Alzheimer’s.
Mental wellness is a critical factor of well-being for seniors, especially if dealing with lifestyle and health changes. Another powerful capability of AI in senior care is the ability to provide personalization. When considering the mental wellness of seniors, these personalized implementations can help stimulate different habits and activities that may contribute to the mental engagement and cognitive well-being of each person. The therapeutic AI developed by LUCID provides personalized music to ease anxiety and agitation symptoms for older adults, learning and adjusting based on their preferences and emotional states.
AI-enabled technology can bring a level of agency to older adults to help them maintain independence like never before. A recent study found that AI-based technology has brought affordances to the elderly, ranging from medication management systems to assistive robots and even geriatric rehabilitation. These tools use AI to help seniors adhere to their medication schedules, provide social solace and allow them to live independently longer.
Smart home systems use AI to help seniors feel safer at home with fall detection or emergency monitoring technology in place. Some home systems leverage wearables and use AI to detect abnormalities, such as a fall, and can then alert caregivers and emergency services accordingly. Newer AI home systems are moving beyond the need for wearables, using wireless transmitters to send waveforms through a long-term care room or home to an AI engine that deciphers waves for monitoring purposes.
The lives of both aging adults and their caregivers can be difficult. It is our responsibility as AI product leaders to work toward solutions for them. While doing so, we must remember that while technology can provide valuable support, the emotional and compassionate aspects of caregiving remain irreplaceable. Moreover, we must design products with them at the table at every process step. As aging populations continue to grow, the integration of AI in senior care offers unparalleled opportunities and can play a vital role in promoting well-being, thus improving the quality of life for older adults and their caregivers.
Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
