AI in care for the elderly

As populations age, the challenges of elderly care become ever more pressing. The United Nations anticipates that by 2050, "one in six people globally will be aged 65 years or older." Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers promising solutions to these challenges.

Robotic caregivers

Robots equipped with AI are now performing tasks ranging from lifting to medication reminders. Toyota's Human Support Robot and SoftBank Robotics' Pepper Robot are just two examples. Both are equipped with features that help them understand and interact with human emotions, adding a new dimension to caregiving.

- Learn more about Toyota's Robot

- Discover SoftBank's Pepper Robot

Japan's robotic push

Japan, grappling with an ageing population, is investing heavily in robotic caregivers. These robots are versatile, designed to perform both physical and emotional tasks. MIT Technology Review examines the ethical questions this brings up, including whether robots can replace the emotional support provided by humans.

Health monitoring with AI

Wearable AI technology, from smartwatches to "smart socks," can monitor vital signs and alert healthcare providers in real-time. Advanced algorithms analyse this data for irregularities, providing opportunities for early intervention.

- Read more on smart socks research

Telemedicine's AI revolution

Digital healthcare providers like Cera are employing AI to offer more efficient and personalised care to the elderly, from diagnostics to predictive analytics. While these tools offer efficiency, they also raise concerns over data security and privacy.

- Read more on Cera’s commitment to provide 500 care home visits

The ethical landscape

Data privacy and social isolation remain concerns as AI becomes more integrated into elderly care. Geoffrey Hinton discusses these ethical issues in a CBS interview.

Expand your knowledge

We recommend this comprehensive British Council Article to continue exploring how technology is shaping aging societies.

Feel free to give us your thoughts.

Until next week …..

Warren and Mark
Your curators of AI knowledge