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The world is on the brink of a demographic shift, with around 10,000 people in the US turning 65 years old every day, a trend that is expected to continue for the next decade, according to AARP. This transition will result in older adults accounting for over 20% of the population, leading to a greater focus on health solutions for the 65+ age group. Compared to other age groups, older adults are more likely to suffer from chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and arthritis, as well as experiencing cognitive decline, mobility problems, and vision and hearing loss.
Aging populations worldwide are putting pressure on healthcare systems, with the need for senior care increasing and the number of caregivers decreasing. AI-powered solutions designed for the elderly, called “age tech,” promise safer, more efficient, and personalized care. The integration of medical artificial intelligence is not only about safety but also about autonomy and dignity.
AI’s sector-defining solutions in age tech
Age tech AI-powered systems can offer real-time monitoring, alerting, and communication with caregivers to support remote patient monitoring. It is crucial in senior care facilities where sudden falls or medical emergencies require immediate intervention. This need is even more pronounced for those aging at home without an on-site care team. AI-powered systems can remotely track vital signs, physical activity, and other health data, allowing caregivers to intervene quickly. AI-driven applications can play a significant role in keeping track of medication schedules, reminding older adults and notifying healthcare providers about any missed doses, ensuring consistent medical care.
Supporting care with additional tools like an AI
AI is not expected to replace caregivers, but it can be used to enhance their work. AI-powered remote patient monitoring systems can free up caregivers’ time so they can spend more time with their patients, providing more effective and efficient care. AI’s predictive analytics can anticipate potential health risks, leading to early diagnosis and treatment, and preventing prolonged illnesses. AI can analyze vast datasets of health data, identify patterns and trends, and predict an individual’s risk of developing specific diseases or complications. AI solutions also cater to the emotional well-being of 65+ patients. Virtual companions, though not a replacement for human interaction, can provide companionship, conversation, and entertainment, combating feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Changing care with wearables
AI’s impact on care for older adults extends beyond monitoring systems. Age tech has evolved into various tools that uplift the quality of life for the 65+ community, such as wearables. These devices monitor vital signs and physical activity, encourage an active lifestyle, and act as crucial safety nets in emergencies. For example, Apple’s Fall Detection technology embedded within the Apple Watch uses complex algorithms and sensors to detect falls, offering older adults peace of mind. If a fall is detected, the watch prompts the user to confirm if they are okay; if unresponsive, it automatically calls emergency services and sends an alert to designated contacts, potentially saving lives.
Virtual home assistants (VHAs) and AI robots are two additional AI-powered technologies used in the care of older adults. Alexa or Google Assistant can improve the ease with which individuals manage their daily lives by completing tasks such as turning on lights, setting reminders, and playing music with a voice command. AI robots perform a wider range of tasks than VHAs, such as helping seniors get dressed, take medications, and order groceries, providing much-needed companionship and social interaction.
Finding harmony with AI
Although AI is a revolutionary tool with the potential to transform senior care, it comes with its challenges. We must also be aware of the potential pitfalls when delving deeper into the nuances of this cutting-edge technology, such as privacy concerns. AI’s core functionality is its ability to accumulate, process, and store vast amounts of data, and for older adult care, this can be a significant issue.