How AI is Changing the Aging Population
As the world’s population continues to age, challenges concerning healthcare and medical attention faced by older adults continue to rise. The older population is projected to increase to over 1.5 billion by the year 2050 according to the World Health Organization (WHO), with life expectancy also on the rise globally. This has led to a demand for more efficient healthcare systems that can handle the increased pressure presented. With advances in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), it has become a reality to use this technology to mitigate some of the challenges of an aging population through the use of robotics and machine learning initiatives.
Many elderly individuals require assistance with the basic activities of daily living such as feeding, dressing or bathing. This can become an issue in cases where there are limited caregivers for elderly adults such as in underdeveloped or developing countries. However, the use of technology through robotics can provide a solution to this challenge. Robotics in healthcare can range from smart walking sticks to smart beds like the ones developed by KOGAA, a Czech architectural firm. The smart bed uses AI to monitor the health of elderly patients and adjust parameters such as temperature, lighting, and sound to create a comfortable, soothing experience for the user.
AI-powered healthcare robots have also proven effective in handling the therapeutic needs of older adults. PARO, a therapeutic seal robot, was developed by Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) to provide patients with emotional and physical support. The robot is equipped with touch sensors, microphones, and cameras, which allow it to interact with older adults and respond to their signals. The robot was specifically designed to reduce stress and depression levels experienced by elderly adults in care homes, where they often lack human interaction.
Machine learning has also played a critical role in improving the lives of older adults. Medical research can take years to come out with a new drug or treatment, and it requires significant investment in time and resources. However, AI provides a faster way to diagnose and identify diseases in time to prevent them from becoming life-threatening. Tesla, for example, has developed an AI research platform to analyze medical data to diagnose and predict diseases even before they occur. The deep learning algorithms used by the system can predict diseases such as breast cancer, lung cancer, and cardiovascular diseases with a high degree of accuracy.
Another way in which AI is revolutionizing the healthcare system for older adults is through the development of “smart homes” or “age-friendly cities” that are specifically designed to enable the elderly to live independently for longer. These technologies commonly include telehealth solutions, adaptive lighting, and sound monitoring systems that enable elderly adults to manage their conditions remotely. An example is the Qualcomm® Smart Home hospital-grade technology that provides seniors with solutions such as connected care management platforms, remote monitoring of medication or health status, and real-time video conferencing with healthcare personnel. These solutions are very important for the elderly because of their susceptibility to chronic diseases such as heart disease or diabetes.
Despite the significant advances in AI assisted healthcare, some of the positive impacts of this technology are still being challenged, mainly due to privacy and security issues. Patient data privacy remains a concern, and healthcare providers need to ensure that they are safeguarding their patients’ information. The risks of hacking, cyber-attacks, and data breaches are not new, and they pose serious threats to patients. Healthcare providers must continue to invest in the development of robust data security and privacy policies to ensure that patients’ data is secure from prying eyes.
In conclusion, the rapid population growth of the aging population presents significant challenges to the healthcare system. Technological advancements such as AI have the potential to revolutionize healthcare and help address some of these challenges. Robotics, machine learning, and smart home technology are already making an impact in providing elderly patients with comfort, care, and support to improve their quality of life. However, it is necessary to address the challenges of data privacy and cybersecurity to ensure that AI implementation in healthcare remains safe and effective. The use of AI in the healthcare industry can provide scalable and cost-efficient solutions with long-term benefits for an aging population.