Prospects of Artificial Intelligence in Assisting the Elderly

Written by Aminu Mohammed  

Everyone's life is like a circle. It starts at birth and then goes through childhood and adulthood. So, getting older is just something that happens to everyone, and it can be hard. There is no doubt that people are living longer lives while life expectancy for adults has increased in most countries of the world.

This is thanks to technological advancements in healthcare and artificial intelligence. These improvements have led to more elderly people without jobs who need help to manage their lives.

The body slowly gets older as its cells gradually wear out over time. This means that older people are less able to think and move, and there is a bigger chance of them getting sick and even dying. As we get older, we are more likely to have health problems. Some of these are high blood pressure, depression, memory loss, arthritis, cataracts and back pain.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says that more and more people are getting older every year than in the past. By 2050, the number of people aged 60 and over will have increased to around 2.1 billion people around the world. Two-thirds of these people will be living in low or middle-income countries. The number of people aged 80 and over is also expected to rise. By 2050, it is predicted that this group will number 426 million. 

The role of Artificial Intelligence in Assisting the Elderly  

It is clear that artificial intelligence and machine learning tools can provide support for the elderly. Machines that use AI can help older people (those over 60) to live their lives as normal and not require  other people to help them with everyday activities.

Artificial intelligence can help elderly people who need medical assistance and help with everyday life. Robots can help with monitoring, checking vital signs and helping people move around. Artificial intelligence tools can support the elderly by providing the necessary information to alert medical personnel and care staff to any potential health problems.

These tools also keep track of how you sleep, your heart rate and when you take your medication. So, these tools let elderly people take charge of their health and wellbeing at home, with the help of an AI device that keeps track of them.

Also, tools that use artificial intelligence can help older people do household chores easily. You can control security cameras and other smart home devices with simple voice commands or smartphone apps. This makes life easier for older people at home.

Similarly, devices like smart fridges and ovens can help older people with their shopping and cooking. This will make housework easier and give them more time for fun activities.  

Impact of AI on the lives of the Elderly   

Artificial intelligence is clearly having a big effect on the lives of older people. ElliQ is a social robot designed by Intuition Robotics. It uses artificial intelligence to help the elderly with health issues and loneliness.

The device, which looks like a small table lamp, uses voice, sound, light and buttons on a touch screen to make conversation easy, just like humans.

The robot can also play music, make video calls, reduce stress and help with games and health reminders. The robot reminds the user to check their health and wellbeing. A lot of government organisations in the United States of America are using the device.

The tool is changing the way older adults deal with feeling lonely and isolated. It has a positive effect on their mental health and wellbeing because it helps to get people talking and suggest things for them to do. It also remembers what the user tells it to do.

The TakingCare Sense is another AI tool created by the UK-based TakingCare in collaboration with IoT Solutions. It is an artificial intelligence device that supports the elderly to live safely in their homes without any dependence on others. The device makes sure that everything that happens at home every day is checked. This includes things like boiling water on a kettle, washing, switching off heaters and closing windows. It also checks for changes in the environment.

The device alerts family members, friends and care service providers to any potential problems and dangers that might be around when there is a change in routine. This means that family and friends can check on older people quickly to make sure they are safe and well.

This device helps family members who can't visit their elderly parents at home regularly. It alerts them to any potential problems and lets them keep track of their loved ones at all times.

The AI Screen Solution is an artificial intelligence tool designed by the Chinese company ZTE Corporation. It provides emotional support to elderly people who are feeling lonely and helps to make sure that their health is properly monitored to avoid any problems.

The device lets older people check their blood pressure and other health conditions. It also gives them advice and information about healthcare, so they don't need to go to the hospital so often. The device, which is powered by AI, also reminds the user of the need to take their medication and other routine healthcare activities.

The AI tool also helps elderly people stay safe at home. The AI device can easily alert the emergency services when something goes wrong, so they can do the right thing.

What's more, the tool helps older people by reminding them about their daily routine. This is useful for people who find it hard to remember things because of their age.

The AI device has helped many older adults who are feeling lonely and is currently being used in 31 provinces in China.

Challenges

AI devices have definitely made life better for older people with disabilities and depression. But even though robots and chat boxes have their advantages, they can never replace human touch and individual interaction. Family members and relatives of an elderly person can only express their love for them in the way they can.

Technology can never replace human touch. This is because artificial intelligence tools are not yet able to understand how an elderly person is feeling or to spot when someone is losing weight and looking weak. Only humans can feel real empathy and understand such issues.

There is also the issue of a robot having to constantly monitor the elderly person to ensure their safety. But this could restrict older people's sense of freedom because they are being watched all the time.

Way Forward

Artificial intelligence has completely changed how we support people in their homes. It helps older people to live better lives and be more independent. But it can't completely replace human care.

Also, robots cannot provide the emotional support that caregivers give to the elderly. However, artificial intelligence tools can help caregivers look after older people and make their lives more meaningful.

With heartfelt gratitude, 

MI4People Team