AI and Robots – Future of Senior Care

Seniors age sixty-five and older is fasting-growing age demographic in the United States and senior care is facing a crisis to find people equipped to support them. Many older adults wish to stay in their homes for as long as possible. According to AARP, seventy seven percent of adults over fifty want to continue residing in their homes for as long as they can. et aging can lead to challenges with mobility and memory, such that older individuals often need additional assistance to live independently. Innovations in robotics and artificial intelligence will allow seniors to continue living at home as they age and provide much-needed companionship and improved quality of life at a lower cost. 

Japan is the world’s most advanced ageing society with a falling birth rate, dwindling working-age population and restrictive immigration policies. According to reuters.com “In Tokyo an AI-driven humanoid robot called AIREC leaned over a man lying on his back and gently put a hand on his knee and another on a shoulder and rolled him onto his side — a maneuver used to change diapers or prevent bedsores in the elderly.” This robot is the future for Japan’s rapidly aging population and shortage of health care workers.

According to the World Health Organization(WHO), elder care involves providing support with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding, as well as managing chronic health conditions and disabilities. The WHO also emphasizes the importance of addressing the social and emotional needs of older adults, including combating loneliness and isolation. Developments in robotics and AI could also fulfill unmet needs in nursing homes and assisted living, increasing efficiency, helping caregivers’ complete tasks, and reduethe number of staff required. According to Healthcare Dive, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized 91 AI- or machine-learning-enabled medical devices in 2022.

Various kinds of Robots for elder care

One type robot is called the robotic companion, which provides emotional support and social interaction. Examples include robots like Jibo and Kuri, which use artificial intelligence (AI) to engage in conversations, recognize faces, and respond to emotions. These robots aim to alleviate loneliness and isolation, which are common issues among older adults. Assistive robots, help with daily living tasks such as bathing, dressing, and feeding. Robots like Robear and RIBA lift and move individuals, reducing the risk of injury or strain on caregivers. Robotic exoskeletons are another type of robot being explored for elder care. These wearable devices use sensors and motors to enhance mobility and strength, enabling individuals with physical limitations to walk or move more easily. Telepresence robots are also being used in elder care, enabling remote communication and interaction between caregivers, family members, and older adults. Robots like Double  aim to promote social connection and community engagement among older adults.

What are the emerging products?

• Panasonic has developed robotic exoskeletons. It is a self-reliance support robot which helps seniors with daily activities, get in and out of bed, and sit on chairs or the toilet. 
• Another portable exoskeleton, which is called the APO, will be used very much in health care to help prevent falls, slips and trips in seniors.
• The TUG robot is already assisting in hospitals by delivering medicine, meals, supplies, and tests, freeing nursing staff to focus on tasks requiring more education and expertise.
• Social robots may prove another avenue for improving older adults’ mental health. Paro, a robotic seal, gives patients the benefits of pet therapy in health care settings and dementia wards where bringing live animals would be impractical. Similar to pet therapy, some individuals may find it easier to connect with robots than with people.
• In future of senior care, socially assistive robots will used widely. A socially assistive robot called Stevie, was developed at the Trinity College in Ireland. Stevie engages with residents, provide entertainment and interaction by telling jokes, playing bingo, and leading Karoke. It also provides reminiscence therapy using stories and music and could clean a nursing home with ultraviolet light. By recognizing commands like “Help me,” it could alert staff when residents need assistance.
• Another humanoid robot named Pepper is designed for socializing with residents I and is developed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. It can recognize faces and read human emotions and is slowly being used in nursing homes.
• Aeo, a robot created by Aeolus Robotics, takes selfies with residents, disinfects surfaces, opens doors, presses elevator buttons, and alerts staff when a resident has fallen or needs help.
• Mental wellness is a critical factor of well-being for seniors. 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.

This notion that AI adoption for seniors is a daunting process may not be valid any more. In reality, artificial intelligence and robots can add independence, access and companionship to senior cares. 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; But we must never forget that while technology can provide much needed support to seniors, the emotional and compassionate aspects of caregiving remain irreplaceable.

What is your opinion about AI and Robots taking care of your loved ones in their old age? What kind of robots outlined above will be most beneficial for your loved ones?