As populations age across the globe, a growing number of older adults are choosing to “age in place,” opting to remain in their homes and communities rather than moving to traditional institutional care settings such as care homes. This trend brings a pressing need to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies can support these preferences, to enhance quality of life through better health, wellness, social engagement, safety, and autonomy.
AI and digital tools hold immense potential to transform how we approach ageing in place, offering diverse solutions that range from simple reminder technologies, to virtual healthcare appointments and remote monitoring to pioneering assistive robotic devices that promote physical independence. Yet, it is crucial to approach these innovations with a critical, human-centric mindset, recognising both their possibilities and their limitations, as well as their effects on people.
One promising area of application is in health and wellness. Technologies such as wearable devices and remote monitoring tools enable continuous, real-time oversight of an older person’s health status, promoting early detection and intervention. A wearable GPS device can track movements, while an assistive exoskeleton can aid in mobility, reducing the risks of falls and supporting physical independence. However, the deployment of these technologies must consider their limitations and the potential need for human oversight. While such devices can provide valuable data and reduce the burden on caregivers, they cannot replace the nuanced understanding and empathy that human care providers bring.
Equally significant is the role of AI in fostering social connection and engagement among older adults. The growing availability of AI-powered communication platforms and socially assistive robots offers new avenues to combat social isolation, which is a prevalent issue for many ageing individuals, especially those living alone. These tools can facilitate meaningful interactions and companionship, providing a buffer against loneliness. Yet, they also come with their own set of challenges. The introduction of socially assistive robots in dementia care, for example, raises important ethical questions about the nature of companionship and the extent to which technology can or should replicate human emotional bonds. Interestingly there is some evidence that companion robots bring humans together as a focal point for social engagement and entertainment.
Moreover, there are concerns about safety and security. AI technologies can play a critical role in monitoring home environments, automating responses to emergencies such as falls, fires, or intrusions. However, the over-reliance on such systems can lead to unintended consequences. For instance, false alarms triggered by AI-powered monitoring systems might cause undue stress for older adults, leading to a sense of being under constant surveillance. In some cases, family members or caregivers may reduce their visits, assuming that technology provides sufficient oversight, which could, in turn, increase feelings of isolation and neglect. The balance between technological efficiency and human care is delicate, and it must be managed carefully to avoid undermining the quality of life and relationships.
Nutrition and food security is another domain where digital technologies show promise. With personalised nutrition apps and grocery delivery services, older adults can maintain a balanced diet more easily. Telenutrition platforms provide remote consultations, offering tailored dietary guidance without needing to leave the home. However, these technologies must be continually assessed to ensure they are accessible and relevant to the diverse needs of older adults. Not every senior is comfortable with or has access to digital tools, and there is a risk of deepening the digital divide and health inequalities if these solutions are not implemented inclusively.
To truly realise the potential of AI in supporting ageing in place, we must remember that technology is not a panacea. As the founder of phenomenology, Edmund Husserl, argued, the world is not a collection of objective data but a realm of lived experiences shaped by human consciousness. This perspective is vital when considering the integration of AI into the lives of older adults. It reminds us that technology should serve to enhance human experiences, not replace them. Just as the world cannot be reduced to mathematical equations, the complexities of ageing cannot be addressed solely through digital solutions. Human oversight, empathy, and critical thinking are irreplaceable components in this equation.
The successful integration of AI technologies requires several key enablers. Firstly, robust regulatory oversight is essential to ensure ethical and effective deployment. Policies must prioritise the quality of life, aligning AI use with human values, and ensuring that these tools do not inadvertently cause harm or deepen existing inequalities. Equity and fairness must guide all initiatives, addressing age-related digital marginalisation to ensure all older adults can benefit from technological advancements, either independently or with the support of carers.
Funding and investment in research and development are also crucial. Sustainable models must be developed to create accessible, relevant technologies that meet older adults’ needs and the human capacity to use them. Furthermore, meaningful collaboration and stakeholder engagement are key to designing and deploying AI tools that genuinely reflect the needs and desires of those they aim to serve. Engaging older adults, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers in co-design processes ensures that technology solutions are grounded in reality and tailored to the specific contexts in which they will be used.
Ultimately, the promise of AI and digital technologies in supporting ageing in place lies not in the tools themselves but in how we design them and choose to use them. A balanced approach, one that integrates technological innovation with human wisdom, empathy, and oversight, is necessary to ensure that these tools genuinely enhance the lives of older adults and the various communities and social groups they are part of.
Dr Edward Naessens, co-author of a recent British Academy paper on AI and ageing, and project lead for the FLO mCPD platform for continuing professional development at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, brings a multidisciplinary perspective to this discussion, drawing on his experience in technology, mental and moral sciences, creative arts, and healthcare advocacy.
For a more in-depth exploration of these themes, readers are encouraged to consult the British Academy paper, “Exploring Artificial Intelligence Technologies and Quality of Life for Older People Ageing in Place in Super-Aged Societies,” where these ideas are examined in greater detail by Dr Elizabeth Morrow, Visiting Research Fellow Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland and Independent Researcher; Emerita Fiona Ross, Kingston University; Dr Edward Naessens, Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland; and Carmel Kelly, Leading Healthcare Providers Skillnet, Ireland; and Prof Mary Lynch, Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland.
