Exploring artificial intelligence technologies and quality of life for older people ageing in place in super-aged societies

This discussion paper explores the possibilities of artificial intelligence (AI) driven technologies to enhance the quality of life of growing numbers of older people worldwide who are choosing to age in place at home in their communities. Population ageing is a pressing global challenge, as highlighted by the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2020-2023). The emergence of super-aged societies is generating new challenges of how to meet rising demand for care and support while also striving for equality, sustainability, and economic growth. Current evidence suggests that technologies could benefit older people who choose to age in place by supporting health and wellness, social engagement, safety and security, physical environment, nutrition and food security, independence and autonomy, spirituality and meaningful activities. Challenges include the limitations of current technologies, age-related digital marginalisation, fairness for older adults who do not have capacity to engage digitally, ageism in technology design, and the consequences of decisions to utilise or abstain from using digital technologies. Policy possibilities in the next decade centre on including older people, caregivers, and advocates in debates about AI, collaborative research and co-design practices, and co-evolution of human and technological solutions facilitated by regulatory oversight, strategies for equity and fairness, funding and investment, digital inclusion, collaboration and stakeholder engagement.