Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics in Elderly Healthcare: Enabling Independence and Quality of Life

Abstract

We are being urged to redefine aging and only use positive terminology when discussing it. It is unacceptable to use a derogatory term like "aging tsunami." This is unfortunate because it comes at a time when geriatrics is precariously balancing itself. Geriatricians are growing far too slowly to supply an adequate number of medical professionals to meet the needs of the rapidly aging senior population. The global aging population poses significant challenges for healthcare systems and providing elderly care. In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics have emerged as promising technologies to address these challenges by enabling independence and enhancing the quality of life for older adults. This review article examines the applications of AI and robotics in elderly care, focusing on their role in promoting independence, monitoring health, helping, and enhancing social interaction. The article also discusses the ethical considerations, challenges, and future directions in implementing AI and robotics in elderly care. Editorial Population aging is a global issue; 703 million people aged 65 and up are expected to rise to 1.5 billion by 2050 [1]. One in six persons worldwide will be over 65 by 2050, based on the most recent population projections and estimates of the United Nations Population Division Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) [2]. Ensuring older people can fully engage in all facets of communal life is a pressing requirement. However, older persons are often subjected to discrimination, neglect, agism, exclusion, and other violations [3]. It presents a growing need for effective elderly care solutions that can provide adequate support and maintain the independence and well-being of older adults. Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics offer innovative approaches to address these challenges as technology advances. These technologies are revolutionizing many areas, including public health, medicine, physiotherapy, and other allied health services for older people, where they can help predict health risks and events, enable drug development, and support individualization of treatments [4]. The COVID-19 pandemic has placed a heavy burden on older people, especially those in long-term care facilities, reinforcing the demand for new strategies to help older adults. In this article, we tried to explore the importance of AI and robotics in improving the independence and quality of life among the elderly population.