Aging with AI
Preparing for a future where AI plays an expanding role in aging.
In a recent Substack article about Aging and AI, Stephen Williams echoed the doom and gloom aspect of AI currently out there, asking us to get a grip and instead focus on the possibilities for improving our lives.
I love technology. I have always loved technology.
I remember back in early high school in the late 1960s taking delivery of my first piece of tech - a slide rule to do maths and physics calculations. An abacus for science nerds. It wasn't long before we upgraded our slide rules to basic calculators, but exams still required slide rules. No cheating with a calculator!
At University, during my Accounting and Finance degree, we watched punched cards take hold before moving onto green DOS-based screens. Barcoding was being developed but a long way off.
My first post-university job was in the treasury of a Sydney international bank. A secondment to projects to move admin functions of Futures, Money Market and Foreign Exchange from paper-based to very fancy IBM 36s was groundbreaking. I also worked on the project to implement SWIFT to link the bank with the global financial system.
In the 1990s, the tentacles of technology reached deep into large organisations with the implementation of Oracle accounting and finance systems. I was responsible for preparing thousands of workers for a world of technology. It was disruption. People were nervous.
The 2000s saw us all hook up to the internet. It's hard to imagine life before Facebook, even if we’d like to.
And now, as a retired grandmother, I am excited about the potential for AI to take us to another level entirely. It's been 50 years of riding the technology wave only to arrive at the bottom of this AI mountain. When I was in high school, I could never have imagined what technology could do for humanity in 50 years or what it would be like to Age with AI.
Recently MIT AI researcher Lex Fridman interviewed Open-AI CEO, Sam Altman. Fridman opened with: Chat GPT is one of the greatest breakthroughs in the history of AI, computing and humanity in general. We stand on the precipice of fundamental societal transformation. Altman also added, 'And ChatGPT4 is still pretty basic'. Imagine what's possible.
In an ABC Australia article, Altman says, "If AGI is successfully created, this technology could help us elevate humanity by increasing abundance, turbocharging the global economy, and aiding in the discovery of new scientific knowledge that changes the limits of possibility"
In another podcast with Open-AI Chief Scientist, Ilya Sutskeva says AI has the potential to deliver enormous economic value.
In the other corner, numerous tech leaders have signed a petition calling on all AI labs to immediately pause for at least 6 months the training of AI systems more powerful than GPT-4.
In the background of this global discussion on the future of AI and AGI, AI is already beavering away improving aging for so many.
Using AI to Support Aging
1. Fall detection: AI-powered devices detect falls and send notifications to caregivers or emergency services.
The Apple Watch uses AI in its fall detection capability. It uses a combination of sensors and machine learning algorithms to detect a wearer's fall, giving the wearer an option to turn the alert off or allow it to call for help.
My 90-year-old dad probably will probably stick to his basic fall alert device around his neck rather than use an Apple watch. But his children will age with Apple AI tech.
2. Mobility assistance: AI-powered exoskeletons or other devices will help elderly people with mobility issues move around more easily.
Exoskeletons are wearable devices designed to enhance physical capabilities. Equipped with sensors, actuators, and other components that work together to augment the wearer's strength, speed, and endurance, they sense uneven ground and adjust balance and stability to keep the wearer upright.
Certainly a step up from a walking stick or a walker.
3. Cognitive assistance: AI-powered digital assistants help elderly cognitively challenged people accomplish regular daily tasks.
Smart pill dispensers, programmed to dispense the correct pills at the right time, send reminders to the individual's or caregiver's phone or speaker if a dose is missed.
AI sensors monitor an individual's activity levels. Say an elderly person typically goes to the kitchen to prepare a meal at a certain time each day but doesn't do so today. AI can detect this and alert a carer to check and ensure all is okay.
4. Social connection: AI-powered robots or virtual assistants provide companionship and reduced loneliness to isolated elderly people.
Amazon Echo Show, featuring AI assistant Alexa, can play music, make phone calls, and even trigger daily reminders. Its video chat feature is a great way for seniors to stay in touch with friends and family.
GrandPad, specifically designed for seniors, comes with a simplified interface making it easy to use, and it includes features like video calling, photo sharing, and messaging.
ElliQ is a robotic companion designed to keep seniors engaged and connected. It provides reminders, suggests activities, and even plays games with the user. The ElliQ is designed to be a friendly and approachable companion, and it can help reduce loneliness and social isolation.
5. Smart homes: AI devices monitor and control home environments, from adjusting temperature and lighting to locking doors and windows.
As good as these devices are, most still require a family member or carer to set them up and monitor them. Nothing is more frustrating to an elderly person than technology that doesn't work.
But isn't that what we have children and grandchildren for? Our own help desks.
Use AI to Slow Aging
The key aspects of aging well are physical and cognitive health and fitness. Once again, AI is in the background allowing us to take control of our health and fitness.
1. Effective precision nutrition
Currently, guidelines from doctors and dietitians are most likely to offer advice on maintaining optimal nutrition status. But they rely on population averages rather than individual needs.
Mobile electrochemical sensors, capable of measuring chemical variations of food and supplement intake, can now interact with digital devices to create and monitor a personalised nutrition plan.
2. Guided Fitness
Recently I acquired a Peloton Guide, which uses AI to personalise fitness experience for users. First, I add weights sizes to the settings. Then, the workout asks what weights are being used. As I work out, the camera reflects my moves on screen, allowing me to correct as I go. It also collects data on my fitness level, goals, and preferences, using that information to suggest other relevant workouts and trainers. The AI also tracks my progress and adjusts the difficulty level of the workouts accordingly. No need for a gym or a personal coach.
Next week, I will dive into AI and Cognitive health and fitness.
Until then, who can remember the bionic 6 million dollar man, Steve Austin:
We have the technology!
I am excited to be alive right now. I will reach my goal of robust Centenarian in 33 years.
Will AI take humanity to high levels of 'flourish and prosper' or blow us up? Mind you, there are a couple of old men in the world right now who can do that without AI.
Stay positive.
What are your thoughts about AI and aging? Feel free to comment below.
There are no security and privacy laws for AI.
Who knows if AI's suggestions are not manipulated by Big Pharma or Big Food industry or others?
An interesting perspective given the negative press often received about AI.