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Aging Statistics

The United States Census Bureau reports the following:

• The world population is growing fast, fertility rates are low and people are living longer these days.

• In 2012, the total world population reach 7 billion people and 8% of these were aged 65 and older.

• By 2015, this number had increased by another 55 million people aged 65 and older.

• It is projected that by 2025, there will be another 236 million people on the planet aged 65 and older.

• By the year 2050, the older population 65 and over is expected to be 1.6 billion people globally.

The Elderly, Technology and Artificial Intelligence

We have all seen it, either with our parents or grandparents. The fact that many people in the older age groups do not like technology and are not technologically savvy. But, that has changed quite a bit in recent times. My mom, still won’t embrace technology. It’s a wonder she even has a touch-tone phone. LOL! But, there are many older people who know how to use technology well. So, them using robotic assistance shouldn’t be too scary.

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Robotic Assistants are the Future of Elder Care

The question posed in the title of this post is would you leave care for your aging loved one in the charge of a robot?

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It depends, right?

Here are some advantages:

• Robots would be capable of meeting many needs of the elderly, such as monitoring their well-being via sensors, communicating with healthcare professionals, or assisting with basic care, such as with their meals.

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• Robots could provide companionship and help alleviate loneliness.

• Via smart technology, robots could be programmed to make sure an elderly person takes medication on time or make sure that they don’t suffer any falls.

• Robot sensors could also detect fire, if water is left running, or even an intruder coming into the home, and subsequently trigger alerts or notify the appropriate authorities.

• Robots could be especially helpful for those with dementia by reminding them to do things and help them with telephone numbers, etc.

• Robots could also engage elderly people in small talk or challenge them with games, which could help keep their minds sharp.

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• Robots could also fetch things for the elderly and help lift them when needed.

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Ok, so can anybody think of any disadvantages?

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Hmmmm, let's see...

• Well, if nothing else, I can see that this could turn bad for many elderly people (and younger disabled people as well). Unfortunately, there are already many older people who are ignored, abandoned or mistreated in our society.

• I think leaving them in the hands of robots would be scary and depressing for them. Companionship? Well, this would only make them more lonely when they think of how pitiful they must be to have to be relegated to socializing with a machine with no sentience or feelings.

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I don't like it!

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Unless, of course, if the robots are used IN CONJUNCTION with human caregivers or family members in the home, hospital, nursing home or assisted living facility. Then, and only then, do I think this would be ok.

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I certainly hope that the future of elder care is not to just throw seniors away and let machines "take care" of them. Remember, computer programs can malfunction.

Just my 2 cents...

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I hope you found this post thought-provoking

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Sources:

Main Image Source
Good.is
CNN.com
Census.gov

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