Artificial intelligence (AI) is powering many advancements in senior living, but are older adults ready? New pilots are testing how AI technologies can prevent falls and monitor older adults’ sleep stages, dementia care, and driving skills. AI also has multiple applications that can ease hiring and workforce woes. Yet a new study suggests that older adults, the ultimate beneficiaries of these new solutions, view AI with a large dose of caution.

Pilots to Test AI Technologies for Older Adults

 Five new pilots will explore ways to support older adults and people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD). Funding comes from the Massachusetts AI and Technology Center for Connected Care in Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease (MassAITC), which researches AI-enhanced technologies to improve care for older adults and those suffering from AD/ADRD, according to Health IT Analytics.

Two of the projects focus on falls prevention: One uses computer vision and AI-driven functional assessments, and the other will test a wearable sensor to detect orthostatic vital signs (OVS) and prevent falls.

 The additional projects will use AI to study sleep stages, test a remote sensor to monitor aging in place and AD/ADRD care management, and use an app that measures cognitive and motor impairment to support older adults’ driving skills.

AI and Workforce Support

AI tools can help aging services providers determine if their compensation packages are competitive for recruitment and retention, according to “How AI Can Help Senior Care Facilities Alleviate Staffing Shortages” in i Advance Senior Care.

 While providers are working to fill positions, AI can write job descriptions and highlight ideal candidates. It can onboard new hires more quickly by creating customized plans. AI can identify reasons behind staff turnover and make caregiving jobs more efficient and meaningful by automating routine data entry and paperwork, said the article.

Older Adults’ Views on AI

As technology continues to push the edge of what’s possible, adoption ultimately depends on users, and some older adults are hesitant to use AI.

Less than a quarter of people aged 65 and over say they are somewhat comfortable (20%) or very comfortable (45%) with AI-led primary care. When it comes to AI-led therapy, an even smaller percentage of people in that age group are somewhat comfortable (15%) or very comfortable (3%). These findings come from research conducted in late May 2023 by Outbreaks Near Me and SurveyMonkey.