Seniors using AI may have better mental health: study
Everybody needs some botty.
And when there aren’t any warm bodies in the room, folks over 50 are turning to chatbots for companionship — so says a recent survey on seniors and sophisticated technology.
“Artificial intelligence (AI) has changed the way we live, and its impact on seniors is no exception,” wrote the authors of an October report from Carewell, a virtual home healthcare hub.
“Seniors are discovering how AI can enhance their health and independence,” continued the experts, “making everyday tasks easier and improving their overall quality of life.”
It’s an automated mate for grandma. And the science is paying off in spades.
From robo-buddies like Ryan, a droid designed to engage lonesome elders in conversation, cognitive exercises and physical activities such as yoga, to the smart speaker that saved an 70-year-old, cancer-stricken New Yorker’s life, AI is coming in handy for Pop-Pops and Nanas nationwide.
In fact, researchers from Carewell polled more than 1,000 golden-agers over 55 to find that 78% regularly use bots — including ChatGPT, Alexa and Google Assistant — for a multitude of purposes.
The investigators also revealed that 56% of the sliver foxes turn to the tech for help with completing daily tasks, like home automation and meal planning, while 46% use it to look up health-related information.
For friendship, 18% of old-timers cozy up with their computerized pals, and 64% with caregivers reported relying on their support less thanks to the fancy advancements.
“These findings show the potential of AI to empower seniors,” said analysts, “making them more self-sufficient and enhancing their independence.”
But the benefits of robotics don’t stop at improved autonomy.
A staggering 80% of the pensioners who use AI described their mental health as “excellent,” and 53% claimed that they “rarely” or almost “never” feel isolated with electronics at their fingertips.
“No matter how often they used AI, nearly half [of the respondents] have noticed its positive impact on their overall quality of life, and many were open to trying new technologies,” said the specialists.
“As AI continues to evolve, its potential to help seniors and caregivers will only grow,” the insiders added, “allowing older adults to stay healthier and more independent in a tech-driven world.”