Technology, AI and Ageism

In today's world, technology plays a crucial role in our daily lives. It helps us access information, communicate with others, and use various services. However, as a senior who may not be familiar with technology, it can be overwhelming and difficult to understand.

You may have heard about artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in areas like healthcare, employment, and education. Some experts are now calling for a pause in the development of advanced AI systems to better manage innovation and prevent potential harms. These systems rely on data from the internet, which can be inaccurate and biased, leading to misinformation and reinforcing inequalities and prejudices such as racism, sexism, and ageism.

Ageism specifically refers to discrimination based on age, and it can have negative consequences for seniors, including social isolation, loneliness, financial insecurity, and reduced quality of life. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 6 million cases of depression worldwide are caused by ageism. Although older adults use the internet less frequently than younger people, the gap is slowly closing. Online services, social networks, and sharing platforms can empower seniors by keeping them informed, socially engaged, independent, and connected to their loved ones and communities.

Considering the growing population of older adults, it is important to ask whether AI systems also perpetuate age-related biases. A recent study explored this question and found that there is a digital divide between those who have access to digital technologies and those who do not, with older adults facing barriers to access and limited social participation.

One reason for this divide is that older adults may have psychological barriers or physical disabilities that make it harder for them to access the internet. Additionally, digital interfaces are often not designed with older adults in mind. They may have small text, low-contrast colors, confusing technical terms, or complicated registration and authentication processes, making it challenging for seniors to use them effectively.

Another issue is the lack of available data on older adults, which makes it difficult to train AI systems or develop useful applications specifically tailored to their needs. Sometimes, the unique abilities and preferences of older adults are not considered during the design and development of technology, resulting in a low adoption rate among seniors.

Some designers mistakenly believe that the only digital applications older adults require are those related to managing their health. This bias reinforces the misconception that all seniors have health problems and neglects their other interests, needs, and aspirations. AI systems may then perpetuate this discrimination by relying on biased data and representations, further widening the gap between what older adults need and what is actually offered to them.

From an ethical and legal standpoint, there is currently no universal global framework for governing AI. The development of laws and regulations is challenging, especially considering their application across different jurisdictions. In Canada, for example, healthcare and human rights are shared between the federal government and the provinces, adding complexity to the task. Governments need to strike a balance between protecting the public, fostering innovation, and respecting intellectual property rights related to AI algorithms.

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the use of digital technologies and AI systems. More and more people, including older adults, will be incorporating these technologies into their lives, whether for accessing healthcare or staying socially connected. To ensure the inclusion of older adults, we can take certain measures today, such as creating user-friendly interfaces that cater to their varying technological skills and providing training and resources to enhance their technological abilities.

By working together to address the challenges of digital ageism, we can create a digital world where people of all generations have an equal voice and opportunity to benefit from technology.