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Did you know that a recent report noted that 17 percent of the U.S. population in this country is over the age of 65? This same report predicts that by 2040, 22 percent of the population will be over the age of 65. Hopefully, as we practitioners become more knowledgeable and develop more effective care methods, these numbers will continue to increase. We are referring to a significant portion of the country’s population.
As this population increases, we are seeing how AI (Artificial Intelligence) is being implemented to deliver better healthcare.
We are seeing how AI is helping healthcare providers improve their note-taking abilities. This allows the healthcare provider to interact more with the patient by looking at them and not having their eyes fixed on a computer screen. There are innovative skills that utilize AI to track the interactions of older patients. This is also very important as more older Americans live alone.
One such model focuses on controlling the blood glucose levels of patients. In this truly innovative model, blood glucose is tracked using sensors that monitor the frequency of door openings in the refrigerator and pantry, as well as the number of online food deliveries made. This data is aggregated, and then interventions can be made to prevent the patient from experiencing complications related to elevated blood sugar levels.
Often, caregivers continue to work while caring for a loved one. These caregivers are taking on duties that they may not have been trained to do. So, how can AI aid in these caregiving tasks?
AI can manage the heavy appointment schedule of the person being cared for, it can keep an inventory of needed medications or materials. AI can manage documents.
AI can prompt patients to perform daily tasks of living, such as asking if they have had a bath, if they have eaten, and reminding them to take their medications.
AI can personalize the prompts and provide a person with early cognitive decline the ability to still live alone with dignity.
When examining mental health, AI can utilize cognitive behavioral techniques to assist patients. It can help with meditation and mindfulness apps that can be particularly useful.
Now, as this technology is used more, there is a real issue of AI collecting an increasing amount of information. Of course, one must be cautious as AI continues to evolve, ensuring that privacy is considered and that AI does not replace human interaction.
As developers investigate this, they will hopefully consider people who may not be as tech-savvy, lack some manual dexterity, and are looking at their abilities to interact with speech, such as individuals who have had a stroke. So, elderly friendly AI is on the way. Let’s hope the good potential is realized.
Dr. Veita Bland is a board-certified Greensboro physician and hypertension specialist. Dr. Bland’s radio show, “It’s a Matter of Your Health,” can be heard live on Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. on N.C. A&T State University’s WNAA, 90.1 FM. Listeners may call in and ask questions. The show is replayed on Sirius 142 at 5 p.m. on Wed. Email Dr. Bland at ideas@blandclinicpa.com.
