The ageing population, with projections indicating that by 2050 one in four individuals in OECD countries will be over 65 and one in ten will be over 80, necessitates appropriate care solutions. This demographic shift places additional pressure on healthcare systems that are already struggling to meet the growing demand for care.
Silver tech, a critical component of the emerging silver economy, aims to improve care delivery and promote independent living for the elderly through advanced technologies, particularly robotics. This initiative not only seeks to combat isolation among seniors but also aspires to extend their life expectancy by ensuring they receive effective support in their home environments.
In her latest publication, Micaella Feldstein, Tech & Data Specialist, explores various types of robots specifically designed for elderly care, including domestic helpers, mobility assistive devices, surveillance and companion robots. These technologies are underpinned by significant advancements in artificial intelligence, enabling robots to perform complex tasks.
Additionally, the report addresses the regulatory, ethical, and social challenges associated with deploying these technologies, as well as their implications for caregivers and their integration into care systems and the healthcare sector as a whole.