The aging of the population is a great achievement but also poses challenges for society, families, and older adults. Because of age-related changes in abilities, many older adults encounter difficulties that threaten independence and well-being. Further, the likelihood of developing a disability or a chronic condition increases with age. Currently, family members provide a significant source of support for older adults. However, changes in family and social structures raises questions regarding how care will be provided to future cohorts of older adults. There is clearly a need for innovative strategies to address care needs of future generations of aging individuals. Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications hold promise in terms of providing support for older adults. For example, applications are available that can track and monitor vital signs, health indicators, and cognition; or provide support for everyday activities. This paper highlights, with examples, the potential role of AI in providing support for aging adults to enhance independent living and the quality of life for both older adults and families. Challenges associated with the implementation of AI applications are also discussed and recommendations for needed research are highlighted.
Older adults who are homebound or socially isolated have high rates of loneliness and depression with fewer opportunities for treatment. Our team extended an existing psychotherapy intervention (Engage & Connect) to improve access to mental health care for older adults who are homebound. We iteratively created a tablet-based application (Engage PRISM) leveraging a user-centered design approach to provide older adults, particularly those with limited technology experience, an easy-to-use application to support social reward. Engage PRISM connects clients with the psychotherapy intervention and additional features to increase social reward exposure virtually. All eligible participants received a K92 ZTE tablet, equipped with the Engage PRISM application, internet service, Zoom, and access to Selfhelp’s Virtual Senior Center. Participants were then enrolled in the 9-week Engage & Connect intervention delivered by a licensed mental health counselor via Zoom on the tablet each week. We evaluated feasibility of the intervention and preliminary effect on depressive symptoms through a weekly PHQ-9. Feasibility was assessed through participants’ ability to use the tablet to access mental health treatment. We provided tablets to eight participants ages 67 to 84; participants demonstrated 100% feasibility of use of the tablet intervention. We dropped two participants from the study due to a greater level of care needed. All participants were provided with referrals prior to ending the study. Preliminary evidence indicates that four of the six remaining participants had experienced a reduction in depressive symptoms (i.e., had lower PHQ-9 scores) three weeks into the study reporting over a 30% reduction on average.
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