Digital Twins for Supporting Ageing Well: Approaches in Current Research and Innovation in Europe and Japan

Abstract

One of the central social challenges of the 21st century is society’s aging. AI provides numerous possibilities for meeting this challenge. In this context, the concept of digital twins, based on Cyber-Physical Systems, offers an exciting prospect. The e-VITA project, in which a virtual coaching system for elderly people is being created, allows the same to be assessed as a model for development. This white paper collects and presents relevant findings from research areas around digital twin technologies. Furthermore, we address ethical issues. This paper shows that the concept of digital twins can be usefully applied to older adults. However, it also shows that the required technologies must be further developed and that ethical issues must be discussed in an appropriate framework. Finally, the paper explains how the e-VITA project could pave the way towards developing a Digital Twin for Ageing.