Study into AI and smart tech for elderly independent living
A study is being conducted into how AI and smart technology can help older people live independently at home.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
A new study from the University of the West of England has looked at how artificial intelligence and smart technology can help older people live independently at home. The year-long trial in Bristol focused on medicine reminder devices, but the research also considered the wider role of voice-activated assistants, wearable alarms, and smart ovens in supporting elderly people.
The study found that cost remains a major barrier. Around 60% of participants said they would like to continue using the technology if they could afford it. Researchers said provision needs to be made for those who cannot pay. The adult social care sector is under pressure from staffing and funding shortages, and technology could help ease the strain on an overstretched system.
However, campaigners warned that human contact must not be replaced by machines. One said: "We don't want to end up in an entirely sterile environment where it's all just press a button." The report's authors agreed that getting the balance right between old and new technologies is key to keeping older people connected to society.
One participant, Maureen, who is in her late 80s, said she finds AI useful for writing because of hand problems. She said the technology corrects spelling and suggests better words. The study highlights both the potential and the limits of using smart tech to support independent living for older people.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | ITV |
|---|---|
| About 60% of study participants would like to continue using the medicine reminder technology if they could afford it. | |
| Cost is a significant barrier to adoption of the medicine reminder technology. | |
| University of the West of England completed a year-long study in Bristol on medicine reminder technology. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
The report focused on the local angle of the University of the West of England study in Bristol, using a human-interest example (Maureen) to illustrate the benefits of AI. It balanced the potential of technology with concerns about cost and the risk of replacing human care, giving voice to campaigners who warned against a sterile, button-pressing environment.
- “Affordability is a big issue for many people.”
- “We don't want to end up in an entirely sterile environment where it's all just press a button.”
- “The spelling is perfect. It chooses words that you've perhaps not considered and uses more appropriate words sometimes that you wouldn't have thought of using.”
Broadcast Timeline
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