The Role of AI in later living

Wednesday 30th October 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries across the globe, and later living communities are no exception

AI – Coming to a Community Near You

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries across the globe, and later living communities are no exception. Imagine a setting where operators understand residents’ needs before they arise, maintenance is performed before issues disrupt daily life, and each resident’s experience is uniquely tailored. It may sound futuristic, but AI and smart technologies are making it possible today.

The global AI market is projected to reach $826.70 billion by 2030, with health and assisted living sectors among the fastest adopters. Here’s how AI is already making waves in later living.

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Source: Statista, 2024

Affective Computing: Measuring Resident Well-being

One of the most compelling AI tools in later living is Affective Computing, a technology designed to interpret human emotions. With close to 98% accuracy, this AI branch allows operators to gain insight into resident satisfaction, enabling timely responses that can enhance quality of life. Studies indicate that communities using emotion-recognition technology report up to a 25% increase in resident satisfaction—a significant metric in an industry where resident experience is everything.

Predictive Maintenance: Reducing Disruptions

AI-powered predictive maintenance is a game-changer for later living. By forecasting equipment failures before they happen, operators can avoid disruptions and costly repairs. A 2023 study by Siemens highlighted that predictive maintenance reduced maintenance expenses by as much as 40%. At Virtual Viewing, a collaboration with Bosch demonstrated this potential as we explored how AI could predict failures in essential appliances, reducing the need for reactive repairs. Applied to larger infrastructure, AI enables proactive maintenance strategies, translating to higher reliability for residents.

Personalisation with IoT: A Home That Adapts to You

The Internet of Things (IoT) opens new doors for creating customised living experiences. Imagine lights, music, and room temperatures adjusting automatically as residents walk in, based on individual preferences and real-time data. Recent insights from McKinsey suggest that the IoT ecosystem could reach $12.6 trillion by 2030. The level of personalisation helps residents feel truly at home, creating an environment that adjusts to each person’s needs.

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Number of Internet of Things (IoT) connections worldwide from 2022 to 2023, with forecasts from 2024 to 2033

Statista, 2024

Smart Data Insights for Enhanced Community Living

Another powerful aspect of AI is its ability to analyse patterns across sites and time periods, providing operators with actionable insights. AI-driven analytics allow for tracking seasonal activity trends or resident engagement during specific weather conditions. Knowing, for example, that activities spike on clear days following a rain spell enables operators to plan accordingly, often leading to an increase in participation rates. These insights inform better decision-making, helping operators fine-tune programming and resource allocation to better serve residents.

The Future is Here, and It’s Personalised

AI is steadily shaping the future of later living, creating environments where residents feel supported and engaged, and operators are empowered to deliver a seamless experience. While some of these technologies may sound like distant possibilities, they’re available now, bringing operators closer to a model that blends personalisation with operational efficiency. As adoption grows, AI’s role in later living will only expand, redefining what it means to create a place that truly feels like home.

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