AI and machine learning

AI technology is permeating every aspect of business technology today.  Increasingly it will be deployed in the care of older adults, as apparent in research reports like The Future of AI in Home Care and an earlier report, The Future of AI and Older Adults (which will be revisited with new research later in 2025).  With little effort, AI-enabled offerings can be found throughout the startup directory of the AgeTech Collaborative from AARP.  So here are five that sound promising from their descriptions -- all info is derived from the startup website or other reference site.

Kudos to the Forbes Technology Council!  Their post, 20 Untapped Tech Opportunities to Serve Older Adults was a great addition to the write-ups about tech for older adults.  Hopefully it was seen by entrepreneurs considering market entry with a new invention, including the innovators/investors at the What’s Next Longevity Venture Summit in Berkeley, underway today. And the reverse is also true – the Forbes folks should look around and see what’s already announced or in-market.  Here are their suggestions that caught my eye -- for startups, investors, and just plain reverse mentors:

Future staffing demand will force industry to rethink care strategies. According to BLS, the industry will need 4.5 million care workers by 2029 to meet the demands of older adults. According to an Argentum staffing report, in 2025 alone another 347,000 caregivers are needed for memory care. The home care and senior living industries draw from the same population of prospective workers. Home care and home health care demand will drive 21% job growth by 2033, but 59% of agencies will experience shortages. What else will help address care needs?

Future staffing demand will force industry to rethink care strategies. According to BLS, the industry will need 4.5 million care workers by 2029 to meet the demands of older adults. According to an Argentum staffing report, in 2025 alone another 347,000 caregivers are needed for memory care. The home care and senior living industries draw from the same population of prospective workers. Home care and home health care demand will drive 21% job growth by 2033, but 59% of agencies will experience shortages. What else will help address care needs?  

Lifespan versus healthspan – a worrisome difference of 12.4 years in the US.  While many older adults may live longer, well into their 80’s, they may be living with chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. That difference, known as healthspan, may be as much as 12.4 years in the US, the worst globally, according to a 2024 Mayo Clinic global study. Future staffing demand will force industry to rethink care strategies. According to BLS, the industry will need 4.5 million care workers by 2029 to meet the demands of older adults. According to an Argentum staffing report, in 2025 alone, another 347,000 caregivers are needed for memory care.  The home care and senior living industries draw from the same population of prospective workers. Home care and home health care demand will drive 21% job growth by 2033, but 59% of agencies will experience shortages.