AI and Aging: On Ethics, Health, and Innovation
Generations Journal, vol. 49, no. 2 (Summer 2025)
Guest Editor: Dan Andersen
Guest Editor: Faizan Wajid
Artificial Intelligence: An Overview
Abstract: This article traces the evolution and history of Artificial Intelligence from its theoretical beginnings to modern breakthroughs like deep learning, and more familiar versions such as large language models, manifested through technologies such as ChatGPT. By examining key developments, from the perception and backpropagation to transformers, this...
Alone in the Digital Age: When Technology Forgets to Grow Old With Us
Imagine this. During the COVID-19 outbreak when the city is locked down, grocery stores close early and stepping outside feels like a risk. Evelyn, a 76-year-old retired nanny, lives alone, her children and grandchildren hundreds of miles away, and feels a need to try something she has never done before: order groceries online. She taps the...
Addressing Bias: Ageism in AI Systems
The American Society on Aging in 2024 hosted the first AI Summit in the OnTech conference, as part of the annual On Aging conference. Co-authors and Journal Guest Editors Dan Andersen and Faizan Wajid, members of the Explore Digits team, were honored to serve on a panel that discussed how AI is transforming aging and aging services. The topic of that...
Artificial Intelligence at the Intersection of Aging and Public Policy
Abstract Artificial intelligence (AI) offers significant potential to enhance the lives of older adults through innovations like digital assistants and self-driving cars. But AI also poses risks, including inaccurate decisions and biased results. This article explores AI’s impacts on employment, healthcare, and fraud. These three areas are important for...
Harnessing AI for Healthcare Transformation: The Present, Near Future, and Beyond
Abstract AI is transforming healthcare by reshaping diagnostics, streamlining healthcare operations, and offering new pathways to support elders. This article examines current and future applications of AI in healthcare, with a focus on older adults and the care continuum. It highlights Explore Digits’ approach to ethically leveraging AI to promote...
Targeting Neurodegenerative Diseases: AI’s Role in Research and Treatment
Abstract Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the early detection, diagnosis, and care of neurodegenerative diseases in older adults. This article reviews current AI applications in imaging, digital biomarkers, and electronic health records for conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, highlighting achievements and limitations. It also explores...
The Future of Long-Term Care in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, and long-term care is no exception. With the advent of large language models and agentic (capable of achieving independent outcomes) AI, aging services providers must rapidly adapt to harness benefits while mitigating risks. This article explores the latest advancements in AI, the...
AI as the Engine to Move Toward Integrative Health for Older Adults
Abstract The global aging population presents profound social, economic, and healthcare challenges, necessitating innovative approaches to extend healthspan—the period of life spent in good health. This article explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in aging research and healthcare, emphasizing personalized, data-driven strategies...
Wearables and Smart Homes: Sensing Technologies for Older Adult Care
Abstract As the older population grows, elder care demand increases, putting significant pressure on professional caregivers and family members. Caregivers often face emotional and physical strain, while older people risk social isolation and delayed medical intervention. Technology is transforming the landscape of elder care by streamlining health...
Harnessing AI to Strengthen Community and Support Networks
Abstract For Black elders, community is more than a support system; it’s a source of connection and well-being. As the world becomes increasingly digital, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as an important tool with the capacity to deepen or disrupt these connections. The Aging While Black movement recognizes AI’s potential to map relationships,...
Aging-in-Place Villages and the Promise of Artificial Intelligence
Abstract Older adults, their families, their communities, and public health and social services agencies share the desire to enable individuals to age in place (Malani et al., 2024). Over the past 25 years, nonprofit virtual villages have emerged as important contributors to this goal. However, they are under-resourced to meet their potential, lack data...
Future Trends and Challenges in AI for Aging Populations
Note to readers: To solicit this conclusion from ChatGPT, the guest editors described the issue themes, sent it the final articles and asked for the article ideas and themes to be consolidated in a short conclusion. The below is that result, which was also run through one editing cycle by ChatGPT. As we close this issue of AI and Aging: On Ethics, Health,...
Staff
Editor-in-Chief: Leanne Clark-Shirley, PhD
Senior Editor: Alison Biggar
Issue Contents
Artificial Intelligence: An Overview
Abstract: This article traces the evolution and history of Artificial Intelligence from its theoretical beginnings to modern breakthroughs like deep learning, and more familiar versions such as large language models, manifested through technologies such as ChatGPT. By...
Alone in the Digital Age: When Technology Forgets to Grow Old With Us
Imagine this. During the COVID-19 outbreak when the city is locked down, grocery stores close early and stepping outside feels like a risk. Evelyn, a 76-year-old retired nanny, lives alone, her children and grandchildren hundreds of miles away, and feels a need...
Addressing Bias: Ageism in AI Systems
The American Society on Aging in 2024 hosted the first AI Summit in the OnTech conference, as part of the annual On Aging conference. Co-authors and Journal Guest Editors Dan Andersen and Faizan Wajid, members of the Explore Digits team, were honored to serve on a...
Artificial Intelligence at the Intersection of Aging and Public Policy
Abstract Artificial intelligence (AI) offers significant potential to enhance the lives of older adults through innovations like digital assistants and self-driving cars. But AI also poses risks, including inaccurate decisions and biased results. This article explores...
Harnessing AI for Healthcare Transformation: The Present, Near Future, and Beyond
Abstract AI is transforming healthcare by reshaping diagnostics, streamlining healthcare operations, and offering new pathways to support elders. This article examines current and future applications of AI in healthcare, with a focus on older adults and the care...
Targeting Neurodegenerative Diseases: AI’s Role in Research and Treatment
Abstract Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the early detection, diagnosis, and care of neurodegenerative diseases in older adults. This article reviews current AI applications in imaging, digital biomarkers, and electronic health records for conditions like...
The Future of Long-Term Care in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, and long-term care is no exception. With the advent of large language models and agentic (capable of achieving independent outcomes) AI, aging services providers must rapidly adapt to harness benefits...
AI as the Engine to Move Toward Integrative Health for Older Adults
Abstract The global aging population presents profound social, economic, and healthcare challenges, necessitating innovative approaches to extend healthspan—the period of life spent in good health. This article explores the transformative role of artificial...
Wearables and Smart Homes: Sensing Technologies for Older Adult Care
Abstract As the older population grows, elder care demand increases, putting significant pressure on professional caregivers and family members. Caregivers often face emotional and physical strain, while older people risk social isolation and delayed medical...
Harnessing AI to Strengthen Community and Support Networks
Abstract For Black elders, community is more than a support system; it’s a source of connection and well-being. As the world becomes increasingly digital, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as an important tool with the capacity to deepen or disrupt these...
Aging-in-Place Villages and the Promise of Artificial Intelligence
Abstract Older adults, their families, their communities, and public health and social services agencies share the desire to enable individuals to age in place (Malani et al., 2024). Over the past 25 years, nonprofit virtual villages have emerged as important...
Future Trends and Challenges in AI for Aging Populations
Note to readers: To solicit this conclusion from ChatGPT, the guest editors described the issue themes, sent it the final articles and asked for the article ideas and themes to be consolidated in a short conclusion. The below is that result, which was also run through...
Editorial Advisory Board
Ruth E. Katz, Chair
Wendy Lustbader, Immediate Past Chair
Tobi Abramson, PhD
Joe Angelelli, PhD
Orion Bell, MBA
Fayron Epps, PhD
Mary L. Flett, PhD
Sarah Galvan, JD
Robyn L. Golden, LCSW
Donna M. Lisi, PharmD
Heather Menne, PhD
Najja Orr, MBA, DBA
Winifred V. Quinn, PhD, FAANP, FAAN
Laura Trejo, PhD
ISSN 2694-5126
Suggested citation for articles in this issue: [Last Name(s), First Name(s)]. “Article Title.”
About Generations Journal
Generations Journal is the quarterly journal of the American Society on Aging. Each issue is devoted to bringing together the most useful and current knowledge about a specific topic in the field of aging, with emphasis on practice, research, and policy.