By Marianne Lyons Delorey, Ph.D. “We become what we behold. We shape our tools, and thereafter our tools shape us." - Marshall McLuhan. The year is 2040. Although this seems futuristic, we already wear bracelets and rings that track our sleep, take our blood pressure, and pulse, and wear sensors that monitor our blood sugar. The major difference in this scenario is that the equipment is built into the design of the building.
A Glimpse into 2040: The AI-Integrated Retirement Home
The article opens with a futuristic scenario set in 2040, where a retirement community's building system employs artificial intelligence to extensively monitor residents. This includes tracking sleep quality, measuring bodily output in the bathroom, and logging food and liquid intake. The system proactively identifies health issues, such as a urinary tract infection, even before the resident is aware, facilitating immediate medical intervention.
From Wearable Tech to Integrated Building Design
This advanced monitoring, though seemingly futuristic, is framed as a natural progression from current wearable technologies like smart bracelets and rings that track sleep, blood pressure, pulse, and blood sugar. The key distinction highlighted is the seamless integration of this monitoring equipment directly into the building's infrastructure, making health tracking an intrinsic part of the living environment.
Navigating AI Adaptation: Addressing Privacy and Regulation
The author acknowledges that the concept of constant surveillance by a building's AI system might be unsettling for many. However, it's argued that, like all tools, AI requires adaptation and regulation. The text draws a parallel to early tools like a sharp piece of metal, suggesting that the tool itself isn't the problem, but rather its usage and the establishment of safeguards, such as requiring permission for data tracking.
AI in Senior Housing: A Mix of Excitement and Generational Perspective
A recent conference on AI's application in the senior housing industry revealed both enthusiasm for AI's data synthesis capabilities and apprehension, particularly among younger colleagues who felt overwhelmed by the rapid pace of development. The author offers a comforting perspective, emphasizing that not all advancements need to occur immediately, and future generations will bring new ideas and skills to further adapt and refine AI tools, building upon past solutions.
