In a recent episode of Marco Montemagno’s podcast,“Longevity, Elon between megalomania and the rogue media, positional advantage & more,” it becomes clear how technological advancement and artificial intelligence are revolutionizing several aspects of our society, including our approach to aging.
Taking a cue from the discussion initiated by Marco Montemagno in his podcast, it becomes clear that technological advancement and the adoption of artificial intelligence will be crucial factors in shaping tomorrow’s society, especially in terms of managing the aging population.
This video inspired and led me to explore the future reality of Italy, with a special focus on demographic change and the increasing impact of technology in the lives of the elderly toward 2070.
The future is over 65: Italy in 2070
According to forecasts Istat published in its report on November 26, 2021 “RESIDENT POPULATION AND HOUSEHOLD FORECASTS”, in 2070 the Italian population over 65 will amount to about 23.7 million, or 34.1 percent of the total population, meaning that nearly one-third of the Italian population will be of retirement age. Currently, the over-65s number about 13.8 million or 23.5 percent of the total population.
The increase in the number of people over 65 is due to two main factors (Figure 1):
- The aging population: Life expectancy in Italy is increasing, thanks to medical advances and improved living conditions.
- Low birth rate: The birth rate in Italy is one of the lowest in the world, not enough to compensate for the number of deaths.
So imagine a transformed Italy of 2070, where the elderly not only make up a significant share of the population but are also extraordinarily active, supported by innovations in health and technology.
This changing demographic raises challenges and creates opportunities, particularly with regard to caregiving and the use of new technologies.
ISTAT data
Demographic transformation: a unique opportunity
Italy is headed for an unprecedented transformation. In 2070, we will face a profoundly changed society, where the over-65s will no longer be a marginal group, but a vital and dynamic component. This scenario raises urgent questions about how to adapt our social and health care structures to best support this new reality.
Figure 2. HOUSEHOLDS BY TYPE AND GEOGRAPHIC BREAKDOWN. Years 2020, 2030, 2040, median scenario, percentage values.
The technological revolution and the over-65s of tomorrow
Will technology be the most valuable ally for the elderly of the future? In my opinion, yes. Widespread adoption of smart devices and access to advanced digital services will enable a more independent and fulfilling old age; the over-65s in 2070 will leverage technology for proactive health management, to stay connected to communities, and to access personalized forms of entertainment and education.
Artificial intelligence: a paradigm shift in care
The introduction of AI in residential facilities for the elderly promises to revolutionize the very concept of care.
Continuous 24-hour monitoring of vital parameters, automated alert systems, and personalized virtual assistants will significantly improve the quality of life for residents while providing valuable support to staff.
These advances will ensure not only greater safety but also a more humanized and personalized approach to care.
Toward an Inclusive Society: The Role of Community
The future I envision certainly requires a collective effort.
We need to promote digital literacy among today’s seniors to prepare them to become the technologically advanced citizens of tomorrow.
In addition, it is crucial that society as a whole embrace an inclusive vision, recognizing the value and contribution of older people in all areas of social and economic life.
Conclusion
The journey to 2070 begins today. To realize the vision of an advanced, inclusive, and technologically equipped society to accommodate seniority with dignity and opportunity that keeps pace with the times, we must act now, and certainly already some companies are working and will work toward this, for obvious reasons both for better welfare but also for a booming business…and then they will be seniors someday, too!
And as our grandparents used to say (and maybe they were grandparents by the time they were 40), “Think as a young person about when you are old like me!”
Speaking out, and here I thank Marco Montemagno for the cue, investing in technology and research, reforming health and social policies, and building a culture that values active aging are essential steps toward this future.
I invite you to reflect on these perspectives and share your ideas on how we can, together, build a better future for everyone, regardless of age.
Gian Domenico Pietrini
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