How ageist AI could affect the health of the elderly

Artificial intelligence has been in the spotlight for its ability to discriminate and reflect prejudices against groups of people, be it on the grounds of race, religion, or gender. This, of course, is a result of the prejudices held by the people behind the AI - artificial intelligence is susceptible to the prejudices and discriminatory attitudes held by its creators. Ageism - or prejudice and discrimination on the basis of age - is included in the list as the elderly are continuously neglected in the field of AI, thus excluding their experiences and concerns. This was exactly the point of concern in a recent policy brief by the World Health Organization, which warned that ageism, when exhibited by AI, could have serious impacts on the health of the elderly. "Specifically for older people, ageism is associated with a shorter lifespan, poorer physical and mental health and decreased quality of life," WHO says, adding that it "can limit the quality and quantity of health care provided to older people."