AI Bias in Healthcare: Is Technology Reinforcing Ageism?  

Artificial intelligence is changing healthcare in powerful ways — but it isn’t always neutral. Sometimes, the systems designed to improve care can unintentionally reflect inequalities that already exist. 
 
For older adults, this bias can take the form of ageism. For example, if a health app is designed and tested mostly on younger users, it may overlook symptoms that present differently in seniors, resulting in inaccurate alerts or incomplete care recommendations. 
 
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits AI offers older adults while addressing the ageist biases that can be embedded in its technology. 

What Is AI Bias in Healthcare? 

AI bias in healthcare occurs when artificial intelligence systems produce unequal outcomes because of gaps or imbalances in the data used to train them. These biases can affect treatment recommendations, risk assessments and even diagnostic tools. 
 
One form of this bias is ageism, which is a type of stereotyping that discriminates against a person based on age. While it affects people of all ages, older adults are often the primary targets.  
 
According to the American Psychological Association, 93% of adults say they regularly experience at least one form of ageism. But what are some of the common stereotypes they face? 
 
In elder care, ageist attitudes typically include: 
 
Assumptions that older individuals are physically or mentally incapable of taking care of themselves 
The belief that older adults are resistant or unable to adopt new technologies 
The perception that elderly people cannot make informed decisions about their own lives 
 

How AI Is Used in Elder Care 

Before we dive into the potential drawbacks of AI in elder care, let’s explore a few AI technologies healthcare professionals are currently using to improve the lives of older adults. 
 

Health Monitoring 

Wearable devices like smartwatches can monitor a person’s blood pressure, oxygen levels and heart rate. When paired with a patient’s healthcare provider, these devices send alerts if one of the patient’s vitals is amiss. They provide real-time care and can reduce the need for more frequent healthcare visits for daily checkups. 

Customized Care 

With technology like machine learning, AI can analyze large data sets, generate algorithms and create personalized patient plans. For older adults who need to adjust their medication due to health conditions or lifestyle, this technology can dynamically adjust treatments and prescriptions, ensuring optimal care.

Independent Living

According to AARP in 2021, 77% of adults over 50 would prefer to age in place, which means living independently in their own homes. Thanks to devices like virtual assistants and smart home devices, older adults are more capable of maintaining this independent living style.  
 
These devices enhance daily living by automating tasks such as lighting control, automatically turning off appliances and adjusting smart thermostats to meet basic needs. 

How Ageism Is Embedded in AI 

While AI is designed to improve the lives of older adults and their families, it may unintentionally reinforce ageist biases. Here are some of the key prejudices reflected in AI technology. 

 Assumptions of Technological Incompetence 

Many elder care AI systems feature overly simplistic interfaces based on the assumption that older adults cannot engage with more advanced technologies. As a result, older users miss out on devices with enhanced functionalities that could provide even greater support and independence. 
 
Think about it like this: Why have a flip phone that only calls loved ones when you could have a smartphone with apps that can track health metrics, manage medications and offer multiple ways to connect with family and friends? 

Design Bias 

AI systems sometimes use data models that reflect the needs of younger populations rather than the specific health profiles of older adults. For example, health-monitoring AI trained on younger users might fail to recognize age-related symptoms, leading to ineffective or inappropriate care plans for elderly individuals. 

Neglecting Social and Emotional Needs 

AI-driven robotic companions are often designed to mimic human interactions, offering basic social exchanges like conversations and medication or household reminders. 
 
But these interactions lack empathy and emotional depth, leaving older adults without the meaningful connections they need. This can contribute to increased feelings of loneliness and depression. 
 

How to Reduce Digital Ageism in AI Systems 

With greater consideration of how AI development can avoid reinforcing ageism, developers can create technology that fully promotes inclusive care for older adults: 
 

• Incorporate diverse data 
  AI systems should include data from older adults, particularly in healthcare. This reduces biases that might overlook age-specific needs and improves care for elderly patients. 
• Develop user-friendly interfaces 
  While simplicity is essential, it’s crucial to design interfaces that adapt to individual users. This allows older adults to engage with technology at their own pace, whether they prefer a beginner-friendly interface or more advanced features. 
• Collaborate with experts in aging 
  Geriatricians, social workers and caregivers understand older adults’ needs better than most. Consulting these experts during the development of AI tools ensures that cognitive, emotional and physical needs are met, leading to lasting, effective solutions. 

Frequently Asked Questions About AI Bias in Healthcare 

Make a Difference in the Care of Older Adults 

Whether you’re collaborating with AI developers to design technology that meets the unique needs of older adults or supporting seniors in other aspects of life, a solid educational foundation is essential for many careers in aging. 
 
The University of Florida offers several online programs tailored for working professionals looking to begin or advance their careers in aging: 

• Master’s Degree in Innovative Aging Studies 
• Master’s Degree in Medical Physiology and Aging 
• Graduate Certificate in Aging and Geriatric Practice 

All of these programs are entirely online, giving you the ability to complete your work when it’s convenient for you — whether that’s during your morning coffee, your lunch breaks or on weekends. 
 
Explore our programs and contact us with any questions you might have. Ready to take the next step? The application is only a click away. 
 
Sources: 
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/09/older-adults-ageism 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9495472/ 
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00146-022-01553-5