We’re getting old, fast. 

In Australia and New Zealand, 23% and 24% of the population are expected to be over 65 by 2050. Singapore faces an even steeper rise, with the proportion of seniors expected to reach 25% by 2030. 

Big problem in ageing China 

All these are dwarfed by China, which, by comparison, faces the most significant demographic shift in human history. The country’s elderly population is set to explode, with 366 million people expected to be over 65 by 2050. 

For these countries and the rest of Asia Pacific, healthcare systems must manage rapidly ageing populations, creating an unprecedented demand for care services and technological solutions.

AI and Robotics to improve marginal performance

AI and robotics can alleviate the pressures of an ageing population by making incremental improvements that, when scaled, lead to significant gains. This concept is known as improving marginal performance. 

Robotics and AI are making incremental yet impactful improvements in aged care in the present, enhancing both the efficiency of caregivers and the quality of life for elderly residents. For example, AI-powered medication management systems ensure that seniors adhere to their prescriptions, reducing the risk of complications. 

Operational efficiency and increasing empathy

In the same way, in healthcare and aged care, AI-powered scheduling tools can optimise caregiver workflows, ensuring resources are used efficiently and preventing staff burnout. These small but essential gains lead to higher productivity and better outcomes.

It seems counterintuitive, but these operational efficiencies can increase empathy by freeing workers from manual tasks and freeing them to attend to functions or time with patients who require higher emotional intelligence and humanity. Technology cannot replicate or accomplish these tasks.

Empathy and connection with MyRyman.

Ryman Healthcare demonstrated the power of human-centred technology, making “big” small gains through collaborative work with Journey, specifically with MyRyman, Ryman Healthcare’s Resident App. 

Residents in Australia and New Zealand face significant physical and digital challenges. Around 60% of adults over 75 experience arthritis, which limits daily activities, while 90% of Ryman residents in this age group require daily medication management. Furthermore, 75% of seniors struggle with app navigation due to poor design, highlighting the need for more accessible digital tools.

The myRyman app enhances accessibility and connection for elderly residents by providing real-time village updates, an event calendar, medication delivery through PillDrop, and easy access to HomeCare assessments. 

The app has 98% of residents using the app weekly, averaging 7.2 sessions each and a CSAT (customer satisfaction) score of 88%.

It resolves the challenges of staying informed and connected by offering user-friendly input modes and intuitive navigation, ensuring residents can manage their needs independently. The app bridges the gap between technology and aged care, focusing on simplicity and high user adoption.

I, robot, empathy? 

When it comes to AI and robotics, Hollywood productions and Science Fiction haven’t exactly painted a rosy picture of the future. Certainly, empathy, AI, and robots are not widely portrayed as common features or goals. 

In contrast, today, robots like ELLI.Q act as companions, offering reminders for daily activities and some degree of social engagement, helping combat isolation. These technologies make small but essential improvements that, when combined, significantly enhance senior care.

Meaningful technology for cognitive challenges  

In addition to medication management, robotic companions like Hasbro’s “Joy for All” cats and dogs provide comfort to seniors with cognitive challenges, while AI-enabled monitoring systems track activity and health indicators, enabling early interventions. This combination of AI and robotics helps caregivers focus on tasks requiring emotional intelligence, improving the overall caregiving experience while enhancing operational efficiency.

As the elderly population grows, AI and robotics are becoming indispensable tools in aged care. These technologies will allow overworked caregivers to focus on what they do best—providing empathy and personal care—while robots and AI manage the logistics and routine tasks.

No time – the present. 

The time is now to act. At Journey, one of the areas we’re passionate about is innovating with AI and technology to address challenges associated with the ageing population by working with enterprise business brands in healthcare, pharma, and aged care. 

Do you have a specific healthcare challenge you're grappling with? We're here to help. Contact us to discuss how Journey can partner with you to make meaningful change.