Sharjah24: The Sharjah Social Services Department (SSSD) concluded the 13th Senior Services Forum for 2024, held under the theme "Artificial Intelligence in Service of the Elderly," with the participation of experts from within and outside the country.
The forum witnessed contributions from experts and specialists who discussed ways to employ modern technology and artificial intelligence to improve the quality of life for seniors and meet their diverse needs through innovative and effective methods.
Key recommendations of the forum included enhancing the use of AI to develop innovative technical solutions, such as personal assistant applications and smart sensors, which enable seniors to interact with their surroundings more independently, while also providing notifications and alerts to family members or caregivers when needed or in emergencies, similar to the Alexa app.
The forum also recommended expanding the use of assistive robots to provide healthcare and support seniors in performing daily activities, such as reminding them to take medication and monitoring their health.
The forum stressed the importance of creating smart digital platforms that integrate healthcare and social service providers, allowing seniors easy access to health and social care via interactive applications that support remote follow-ups and continuous medical and social consultations.
The recommendations also highlighted the need to promote the concept of active and sustainable aging through community policies aimed at engaging seniors in cultural, sports, and social activities, and using AI to organise events tailored to their physical and mental needs.
The forum pointed out the importance of developing partnerships with the private sector to launch social responsibility programs aimed at training seniors in using digital technology and AI, to enhance their interaction with society and increase their independence. Additionally, it suggested including seniors in decision-making processes related to the services directed at them, by creating advisory committees composed of seniors and specialists, to ensure policies and services align with their actual needs.
The forum also emphasised the importance of encouraging physical and mental activities for seniors by developing AI-based programs that offer customised exercises in line with their health status, and by employing virtual reality and augmented reality technologies to provide interactive experiences that motivate seniors to participate in recreational and cultural activities.
Participants in the forum also stressed the need to develop standards and services for elderly-friendly institutions and equip public facilities and government services with smart systems that enhance the experience of seniors and provide predictive and preventive healthcare through AI.
Dr Jassim Al Hammadi, Director of Knowledge Management, stated that the forum reflects the Social Services Department’s ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life for seniors and enhancing the role of AI in providing innovative solutions to achieve this goal.
The Chairman of the Scientific Committee praised the forum's recommendations, emphasising the importance of continuing to develop programs and services for this vital segment of society. He also appreciated the efforts of all participants and experts who contributed to the forum's success and commended the significant role of community institutions in supporting seniors and providing them with a suitable environment to live with dignity and independence.
Al Hammadi added, "At the Department of Social Services, we study these recommendations to benefit from them in improving services provided to seniors, in line with Sharjah's vision of enhancing its status as an elderly-friendly city."
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