Artificial intelligence in elderly care: a double-edged innovation?

Introduction

As the global population ages at an exceptional rate, healthcare systems worldwide are under increasing pressure to meet the complex needs of older adults (United Nations, 2017; Sitra, 2025). This surge, combined with growing shortages in healthcare staff and economic resources, raises urgent questions about how to ensure sustainable and equitable care for the elderly (Christoforou et al., 2020). While medical advances are helping older individuals live longer, healthier lives, most countries, regardless of whether they are developed or developing, face major challenges in adapting health and social systems to this demographic shift (WHO, 2025).

In this demographic transition, contemporary technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven tools such as robots, smart wearables, and voice assistants, are being incorporated into the healthcare system which might enhance elderly care by improving the safety and independence of older individuals (Dinesen et al., 2022; Jnr, 2024; Tun et al., 2020). This integration may also alleviate the stress experienced by nurses in managing the increasing patient population effectively (Nordic Welfare Centre, 2024).

This blog post summarises key findings of our bachelor’s thesis in healthcare AI-driven Technologies in Elderly Care: Benefits and Challenges (Mitra & Alam, 2025). The thesis aimed to explore recent developments in the use of AI-based tools in elderly care. We retrieved 20 articles from databases such as Springer Link, CINAHL, PubMed, Sage, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, and conducted a thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006) to identify recent developments in the use of AI-based tools within elderly care. It also analysed the benefits, challenges, and ethical issues associated with their use.

The findings of our thesis revealed that while AI-driven technologies in elderly care are increasingly researched, their implementation remains debatable. In the following sections, we present the current situation, explore the tools that support elderly care, examine the benefits, challenges and ethical dilemmas of AI.

The current situation of AI-driven technologies in elderly care  

Many countries worldwide are increasingly exploring AI as a component of their healthcare strategies (Mhlanga, 2024). Technologies such as predictive health monitoring systems, virtual care assistants, robotics, and smart home innovations are showing the potential to personalise, optimise, and transform the way elderly care is delivered (Joshi, 2019). These advancements are rapidly changing healthcare services by achieving better healthcare results for patients, supporting nursing staff through automation of routine tasks, and responding to the growing demands associated with ageing populations (Bohr and Memarzadeh, 2020).

In Finland, for instance, the first socially assistive robot named Zora has already begun supporting care personnel in a senior care home located in the city of Lahti (Melkas et al., 2019). Other examples include systems such as SmartSMILE and Zigbee-based remote monitoring tools, which are now commonly used in various healthcare settings (Mundzir et al., 2024; Alsulami et al., 2021). Moreover, ongoing research continues to examine how these intelligent technologies can genuinely benefit older individuals. While many pilot projects are demonstrating improvements in patient satisfaction, others raise concerns around ethical dilemmas, data privacy, and limitations in maintaining truly patient-centered care which sustain the debate on their long-term ongoing value (Padhan et al., 2023; Johansson-Pajala & Gustafsson, 2020). As the field evolves, balancing innovation with the rights and dignity of elderly patients is important. While AI solutions have improved elderly care over the past decades, concerns about safety, security and data privacy remains (Higgins et al., 2024).

Tools of care: AI tools that support the elderly

While the central questions revolve around which AI-based tools are currently used in elderly care and the benefits and challenges of their implementation, numerous research articles have documented their global usage and associated outcomes. In countries like Sweden and across the Nordic region, social and assistive robots are described as welfare technology, supporting the elderly in multimodal ways (Johansson-Pajala & Gustafsson, 2020). In addition to wearable devices and smart home technologies, AI has been developed to address common conditions in older adults, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, chronic illness, frailty, falls, and type-1 diabetes (Stavropoulos et al., 2020; Ahn et al., 2024). For instance, AI-driven smart wearables are mostly operated by the Internet of Things (IoT), which is basically a network of everyday devices that collect data and transmit it to the healthcare providers, such as nurses. In emergency situations, if an elderly person falls or experiences high blood pressure or blood sugar fluctuations, IoT can detect these changes through wearable devices (e.g., watch, skin patches) and instantly send the information to assigned nurses, helping prevent serious accidents. Moreover, AI-driven smart wearables can prevent pressure wounds, a common condition among elderly bedridden individuals (Tun et al., 2020). AI sensors integrated with IoT, can analyse pressure points based on the mapping of the patient’s positioning on the bed and help to reduce the risk of such wounds. Virtual voice assistants are another growing area of interest. Many researchers are focusing on developing AI-based virtual voice assistants and chatbots to support both elderly patients and nurses (Langston et al., 2025; Jnr, 2024).

The journey through benefits, challenges, and ethical dilemmas

Despite several challenges, these tools (such as health monitoring systems, virtual care assistants, robots, and smart home innovations) offer numerous benefits. They enhance safety and promote independence through smart sensors, alarms, and monitoring systems. In addition, they help reduce isolation by offering music, visual entertainment, and activities like robotic games (Karhu et al., 2024). However, implementing such innovations in elderly homes, especially for residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s, requires careful attention. To ensure broad accessibility, it is important to provide digital literacy training for the elderly and optimise devices with large screens, bold fonts, audio-visual support, and voice-assisted features (Gomez-Hernandez et al., 2023).

The rise of gerontechnology, where gerontology and technology intersect (Pepito et al., 2019), many elderly individuals remain hesitant to embrace these tools. Feelings of being constantly monitored can lead to fear and stress (Ahn et al., 2024), and some still resist replacing human empathy with technological solutions (Perruchoud et al., 2023). This hesitation may stem from a placebo effect, where patients place greater trust in human interaction than in digital tools (Lee and Yoon, 2021).

Additionally, nurses’ perceptions significantly influence the implementation of a patient-centered approach by using AI-driven technologies. While many nurses view AI as a valuable tool for improving efficiency, safety, diagnosis, and personalised care, others express concerns regarding ethical implications, lack of sufficient training, and the diminishing human touch. Positive attitudes are more likely when nurses are actively involved in planning, receive proper support, and understand that AI is meant to enhance rather than replace their role (Badawy & Shaban, 2024).

Finally, unresolved concerns about data security and privacy demonstrate the necessity of enhancing protections for sensitive health information (Chustecki, 2024). Financial and policy challenges also persist, particularly regarding who should bear the cost of technological implementation; governments or the elderly themselves (Ahn et al., 2024; Hanratty et al., 2012). Furthermore, as nursing professionals play a crucial role in this transformation, ethical questions arise regarding their involvement and responsibilities in this age of technology-assisted elderly care. While nurses are expected to possess digital competence, this alone does not guarantee their future involvement in technological advancements. Concerns about the potential loss of nursing roles persist; however, these changes may also can open entirely new opportunities in elderly care. Embracing new knowledge and skills could strengthen nurses' professional responsibilities and encourage more active participation in care delivery (Rony et al., 2023). These issues remain the subject of ongoing discussion, while researchers continue to explore realistic and balanced solutions (Chen et al., 2025).

Conclusion

In conclusion, AI-driven technologies in elderly care are not a futuristic future, they are happening now. The success of AI in elderly care depends on its use in a patient-centred, ethical manner as well as increased scientific knowledge about its usage. However, the future of AI in elderly care is not solely about innovation; it is, most importantly, about people. These technologies must be developed and used with empathy, respect, and a deep understanding of human needs. When thoughtfully integrated, AI solutions can complement the healthcare profession instead of replacing it.

Kausani Mitra, nursing student.

Gergana Alam, nursing student.

Daniela Pyhäjärvi, senior lecturer in healthcare, Arcada UAS.

Pauleen Mannevaara, Ph.D. student, Senior Lecturer in Health Care, Department of Healt care, Arcada UAS

Lotta Eronen, Ph.D., student, Senior Lecturer in Health Care, School of Business and Healthcare, Arcada UAS

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