It is unethical to use AI & ML to take advantage to the elderly

Rhodes Derah The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robots in geriatric healthcare is a fast-expanding sector with enormous potential benefits, but it also poses ethical considerations that must be addressed. Some of the most important ethical concerns in this sector are as follows:

1. Privacy and data security: The use of artificial intelligence and robotics in healthcare creates massive volumes of data. There is a chance that this data will be misused or accessed, exposing sensitive personal information.

2. Autonomy and Decision-Making: AI and robotics may have an impact on the ability of elderly patients to make decisions. The ethical worry is that artificial intelligence may encroach on the autonomy of the elderly.

3. Informed Consent: Informed consent is a critical component of healthcare, especially for the elderly, who may struggle to appreciate the consequences of new technology. It is critical that people understand and make educated decisions about the employment of AI and robotics in their care.

4. Equity: Because AI and robotics are expensive to deploy and operate, their adoption may expand the divide between the affluent and the poor. This might lead to disparities in access to healthcare services.

5. Social Isolation: The employment of artificial intelligence and robotics in healthcare may add to the social isolation of the elderly, especially if the technology is utilized to replace human contact.

The research stresses the significance of AI and robotics in geriatric healthcare due to their potential to enhance the quality of life, lower healthcare costs, and boost efficiency. It can also aid in the early detection of health concerns and the provision of individualized care. Nonetheless, it is critical to address the ethical challenges raised above and put safeguards in place to preserve the rights and dignity of older patients.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics in healthcare for the elderly can bring significant benefits, such as improved care and quality of life. However, there are also ethical issues that need to be considered. Here are some of the key ethical issues related to the use of AI and robotics in healthcare for the elderly:

Privacy and security: As AI and robotics collect and store large amounts of sensitive data, it's important to ensure that the privacy and security of the elderly patients are protected. Healthcare providers must be transparent about the types of data collected and how it will be used.

Autonomy and control: The use of AI and robotics may affect the autonomy and control of elderly patients over their healthcare. For example, if an AI system is used to monitor a patient's health, it may be necessary to obtain the patient's consent and to give them the ability to opt-out if they choose.

Bias and discrimination: AI systems may have bias or errors that could lead to discriminatory outcomes. For example, an AI system used to determine which patients receive certain treatments may unintentionally discriminate against elderly patients, as they may be seen as less valuable or less likely to benefit from the treatment.

Quality of care: While AI and robotics can improve the quality of care for elderly patients, there may be concerns about relying too heavily on these technologies and losing the personal touch and human connection that is important in healthcare.

Liability and responsibility: When AI and robotics are involved in healthcare, it can be difficult to determine who is responsible in the event of errors or malfunctions. It's important to establish clear lines of liability and responsibility to ensure that patients are protected.

Overall, while AI and robotics have the potential to significantly improve healthcare for the elderly, it's important to consider these ethical issues and take steps to ensure that patients are protected and their rights are respected

In my opinion, they are those of the whole medicine.

I think we can highlight the cognitive-communicative problem: if Artificial Intelligence will literally understand the wishes and requests of an elderly person, then perhaps AI will harm the person, who in moments of dementia or mental confusion or lethargy will incorrectly formulate a request or incorrectly ask a request.

There may be many points to be considered in studies to be carried out for elderly people. Especially in the decision-making and perception phase, different results can be obtained from a normal human ability. But despite everything, the benefit of humanity comes to the fore in ethics. If we talk about an artificial intelligence system that will protect the life safety of the elderly, ethical problems may arise. As an example, the moralmachine.mit.edu platform implemented by MIT can give an idea. Ethical problems have been simulated from many points such as old, young and animal in the use of autonomous vehicles.

Only by the patient's consent.

The use of AI and robotics in healthcare for the elderly has many potential benefits, including improving the quality of care, enhancing patient safety, and reducing healthcare costs. However, it also raises several ethical issues that need to be addressed.

One of the main ethical concerns is related to the privacy and security of patients' personal health information. As AI and robotics technologies collect and store large amounts of data, there is a risk that this information could be accessed or misused by unauthorized individuals, leading to breaches of confidentiality and privacy. Healthcare providers must ensure that they have robust security protocols in place to protect patients' data.

Another ethical issue is related to the potential for AI and robotics to replace human caregivers. While these technologies can help to supplement and enhance the care provided by humans, they should not be used as a substitute for human interaction and empathy. Elderly patients may require emotional support and social interaction, which cannot be provided by machines alone.

There is also a concern about the potential for AI and robotics to exacerbate existing health disparities among the elderly. For example, if these technologies are only available to those who can afford them, it could widen the gap between the rich and poor, leaving vulnerable populations behind.

Finally, there is a concern about the accountability and liability of AI and robotics in healthcare. As these technologies become more advanced and autonomous, it becomes increasingly difficult to assign responsibility for errors or malfunctions. There is a need for clear guidelines and regulations to ensure that these technologies are used safely and responsibly.

In summary, while AI and robotics have the potential to revolutionize healthcare for the elderly, it is important to consider the ethical implications of their use. Healthcare providers must ensure that they are using these technologies in a responsible and ethical manner, taking into account the unique needs and vulnerabilities of elderly patients.

Thank you ladies and gentlemen for your help, much appreciated.