Nancy Weinbeck: 5 lessons from the for-profit senior living world
Have you read or even tried the latest AI advance in search engine technology? ChatGPT went live at the end of November 2022, and in less than one week had more than 1 million users. It has already set a record for the fastest app to reach 100 million users, which it reached in February.
It is designed to mimic human conversation, and it’s already wreaking havoc in our education systems with its ability to write convincing essays given the appropriate prompts. Microsoft, a backer of ChatGPT, is preparing to roll out an enhanced AI version of its search engine BING using ChatGPT technology. The output of these AI technologies is mind boggling, but in the midst of the existential angst it is causing, there are many positives.
For example, the ability of AI to analyze vast quantities of data at the same time has enabled the development of groundbreaking technology involving fall prediction and fall prevention. Falls are the leading cause of injuries and death in adults 65 years of age and older. Startups as well as more-established companies are using a variety of sensor technologies to receive input that can then be interpreted using vast numbers of data points in individual behavior to predict and potentially prevent a fall from occurring. Sensors can be permanently fixed in resident apartments or can be wearable devices. In learning individual behavior patterns, AI can detect changes in movement and behaviors that can alert the user as well as staff that the individual is at risk of falling.
The same type of data can be used to detect urinary tract infections. Untreated UTIs can eventually lead to kidney infections, kidney failure, other organ failure and death. Through the analysis of vast numbers of behavioral data points, AI technology can predict and/or detect a UTI and can alert the individual and/or staff to the potential or present danger.
There is definitely a “big brother” feel to some of these applications, yet the ability to prevent a fall or a UTI from occurring is a gamechanger and potential life saver.
AI is a tool that can be used for amazing innovations like these, some of which we look to incorporate at Bayview. Ideally it will create better and healthier pathways for all of us at any age.
Nancy Weinbeck is CEO of Bayview in Queen Anne