The HKSAR government yesterday (May 27) announced 30 measures to promote the "silver economy" and jointly build an elderly-friendly society. As an aging society approaches, artificial intelligence (AI) applications are actively entering fields such as elderly care, health management, and emotional companionship—from smart fall detection and voice-activated assistants to memory aids and telemedicine.
Against the backdrop of Hong Kong having three elderly citizens for every 10 people, AI technology is redefining "aging with care" in a unique way, giving it a new meaning. This series of reports delves into interviews with multiple AI companies, documenting how technology is responding to the needs of an aging society. When machines learn to "understand" humans, can we truly realize the vision of "aging with AI (love)"? Between efficiency and ethics, how can technology safeguard dignity and warmth?
These stories of tech pioneers are not just snapshots of industrial innovation—they also highlight the infinite possibilities AI brings to an aging society. We see a path of care paved with algorithms, where the ultimate goal of technology remains human happiness.
AI as "Digital Guardian Angel" for the Elderly
With global aging accelerating, Hong Kong is quietly entering its "silver era." According to projections by the Census and Statistics Department, the proportion of Hong Kong's population aged 65 and above is expected to exceed 30% by 2043, meaning one in every three Hong Kongers will be a senior citizen. Under this new demographic structure, AI technology, combined with innovations like smart home devices, is transforming into a "digital guardian angel" for elderly home life.
Dr Rocky Cheng, CEO of Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company, said in an exclusive interview that AI can not only improve the quality of life for the elderly but also reduce the burden on caregivers, allowing for more efficient allocation of social resources. However, the key to widespread adoption in Hong Kong lies in winning market trust. Therefore, he believes that promoting AI-powered elderly care technology must ensure safety and reliability, emphasizing the importance of product "quality certification."
AI Fall Detection: Preventing Injuries
According to Hong Kong's Department of Health, about 30% of seniors aged 65+ suffer fall-related injuries each year, with 10% resulting in severe harm. If prevention can replace treatment, this could alleviate the government's growing healthcare expenditure.
Cheng mentioned that AI-powered robots can now monitor elderly activity at home, accurately detecting accidents such as falls. These technologies operate using deep-learning algorithms to analyze movement patterns. "The system must have highly precise judgment—it can't rely on simple motion sensors but must distinguish between normal activity and real danger," he explained.
Existing products on the market include AI health monitors that track daily activity patterns. For example, a Japanese AI startup has developed a care system that uses non-contact sensors to monitor heart rate, breathing frequency, and even predict potential urinary tract infections. Meanwhile, an Israeli startup's acoustic monitoring system can detect falls, abnormal coughing, or breathing difficulties with over 90% accuracy.
AI Helps Stroke Survivors Regain Speech
Many elderly Hong Kongers suffer from varying degrees of speech impairment, including post-stroke aphasia or cognitive decline affecting communication. Cheng noted breakthroughs in AI technology: "Some seniors may struggle to articulate clearly, but new AI tools can help interpret their speech."
For instance, a local startup has developed a "Cantonese AI voice assistant" optimized for elderly speech patterns, recognizing slurred words, repetitions, and even inferring meaning from context. Singapore has also introduced an AI companion robot that facilitates natural conversations, video calls with family, and medication reminders.
AI Games Detect Early Signs of Dementia
Beyond caregiving, cognitive training is essential for some seniors in rehabilitation. However, traditional methods are often dull, leading to low engagement. Cheng pointed out that AI-powered games offer a more engaging solution: "Seniors can have fun while the system analyzes their mental state."
For example, a Swiss company's "AI Virtual Reality Game" tracks reaction speed and hand-eye coordination to detect early signs of dementia. A local social enterprise has also launched an AI Mahjong game that assesses brain health based on decision-making speed and memory performance.
Challenges: High Costs & Privacy Concerns
Despite its potential, Hong Kong lags behind Singapore and Japan in AI elderly care adoption due to:
High technical barriers (many caregivers lack AI operation knowledge);
Cost (advanced AI care robots can cost tens of thousands of HKD);
and privacy fears (some seniors distrust home monitoring systems).
Analysts suggest the government should expand subsidies (e.g., referencing Taiwan's "Long-Term Care 2.0" policy) and encourage localized solutions tailored to Hong Kong seniors.
AI as a Pillar of Elderly Care
The goal of AI elderly care is not to replace human interaction but to help seniors live more independently and with dignity. Chan stressed that the next few years will be critical for Hong Kong's AI healthcare development. If challenges like accessibility and training are addressed, AI could become a cornerstone of Hong Kong's aging society.
(Source: Wen Wei Po; Journalist: Ivy Chong; English Editor: Darius)
Related News:
Deepline | Invest with AI! Financial firms start AI race, finding high returns on investment tools
Comment