Grandma alone at home - technically assisted living in old age

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dagmar Meyer supervises a working group at the Spring Academy (18.02.2024 - 23.02.2024) of the German National Academic Foundation in Roggenburg Monastery.

What opportunities and risks do digitalisation, robotics and artificial intelligence offer?

Most people in Germany would like to remain in their familiar living environment in old age. Almost 65% of very old people in Germany feel closely connected to their living environment. These are two key statements from the eighth short report of the D80+ study "Old Age in Germany" commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth.

In the working group, we want to take a critical look at the question of whether and how self-determined living in the home environment can be supported by digital technologies, robotics and artificial intelligence.

Firstly, we will develop an overview of the state of the art in the relevant areas as a basis. The working group is explicitly aimed at students from all disciplines - so the focus will not be on detailed technical knowledge and understanding, but rather on the user's perspective in a generally understandable form. We will organise this introductory part together in the form of short presentations distributed in advance. A look at other countries (China, Japan, Scandinavian countries, etc.) will of course also be included. Perhaps some participants will also contribute experiences from their personal environment (e.g. grandparents)?

We then want to shed light on the possible applications, opportunities and risks of using technology, taking different perspectives into account: In addition to the possible wishes and reservations of potential users, legal and ethical aspects are just as relevant as the role of relatives. This examination of the complex overall topic will mainly take place in the form of group work, discussions with distributed roles and the preparation of short essays and role plays.

The week will be complemented by an excursion to the Fuggerei in Augsburg, the oldest existing social housing estate in the world.

You can find information about the event here: Roggenburg Spring Academy

Image: unsplash.com/en/@possessedphotography