Tag: technology

How Artificial Intelligence Helps Us Stay Young

As part of the Deutschlandfunk series “Understanding AI”, I had the pleasure of speaking with Carina Schroeder about our current project Alfred. We are testing the independent use of Altertainment‘s voice-based AI chatbot with residents of the Wohnen am Singenberg retirement home. The project is funded by an Innosuisse innovation cheque.

In the podcast episode “AI for Seniors” (starting at minute 15:55), I share insights from our research at the Institute for Ageing Research IAF, including:
🔹 the unique challenges of developing AI for older adults,
🔹 technological barriers in care and retirement homes,
🔹 and first impressions from our real-world testing of the AI companion Alfred.

💡 It was an inspiring conversation about how AI can support active and independent living in later life.

🎧 The episode is now available (in German) on Deutschlandfunk, ARD Audiothek, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music:

Mini-Congress on Research and Ageing with the Age Innovation Prize 2024 Award

The recent Mini-Congress on Research and Ageing that I organized for our Institute for Ageing Research IAF brought together researchers, innovators, and thought leaders to explore the future of ageing. Attendees were inspired by keynote speeches from Dr. Thomas Münzer and Prof. Dr. Guido M. Schuster, setting the stage for a day of engaging dialogue and discovery.

The event culminated in the awarding of the Age Innovation Prize 2024, celebrating outstanding contributions to ageing-related innovation. The winning teams—FlexAssist, Silver Bridge, and SIGMA-beSerious—presented their pioneering solutions, joined by other shortlisted projects including ageJOY, Alfred by Altertainment, and Quartier+.

Exhibitors and participants had the opportunity to connect and exchange ideas on cutting-edge research and practical applications. The AGE-INT program was also well represented, with research clusters from Swiss universities showcasing work on dementia, social inclusion, technologies for older adults, and employment in retirement.

🔜 I’m already looking ahead to the Age Innovation Prize 2025, launching at the end of January. #StayTuned for more innovation and inspiration!

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