Digital Ageism: Challenges and Opportunities in Artificial Intelligence for Older Adults

TLDR

Artificial intelligence is transforming many sectors, yet its data-driven models often amplify societal biases, and ageism has been largely overlooked in AI bias research. The article aims to critically examine age‑related bias in AI systems amid a globally aging population. The authors present a conceptual model mapping how technology development pathways can generate and reinforce digital ageism in AI systems. They outline ethical and legal implications and propose future research directions to deepen understanding of how AI fosters ageism.

Abstract

Abstract Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are changing our world through their impact on sectors including health care, education, employment, finance, and law. AI systems are developed using data that reflect the implicit and explicit biases of society, and there are significant concerns about how the predictive models in AI systems amplify inequity, privilege, and power in society. The widespread applications of AI have led to mainstream discourse about how AI systems are perpetuating racism, sexism, and classism; yet, concerns about ageism have been largely absent in the AI bias literature. Given the globally aging population and proliferation of AI, there is a need to critically examine the presence of age-related bias in AI systems. This forum article discusses ageism in AI systems and introduces a conceptual model that outlines intersecting pathways of technology development that can produce and reinforce digital ageism in AI systems. We also describe the broader ethical and legal implications and considerations for future directions in digital ageism research to advance knowledge in the field and deepen our understanding of how ageism in AI is fostered by broader cycles of injustice.