Technology's Potential for Bridging the Digital Divide among Older Adults

Hiroki Kayama
Japan Lead, Research & Core Partnerships, Google

　Thank you for this opportunity to write for this issue of Aging & Health. In this article, I would like to introduce Google's initiative based on the theme "Technology's Potential to Bridge the Digital Divide among Older Adults."

The Digital Divide in a Super-Aged Society

　As readers will be aware, Japan was the first country in the world to become a super-aged society. According to statistics released by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), one in three people will be over 65 years old by 2030. In a global comparative survey conducted by the Cabinet Office, more than 40% of respondents aged 60 and over stated that they wanted to do (or continue) a paid job. Meanwhile, the rapid development of digital technologies has led to the digitalization of all aspects of our lives, including how we communicate and access information and various services. These changes can pose a major challenge to older adults. People who are unfamiliar with new digital technologies are more likely to experience feelings of isolation and inconvenience due to their inability to access necessary information and services and their diminished social contact. Although the so-called "digital divide" has emerged due to these technological advances, technology also has the potential to resolve it.

Google's Mission

　Since its founding, Google has strived to solve social issues through technology under its universal mission of "organizing the world's information and making it universally accessible and useful." One tenet of Google's artificial intelligence (AI) principles is to prevent the emergence and reinforcement of unfair bias, with an emphasis on working with local communities to solve problems by paying heed to the prevailing circumstances and challenges in each country and region.

　Here in Japan, our stated mission is to "unlock Japan's potential together with the power of AI." Pursuant to this mission, we want to contribute to solving various social issues including those posed by Japan's aging society. Specifically, we are harnessing the power of digital technologies to support the lifestyles and social participation of older adults, and are promoting the use of these technologies to support both physical and mental health. By doing so, we believe that we can help older adults improve their own quality of life (QOL) and participate in society as a driving force for economic growth.

Google's Latest Technologies and their Potential

　Google offers services that are used around the world, such as Google Search, Google Maps, Gmail, YouTube, and Google Pixel. We believe that these services and related technologies can deliver value to older adults as well. For instance, Google Search and the camera function provide access to information on diseases and health, while Google Maps makes it easy to find and make reservations at nearby hospitals and facilities, as well as to get directions when going out. Moreover, YouTube can provide content that supports disease prevention and enriches the lives of older adults, such as videos on hobbies and healthy exercise.

　Google is also focusing on research and development of cutting-edge technologies such as AI. For example, AI has the potential to assist older adults in their daily lives in a manner akin to that of a family member or friend, such as by suggesting healthy exercises and meals based on their past lifestyle habits, supporting their daily lives through voice technology, and helping visually impaired older adults understand their surroundings more clearly through image technology.

Case Study of Google's Initiatives and Social Contributions in Japan: Collaboration with the JFAH

　However, realizing these technologies and delivering them to older adults in a safe and secure manner cannot be achieved by Google alone. That is why we emphasize collaboration with universities, research institutes, healthcare providers, and other professionals who share our awareness of relevant issues.

　As part of this initiative, Google.org, Google's philanthropic arm that supports non-profit initiatives, bestowed a research grant to the Japan Foundation for Aging and Health (JFAH) in 2022. Pursuant to the theme of "supporting research to realize a society of enjoyable longevity," JFAH is focusing on the feasibility of implementing digital technologies within society as well as academically validating their effectiveness based on their profound expertise and experience in the field of geriatric research. These activities strongly resonate with Google's vision of delivering the value of digital technologies and AI to Japan.

　The selected project involved a digital skills program for older adults. We anticipate that this program will help to bridge the digital divide among older adults by having them leverage these digital tools in their actual lives and experience the convenience they bring.

The Importance of Industry-Government-Academia Collaboration and Expert Validation

　Collaboration between industry, government, and academia is indispensable in disseminating digital technologies to older adults. We believe that more effective and sustainable efforts can be realized by combining the latest technologies and services of private companies, the networks of government agencies, and the expertise of universities and research institutions.

　In Japan in particular, there is an abundance of experts and research institutions that are well versed in the psychological and behavioral attributes of older adults and are working to resolve pressing social issues faced by this demographic, as well as public administrative networks that support older adults. It is crucial to leverage their strengths and expertise to develop technologies and design programs that are optimally suited to Japan's older adult population and social structure. Research to validate the actual effectiveness of the program is also essential. Based on this validation of effectiveness, the program will need to be improved to deliver effective digital technologies that are easy to use and scalable for a greater number of older adults.

　Delivering these technologies to older adults in a format that is easy to understand, and use requires not only provision of the technologies themselves but also thorough support and education. We also recognize the importance of enlisting the cooperation of local communities and volunteers to build a support system that is tailored to each older adult.

The Role of Technology in a Future Super-Aged Society

Technology can act as a powerful tool to enrich the lives of older adults and keep them connected to society. Whether it be telemedicine, in-home monitoring, online learning, or platforms supporting hobbies and social participation, the use of technology will be key to creating a society where older adults can live their lives to the fullest regardless of their age.

　Google will continue contributing to the resolution of issues in Japan's super-aged society through AI and other technological innovations. Working in cooperation with JFAH and our other partners, we are very eager to help Japan's aging society fully blossom through the power of digital technologies.

　I hope that this article will encourage readers to think about bridging the digital divide among older adults and the potential of technology in achieving this.

Author

Hiroki Kayama

Hiroki Kayama Japan Lead,Research&Core Partnerships,Google

Background

After completing a master's degree at Kyoto University's Graduate School of Medicine, Hiroki joined Amazon Japan G.K. As a marketing manager and then product manager, he had a leading role in new customer acquisition and functional planning and development for Fire TV and other Amazon products. Hiroki then joined Google where he was in charge of business development for medical AI solutions, including the development of AI models for breast cancer screening and COVID-19 forecasting. He is currently the Japan Lead on a joint research team formed by Google Research and Google DeepMind where he focuses on finding AI-based solutions to Japan's social issues such as health, the environment, and the declining birth rate and aging society.