According to the UN, the world’s population of people aged 65 or older is expected to more than double by the year 2050.

Stats like that have healthcare policy makers and providers seeking more and better approaches to caring for aging populations, and the University of Pennsylvania recently added their resources to the effort with the launch of The Penn Artificial Intelligence and Technology Collaboratory for Healthy Aging (PennAITech).

According to an announcement, the Collaboratory will leverage resources from Penn’s School of Nursing, the Perelman School of Medicine, and other departments across the University of Pennsylvania to develop expertise in AI, consumer informatics and aging.

“Aging in place is a priority for most older Americans. This goal can be challenged by chronic illness including Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias. We need innovative solutions that will help us detect risks, address disparities, support decision making and improve access to care,” said co-leader George Demiris, PhD, a Penn Integrates Knowledge Professor with joint faculty appointments across the university. “The overarching goal of our Collaboratory is to facilitate the development and dissemination of such tools to help aging Americans live safely, in optimal health, and remain socially engaged. To achieve this, we will develop and implement a national pilot project funding program for the development and evaluation of cutting-edge technology.”

PennAITech aims to develop, commercialize and disseminate innovative technology and AI methods and software to support older adults and those with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Diseases in their home environment.

“Penn is uniquely poised to serve as a research and innovation accelerator based on our expertise in geriatric medicine, aging, Alzheimer’s disease and biomedical informatics,” explained co-leader Jason Karlawish, MD, Professor of Medicine, Medical Ethics and Health Policy, and Neurology. “We aim to advance the development of effective solutions that will be used in the real world and ultimately improve the lives of older adults’ and their caregivers.”

The Collaboratory will focus on advancing their vision through the funding of pilot grants focused on technology and AI development to advance the science of care management and aging in place for vulnerable older adults. Funded pilot projects will be supported through cores focused on administration,  technology identification and training, clinical translation and ethical and policy issues. 

PennAITech is made possible through a grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA), a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The award is expected to total $20 million over five years.

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