I recently came across a series – Zero Day starring Robert De Niro. And something struck me. Pop culture is filled with more and more senior heroes. It’s not just De Niro – take a look at Sylvester Stallone. Once the face of Rambo and Rocky, he’s now Tulsa King and the subject of his documentary Sly. Of course, their charisma plays a role, but is that the only reason? Or is their popularity simply a reflection of what’s happening in the real world, particularly with the aging baby boomer generation?
The demographics say one thing: the aging population is a trend here to stay. This demographic shift poses significant challenges to the health care system, particularly regarding resource allocation and service delivery. According to the UN, by the 2070s, the number of people aged 65+ will reach 2.2 billion, surpassing those under 18. The aging population also exacerbates the existing shortages in the nursing workforce, making it challenging to meet the increasing healthcare demands. By the 2030s, more people will be over 80 than newborns (UN Global Issues – Ageing). For instance, you can see this shift in global population charts on The Census Bureau or Population Pyramid. Remember how population “pyramids” used to look? A broad base (young people) tapers to a narrow top (seniors). That shape is shifting dramatically—it’s no longer a pyramid but more of a pear. And this is happening worldwide, although the pace varies by country.
Consider this: In 2023, Visual Capitalist compared the population structures of China and India. India still follows the classic pyramid model, meaning its population is growing. Meanwhile, after years of its one-child policy, China looks very different. The younger generation is shrinking, while the older segment is expanding. For an even starker contrast, compare the U.S. and Japan. The median age in the U.S. is 39, while in Japan, it’s 49. Why? Japan has low immigration rates, while the U.S. continues to attract young workers. In countries like Japan, health care providers are particularly strained due to the high median age and low immigration rates. And if we zoom out even further? The median age in Africa is 19, whereas in Europe, it’s 44.
This trend isn’t slowing down. According to Eurostat, by 2100, Europe won’t just have more seniors—it will also see a significant rise in centenarians. We’re not quite at immortality yet, but we’re getting close.
The map of median age across European regions clearly illustrates that, despite significant differences between specific areas, the overall demographic trend points to an aging population across the continent. In the European Union, where migration is relatively unrestricted, regional age structures are shaped by both the movement of young people seeking employment and the settlement of retirees in regions with milder climates and better healthcare system improving quality of life of older adults. However, it is important to note that even in regions with a relatively lower median age, the dominant values still exceed 40 years. This confirms that no part of Europe remains unaffected by the broader trend of population aging increasing the senior population.
As the world changes, so does the market. More and more companies are tailoring products and services for seniors. And the growth is there – in 2019, the average healthcare spending in OECD countries was 8.8% of the GDP. The pandemic pushed this to 9.7%, and now it’s stabilizing at 9.2% (OECD – Health expenditure in relation to GDP).
But there’s another side to this—the growing nursing shortage. The increasing demand for healthcare services stresses healthcare workers, who are already facing high levels of burnout and turnover. The WHO estimates that 2030 the world will be short 18 million nurses and caregivers (WHO – Workforce 2030). Fewer staff, more elderly patients—this equation doesn’t add up. Unless technology steps in. This shortage affects the quality of care and poses significant risks to patient safety.
As the demand for healthcare grows and the shortage of caregivers becomes more pressing, technology is emerging as a key solution. But are seniors ready for this shift? The data shows that not only are they ready – they’re already embracing it.
According to Pew Research Center, there has been a significant increase in technology adoption among adults aged 65 and older over the past decade. In 2021, 61% of seniors in the U.S. used smartphones, compared to just 13% in 2012. Similarly, the use of computers and social media in this age group rose from 56% to 75% and 7% to 45%, respectively. This demonstrates that older generations are not just adapting to new technologies – they’re actively incorporating them into their daily lives.
Furthermore, AARP highlights in its report that 70% of older adults aged 50+ feel comfortable using technology solutions to help them live independently. This isn’t about following trends or feeling pressured – it’s a conscious decision to improve their quality of life. Seniors see technology as a tool that can help them manage their health, maintain safety at home, and stay connected with loved ones.
This shift in how older generations perceive technology means that there are no longer mental or social barriers to its adoption. Seniors aren’t just accepting innovative solutions – they’re expecting them. In the face of an aging population and growing healthcare challenges, technology is becoming a natural ally. And since older generations are ready for this change, AI in healthcare has a clear path forward.
The aging population and changing population trends are reshaping the healthcare landscape, but they’re also driving a wave of innovation. While seniors are increasingly open to adopting technology, healthcare professionals are equally eager to embrace new solutions. In our experience exploring the market, we’ve seen numerous examples of nursing homes and care facilities that are not only open to innovation but actively seeking it out.
One striking trend is the growing demand from residents themselves. In several cases, seniors have pushed care facilities to upgrade their internet infrastructure, arguing that reliable connectivity is essential for staying in touch with family and accessing online resources. This end-user pressure has created a unique dynamic: caregivers and staff, seeing the benefits of technology firsthand, are more willing to test and adopt new tools. When seniors demand change, the entire care ecosystem adapts.
This shift is further supported by broader initiatives aimed at preparing healthcare workers for a digital future. One such initiative reported by the Financial Times lately is the Susa project (Sustainable Healthcare with Digital Health Data Competence), a pan-European effort led by a consortium of 12 higher education institutions, five SMEs, a hospital, a research center, and two networking organizations. As outlined on their official website, Susa aims to transform healthcare education by integrating digital skills into 20 bachelor’s and 26 master’s programs, as well as offering 16 standalone modules for lifelong learning. By 2026, the project plans to produce 6,558 graduates and train 660 working professionals proficient in digital health data competencies.
What sets Susa apart is its focus on addressing the digital skills gap in the European healthcare ecosystem. The project is built around 20 learning objectives, co-designed and co-delivered by consortium members across nine European countries. This collaborative approach ensures that healthcare professionals are not only familiar with new technologies but also equipped to use them effectively in their daily work. By bridging the gap between healthcare and technology, Susa is paving the way for a more integrated and efficient healthcare system.
Moreover, Susa’s innovative curriculum is designed to support the European Green Deal and the digital single market for healthcare. By empowering healthcare professionals with data-driven insights, the project aims to foster a healthier, more sustainable European society. This aligns perfectly with the growing demand for technology in elder care and the need to address the nursing shortage through innovative solutions.
Hollywood has long predicted that technology would reshape our world. But you don’t need sci-fi to see how AI in healthcare is already transforming reality. The rise of new solutions isn’t just about the “cool factor” – it’s driven by absolute necessity. Integrating AI in healthcare also requires sufficient registered nurses to manage and utilize these advanced technologies effectively. After all, as one scientist from a cult classic once said, “The future is whatever you make it.”
We don’t have flying cars like Dr. Emmett Brown’s Back to the Future DeLorean (though I highly recommend watching the musical adaptation live). But video conferencing lets you be on the other side of the world in seconds.
So the real question isn’t if AI will enter healthcare, but how.
However, the nurse faculty shortage in educational institutions is a significant barrier to training the next generation of nurses adept at using AI tools. We’re on the brink of a new reality. Societies are aging, but technology gives us the tools to ensure that this shift doesn’t mean crisis – it means a new era of smart healthcare. Now, it’s up to us to use those tools wisely.
Ready to see how AI in healthcare can transform your practice? Contact us today to try our demo and discover the future of patient care.
