AI’s role in fostering fair and accessible longevity advice
It is not news that the wealthier sections of society are more likely to live healthier and longer lives, with a study published in The Journal of Gerontology finding that at age 50, the wealthiest men in England and the US could expect to live approximately 31 additional years free from disability, while those in the poorest groups had about 22 to 23 disability-free years.
This disparity in both health and life span depending on socioeconomic status is only worsening as the years pass by, with avoidable mortality rates for females in the most deprived areas statistically significantly increasing by 13.3% between 2001 and 2019. Society's message is unmistakable: demographic background significantly impacts lifespan, and the divide is only widening.
But when was this narrative simply accepted? The tides need to change on this, as high-quality longevity care should become a basic right for all sections of society, regardless of status. By normalising the expectation that everyone in society receives the same care, this then becomes a given, and we can begin to narrow the extensive societal gap which exists.
AI and breaking down the longevity access barriers
The expenses associated with longevity treatments are clear when you note how much treatments are currently listed on the market for, such as the $10,000+ longevity clinic subscription and experiences. It is no surprise that this just isn’t realistic for the majority of people looking to advance their lifespan. In other words, as is the case with many things in this lifetime, financial status stands as the ultimate barrier when it comes to accessing longevity advice and treatment.
In order to turn the tables and encourage an accessible climate whereby longevity advice is for everyone, artificial intelligence (AI) could become a major player in making the sector considerably more cost-effective for the average person, democratising access to resources and treatment plans.
However, it must remain clear that AI cannot be marked as the whole solution – the longevity gap is a by-product of much wider societal issues that governments across the globe need to work to solve. AI’s power, alongside other technologies, only remains a small part of a much larger healthcare puzzle.
AI-powered algorithms can process personal health data – including genetics, biomarkers, lifestyle habits, and medical history – to deliver tailored longevity insights. By offering personalised and actionable recommendations, AI eliminates the need for costly consultations, making longevity guidance more accessible.
Additionally, wearable devices that sync with AI systems enable the continuous tracking of vital health metrics such as heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and glucose levels. This real-time monitoring not only empowers individuals to make informed health decisions but also provides early warnings of potential medical concerns. By analysing these data points, AI can detect early signs of conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, sleep disorders, and even cancer – with detection rates improving by 20% with AI assistance. This allows for proactive health management and reinforces the role of AI in advancing longevity for all. However, it must not be forgotten that balancing this with advice from trained medical professionals must remain a clear next step.
As already touched on, such AI products should not be used in isolation or to replace official medical advice, instead, AI can be utilized as a tool to democratise longevity insights – dismantling its current ‘exclusivity’ for the rich and famous.
The future of longevity care, a future for all
If we are to consider the future of longevity technology, conversations need to remain focused on how current systems need to change to ensure lifespan advice for the many, and no longer the few.
In other words, it is time the narrative shifts, and health becomes more than simply a commodity dictated by someone’s wealth and status. As technology continues to advance, AI has the power to challenge this, offering scalable, affordable, and personalised health insights to everyone – irrelevant of social status.
If we harness AI’s potential with ethical intention and transparency, we won’t just have the potential to extend lifespan – we’ll have the chance to transform them. A longer, healthier life should not be a luxury; it should be a fundamental right from the offset.
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