Technology's On-Ramp for Older Adults
Takeaways from AARP’s Global Thought Leadership Conference
Last week’s AARP Global Thought Leadership Conference brought together leaders from the public and private sector to discuss solutions for strengthening the wellbeing and opportunity for people around the world as they age.??
A panel I participated in with Gayle E. Smith (One Campaign) and Marla Blow (Skoll Foundation) posed the question, “In the face of rapid technological change, how can we ensure older generations and people in lower and middle-income countries benefit from the advancements?”
It’s a fair question—and one that we ask ourselves daily at Google as making tech services available and affordable to people around the world is what we’re all about.
As I told our moderator Lana Wong, we're excited about the potential of AI to make technology more accessible. But, it will take partnership and collaboration to ensure everybody shares in the benefits.
That’s why Google.org last year made a $10 million grant to AARP foundation to help provide technology and digital skills training to 25,000 people over 50–and why we continue to build on that commitment.?
AI is going to lead to profound scientific advances, new job opportunities, and medical breakthroughs—but only if we take a holistic approach that ensures these new tools provide, protect, and empower people.??
领英推荐
As I mentioned during the panel, I recently returned from Japan—a country where nearly 30% of the population is over 65–and I was struck by how enthusiastically Japan is embracing emerging technologies like robotics and AI.
AI technologies, natural language processing, and the like are some of the easiest skills to pick up because you can simply talk to the system in your normal language and get advice and ideas about how to move forward. So whether you’re trying to save time, advance in your career, or switch careers, these tools are there to help.
That’s important. Because at the end of the day, technology shouldn't be a barrier—but an on-ramp.?
We appreciate AARP for inviting us to share our point of view.?
See full panel discussion below.
Chief Public Policy Officer, AARP | Author, The Second Fifty: Answers to the 7 Biggest Questions of Mid-Life and Beyond | Keynote Speaker | Expert on Aging and Longevity | Senior Executive Leader
1 年Great to have you!
Legal Director and Business Legal Team Manager, YouTube/Google
1 年This is great!
Twenty first century digital craftsmanship. It's 2025. Let go of the status quo.
1 年I asked a visually challenged (blind) contact of mine if he thinks current web accessibility standards are discriminatory and a form of segregation: "Yes. the current situation is almost identical to the 1950's where water fountains were labeled by race, especially in the southern US. Also, counters, booths, and tables in restaurants, etc. Today, it's "upgrade equipment" to be able to run the latest web browsers. I don't have $600 to upgrade either the laptop or the mac mini here, but that is exactly what it is going to take in order to have the latest software. Per both the 1973 rehabilitation act (as currently amended) as well as the Americans with Disabilities act, any form of discrimination that results in constructive barriers to entry is illegal."
"technology shouldn't be a barrier—but an on-ramp" - this was a super panel and raised a number of important opportunities for partnerships to drive digital inclusion across generations. Thank you, Kent!
Great discussions as technology is moving so quickly. How can we be sure they aren't forgotten and left behind. ????