Artificial Intelligence (AI) is part of the daily lives of everyone across Europe, including older persons. While AI holds significant potential to enhance the independence, safety, health and social participation of older persons, it also raises important ethical, legal and societal questions that require careful consideration.
AI should not be viewed solely as a technological innovation, but as part of a broader policy framework for active, healthy and self-determined ageing. AI has the potential to promote independence, safety and participation in older age, but its benefits will only materialise if AI-based systems and tools are accompanied by robust human rights safeguards, inclusive policies, digital education and meaningful participation of older persons themselves.
Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 2343 (2020) “Preventing discrimination caused by the use of artificial intelligence” highlighted the need to address issues of diversity and inclusion as regards AI. It also called on member States to support research into data bias in AI-based systems and the meansw to counter its impact, and to promote digital literacy and access to digital tools by all members of society. Lifelong training on the use of AI is also needed, especially for older people.
In its Resolution 2592 (2025) “Overcoming age-based discrimination against older persons”, the Assembly called on member States to ensure that implicit and explicit bias and ageism are eliminated in the design, development and use of AI in the fields of healthcare and social care. It also asked to identify and avoid implicit and explicit bias and ageism in the design and use of AI technologies applied to public goods and services.
The Assembly should follow up and analyse how AI technologies affect the everyday life of older persons and formulate policy recommendations to guide member States in shaping AI policies that respect the human dignity, autonomy and inclusion of older persons in our societies.