The tech we need to fight workplace ageism | Piyachart Phiromswad
Nov 24, 2023
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Economist Piyachart Phiromswad discusses tools to empower elderly workers in the face of workplace ageism, including exoskeletons, remote work, and robotic arms. The talk also explores the ethical considerations of keeping aging populations in the workforce for productivity.
The development of senior employment technologies can help address physical and cognitive barriers faced by seniors, improving their quality of life and creating a positive aging society.
Instead of using technology to enable retirees to continue working, efforts should be focused on providing a cushion of rest and addressing their basic needs.
Deep dives
The growing retirement crisis and the impact on social security benefits
The retirement crisis among the baby boomer generation is a significant concern, with millions of workers set to retire in the coming years. The strain on social security benefits and the inadequacy of those benefits to cover living and care needs are major issues. Longer lifespans and declining fertility rates exacerbate the challenges. Many experts are considering the idea of allowing older workers to continue contributing to the workforce using technology. However, this raises ethical questions about the pressure to work past retirement age.
Democratizing senior employment through technology in developing countries
In developing countries, the belief that senior citizens shouldn't work can lead to significant challenges, both for individuals and for society as a whole. Lack of employment opportunities and limited savings can result in feelings of hopelessness and purposelessness. The solution proposed is the development of senior employment technologies that address physical and cognitive barriers that seniors may face. For example, physical augmentation technologies like exoskeleton suits and collaborative robots can assist with physical tasks. Remote working technology and smart city infrastructure can help with transportation barriers. Cognitive augmentation technologies like AI-powered devices can enhance cognitive abilities. By embracing these advancements, developing countries can break the negative aging spiral and create a positive aging society.
Questioning the ethics of pushing retirees to work and exploring alternative solutions
As the retirement age population faces economic hardships, the idea of using technology to enable them to continue working is gaining attention. However, this presents ethical concerns about asking retirees to prolong their productivity and depriving them of the opportunity to spend quality time with their families or pursue personal interests. Instead of focusing on technology for extended work, efforts should be directed towards providing a cushion of rest and addressing retirees' basic needs. By using technology to support retirees in retirement rather than work, we can ensure they have the opportunity to enjoy their well-deserved years of rest and relaxation.
From exoskeletons and robotic arms to the mass adoption of remote work, economist Piyachart Phiromswad explores what seniors need to overcome the physical, mental and societal barriers to employment, a necessary shift in our rapidly aging world. Learn more about how these tools could empower elderly workers and better the world — for everyone. After the talk, Sherrell explores the ethical considerations of keeping aging populations in the workforce for the sake of productivity.