Artificial Intelligence and Care Technologies in Sharjah for Senior Citizens
The emirate of Sharjah is making significant strides in becoming an age-friendly city through the innovative use of artificial intelligence and advanced caregiving technologies. This initiative is part of an integrated framework guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, a member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. These efforts reflect the emirate’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all community members, particularly senior citizens, in an environment that respects their needs and honors their experiences. Through initiatives that incorporate AI, Sharjah is effectively transforming elder care services to ensure a dignified and engaging lifestyle for older adults.
2024 Senior Services Forum: Strategic Recommendations
In alignment with this vision, the 2024 Senior Services Forum, themed “Artificial Intelligence in the Service of Senior Citizens,” marked a significant moment for outlining the future of technological advancements in elder care. Organized by the Sharjah Social Services Department, the forum proposed a series of strategic recommendations aimed at enhancing the use of smart technologies for senior citizens. Key recommendations included forging active partnerships with the private sector to launch specialized technological and training programs targeting this demographic. Furthermore, it emphasized the importance of involving seniors in decision-making processes through advisory committees that represent their voices and address their real needs.
The forum also highlighted the necessity of expanding the use of assistive tools to provide healthcare services and daily monitoring. It called for the development of integrated digital platforms that connect health and social service providers. This would facilitate easier access to medical and psychological support, along with remote consultations in a secure and convenient manner.
Smart Platforms Enhancing Service Access
Continuing this commitment, Sharjah has devised several digital platforms that enhance accessibility to services and promote the independence of senior citizens within an integrated smart environment. Among these initiatives launched by the Sharjah Social Services Department is the “Virtual Social Counselor” platform. This AI-powered tool enables senior citizens to communicate with social and healthcare providers from the comfort of their homes through interactive voice and video channels. Additionally, the “Virtual Companion” service utilizes smart screens within seniors’ homes, allowing them to engage daily with nursing and psychological support teams, thereby alleviating feelings of loneliness and promoting mental well-being.
Innovative and Supportive Smart Tools
In conjunction with interactive platforms, a range of innovative smart tools has been introduced to support seniors’ daily lifestyles and ensure maximum safety and comfort at home. A notable example is the “Limb” application, an interactive digital tool for rehabilitation exercises, which enables professionals to design digital treatment programs and monitor performance remotely. This enhances home care effectiveness and reduces the need for travel.
Field Support Services
Alongside digital solutions, Sharjah places great importance on field services that reach the homes of senior citizens as part of a comprehensive mobile care system. These initiatives include mobile medical clinics that visit seniors’ residences to provide routine check-ups and diagnostic services, as well as home nursing services that ensure healthcare and medication delivery for chronic cases. The “Journey” service assists seniors and individuals with disabilities in reaching healthcare centers, while the “Response” service, launched in 2022, facilitates official transactions for beneficiaries of home care services, including document renewals without the need to leave their homes.
Active Aging and Community Engagement
The emirate of Sharjah is dedicated to enhancing social and cultural interactions for senior citizens through a holistic approach that emphasizes the concept of active aging and community participation. This is achieved by involving seniors in cultural, social, and sports activities supported by AI technologies designed specifically to accommodate their capabilities. Digital training programs are provided to improve their technical skills, thus empowering them and increasing their engagement with electronic services.
These initiatives culminate in a sustainable system that exemplifies Sharjah’s commitment to creating a smart and secure environment for senior citizens. The initiatives reflect a comprehensive commitment to building a safe and intelligent framework that preserves the dignity of older adults while ensuring a high quality of life at every stage of their lives. Through the application of digital solutions and consideration of future initiatives, Sharjah continues to present an advanced model for social and humanitarian care in the digital age.