Artificial Intelligence Applications in Care for Older Adults and Robotic Living: Future Projections
Chapter from the book: Yelboğa, N. (ed.) 2026. Social Work in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Practice and Future.

Muhammed Yusuf Bulut
İnönü University
Selman Bölükbaşı
İnönü University

Synopsis

This chapter examines artificial intelligence (AI) applications and robotic technologies in elderly care from a gerontology and social work perspective within the context of global and national demographic transformation. According to Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) data for the year 2025, the proportion of the population aged 65 and over in Türkiye reached 11.1% of the total population; the median age rose to 34.9. This demographic picture increases the importance of technological solutions in a period when the demand for care services exceeds the current capacity. The chapter systematically examines smart home systems and LSTM-based sensor networks, social assistant robots (PARO, LOVOT), deep learning-based clinical diagnostic systems, cognitive training platforms, and caregiver support technologies. It is observed that AI-supported systems have achieved accuracy rates of 90% in dementia diagnosis, 85% in knee osteoarthritis, and 91% in cardiovascular diseases. Qualitative findings regarding Alzheimer's day care center models and rural aging experiences in Türkiye demonstrate that technology integration needs to be addressed with its psychosocial, cultural, and ethical dimensions. The chapter discusses structural issues such as the digital divide, the right to privacy, the robotization of caring labor, and caregiver burnout; and advocates for the necessity of an egalitarian and interdisciplinary policy framework that centers human dignity.

How to cite this book

Bulut, M. Y. & Bölükbaşı, S. (2026). Artificial Intelligence Applications in Care for Older Adults and Robotic Living: Future Projections. In: Yelboğa, N. (ed.), Social Work in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Practice and Future. Özgür Publications. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58830/ozgur.pub1227.c4933

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Published

March 18, 2026

DOI