Ted Talks Daily – The tech we need to fight workplace ageism | Piyachart Phiromswad

Intro

In this episode of Ted Talks Daily, Piyachart Phiromswad discusses the tech solutions needed to combat workplace ageism. With the global aging population on the rise, it is crucial to address the challenges faced by senior workers. Phiromswad explores various technologies that can empower seniors and create a positive aging spiral in the workplace.

Main Takeaways

Democratizing Senior Employment

• By 2050, there will be over 2 billion people over the age of 60, with 80% living in low and middle-income countries.
• Senior employment is not seen as essential globally, leading to a major problem, especially in developing countries.
• Senior employment technologies can be used to break the negative aging spiral and democratize senior employment.

Physical Augmentation Technologies

• Physical augmentation technologies, such as exoskeleton suits, can help seniors overcome physical barriers to work.
• Collaborative robots or co-bots can be used by senior citizens to recover hand and finger dexterity for work that requires precision.

Cognitive Augmentation Technologies

• Cognitive augmentation technologies, such as AI assistants, can help seniors overcome cognitive barriers to work.
• Cognitive augmentation software powered by AI can be used as a companion to help senior workers with work-related information and decision-making.

Remote Working and Smart City Technologies

• Remote working technology can completely remove the journey to work itself for senior citizens who don’t need physical presence at work.
• Smart city technologies can improve the journey to work for senior citizens who need physical presence at work.

Positive Aging Spiral

• Senior employment technologies can help remove negative aging beliefs and create a positive aging spiral where senior citizens invest in their skills and health for future work opportunities.
• These technologies can transform and democratize senior employment from scarcity to abundance.

Summary

The Need for Senior Employment Technologies

With the global aging population increasing, it is crucial to address the challenges faced by senior workers. By 2050, there will be over 2 billion people over the age of 60, with a majority living in low and middle-income countries. However, senior employment is not seen as essential globally, leading to a major problem, especially in developing countries. To combat workplace ageism and empower senior workers, senior employment technologies can play a vital role.

Empowering Seniors Through Technology

Physical augmentation technologies like exoskeleton suits can help seniors overcome physical barriers to work, enabling them to perform tasks that require physical strength and endurance. Collaborative robots or co-bots can assist senior citizens in recovering hand and finger dexterity, allowing them to engage in precision-based work. Cognitive augmentation technologies, such as AI assistants and software, can help seniors overcome cognitive barriers by providing support with work-related information and decision-making. These technologies enable seniors to stay active and productive in the workforce.

Removing Barriers to Work

Remote working technology eliminates the need for seniors to commute to work physically, making it easier for those who don’t require physical presence at their workplace. Smart city technologies enhance the journey to work for seniors who do need to be physically present, ensuring accessibility and convenience. By leveraging these technologies, seniors can continue contributing to the workforce without facing unnecessary obstacles.

Creating a Positive Aging Spiral

Senior employment technologies not only address the immediate challenges faced by senior workers but also help remove negative aging beliefs and create a positive aging spiral. By investing in their skills and health for future work opportunities, seniors can break free from the negative stereotypes associated with aging. These technologies transform senior employment from scarcity to abundance, empowering seniors and democratizing the workforce.

Conclusion

Piyachart Phiromswad highlights the importance of utilizing senior employment technologies to combat workplace ageism and empower senior workers. By leveraging physical and cognitive augmentation technologies, remote working and smart city solutions, and fostering a positive aging spiral, we can create a more inclusive and productive workforce for all generations. It is essential to prioritize and invest in these technologies to ensure a brighter future for seniors in the workplace.