Ageing population

[Bellcose]

Could i then claim that women are a burden on society

Probably since that group generally have fewer financial resources and they require - and deserve - society's support.

 

[divs4ever]

Probably since that group generally have fewer financial resources and they require - and deserve - society's support.

that would depend on how much their partner's super has been looted before she is entitled to the remainder

we have governments fixated on stripping assets from the recently deceased ( and maybe promise to help those legally entitled to to inheritance )

 

[sptrawler]

Well, to me it seems pretty straightforward that as the boomers retire, and need more and more care, we not only need the same number of workers to do all the jobs the boomers used to do, plus a certain number of carers to care for the aging boomers.

I don’t see how the math works with out increasing the workforce through immigration.

What solution do you suggest.

Maybe you and the missus could have a couple of kids?

And before you have a go at me, we had 4 kids and have 8 grandkids, so I've done my best, but my backs given up.

 

[Value Collector]

Maybe you and the missus could have a couple of kids?

No need, the global population is still growing, it’s easier to bring in a trained dentist than put me through the hell of raising one from scratch, .

Not to mention that I am of the opinion that as we get more and more automation, a smaller global population is probably a good thing.

I mean when you were born the global population was probably about 3 Billion, would it be that bad if in a world where robots can provide us most of the labour needed to produce all the products and services we need the population slowly started heading down from 9 Billion back to around 3 Billion.

Who knows in 100 years people might even stop ageing, and the death rate drops to close to zero, and we rely on a super low birth rate, where families just have 1 or none babies and wait till their 50’s to have their first , but in the mean time the global birth rate is positive, no need to rush into having babies.

 

[JohnDe]

I'm not worried, other than the obsession of the left and the socialists to try and scare people into believing their mad opinions.

Human ingenuity has solved all our problems for thousands of years, and it will continue to do so in the future. However, it is also that human factor that tries to chain us into false beliefs of doom and destruction. Inventing new ways to put fear into our children, to tax us into equal pay, to empower governments and reduce our free will.

I'm an optimist, we'll all get out of this just fine. As long as we do our own planning and saving.

The future is so bright, I have to wear sunglasses.

Rise of the Machines: Will Robots Become the Future of Aged Care?

In a stunning display of technological advancement, Tesla recently unveiled its Optimus Gen 2 humanoid robot at the ‘We Robot’ event in California.

Designed to help with everyday tasks around the house, Optimus comes with an anticipated price tag of just $20,000 to $30,000. With capabilities ranging from serving drinks to dancing and holding conversations, Elon Musk claims that these robots may eventually become household companions and even assist with tasks like walking the dog, babysitting children, and mowing the lawn.

While the current model is not yet autonomous, being controlled remotely by human operators through VR systems, the range of possibilities these robots offer is expanding rapidly. Beyond household uses, many are beginning to consider how these humanoid robots could transform industries like aged care and home care, improving services and addressing workforce shortages.

Robots in Aged Care​

With the rise of ageing populations and a growing strain on care systems, robots like Optimus could play a significant role in aged care.

Residential care homes are struggling with staff shortages, while increasing regulations demand more personalised care. Robots could offer a solution by assisting human staff with physical and repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on higher-quality interactions with residents.

Some ways that humanoid robots could be used in aged care include:

1. Physical Support: Robots could help with lifting and transferring residents from beds or chairs, reducing the risk of injury to both residents and staff.
2. Monitoring and Alerts: Equipped with sensors, robots could monitor residents’ vitals or detect falls, alerting human caregivers when assistance is needed.
3. Engagement Activities: Robots may also participate in social activities, such as leading light exercises, singing sessions, or playing games with residents—activities essential to maintaining mental well-being in older adults.

Tesla’s Optimus Gen 2 even demonstrated its ability to serve drinks and interact with guests, suggesting that in future, robots could perform hospitality functions in care homes, such as serving meals and ensuring residents are hydrated.

Applications for Home Care: Enhancing Independent Living​

The use of robots in home care settings also offers exciting opportunities, especially for seniors and individuals with disabilities aiming to maintain their independence. With rising labour costs in the care sector, a robot priced at $20K to $30K could be a cost-effective option to supplement care services.

Potential uses in home care include:

1. Assistance with Daily Tasks: Robots could help clients with household chores, such as vacuuming, laundry, and meal preparation, relieving some of the burdens on human carers.
2. Companionship: Social isolation is a significant issue for many elderly people. With the capability to hold conversations, future iterations of robots could provide companionship and emotional support, especially during the hours when human carers are not present.
3. Medication Management: Robots could assist in reminding clients to take medications on time or even dispense them, ensuring adherence to treatment plans.
4. Telepresence: Equipped with cameras and remote operation, these robots could also facilitate virtual family visits or connect clients with healthcare providers, offering an extra layer of support in emergency situations.

Augmenting, Not Replacing, the Workforce​

While robots like Tesla’s Optimus are advancing rapidly, they are not meant to replace human carers, at least not yet.

The most promising future lies in collaboration between robots and human workers, combining the strength, efficiency, and precision of robots with the empathy, creativity, and adaptability of human carers.

Robots can take over repetitive or physically demanding tasks, preventing burnout and injury among aged care staff.

This frees up workers to spend more time engaging with residents, delivering emotional and personalised care, which is critical for improving quality of life in aged care settings. Moreover, such an approach could also make aged care roles more appealing, as carers would focus less on routine tasks and more on meaningful interaction.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations​

Despite the potential benefits, integrating robots into care settings raises important questions. How will residents react to robots in personal care roles? Will there be resistance from workers concerned about job security?

Moreover, care providers must ensure that privacy and dignity are respected, especially when robots are involved in personal or sensitive activities.

There are also concerns about reliability and maintenance. A malfunctioning robot could cause delays in care, with serious consequences. Therefore, any rollout of robots in aged care would need to be carefully managed, with appropriate oversight, training, and backup plans in place.

New Frontiers​

As the potential for robotics in aged care looms closer, we find ourselves at a critical juncture: an opportunity for the sector to finally embrace technology in ways it has historically resisted.

Aged care has often lagged behind other industries in adopting modern technological solutions, relying on outdated systems that can hinder efficiency and quality of care. For instance, traditional call bells remain little more than rudimentary buzzers, offering no insight into the urgency or context of a resident’s request. Furthermore, in some facilities, data collection is still a manual process involving paper and pen, making it difficult to track vital information efficiently and effectively.

Incorporating robotics into the sector could not only streamline operations but also encourage a cultural shift towards innovation and adaptability. The future of aged care might well involve a blend of human and robotic care, where technology serves to enhance well-being and maintain dignity.

As Tesla and other robotics companies push the boundaries of what robots can do, the aged care sector has the opportunity to lead the way in adopting these new tools, setting a standard for compassionate and efficient care in the 21st century.