Why Responsible AgeTech Matters

Responsible AgeTech ‘25 began as a personal project, born from my work in human centered design, and from a growing unease about the rapid proliferation of AI in AgeTech products and services. I was increasingly concerned about the absence of a robust conversation about adoption of best practices to address the real risks of algorithmic bias targeting the entire human ecosystem involved in aging wellness and care.

The intersection of AI and aging care presents both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges. While AI-powered solutions can enhance independence, improve quality of care, and support aging in place, they also raise critical questions about privacy protection, trust, cultural sensitivity, and the appropriate balance between human autonomy and automated care.

Aging is a universal human experience, yet it is also hyper-local, shaped by individuals, cultures, traditions, and circumstances. This complexity means that AI deployment in products and services across the spectrum of aging must balance universal ethical principles with local contexts and needs, while navigating the complex tension between fostering innovation and ensuring appropriate regulation.

Responsible AgeTech ‘25, this website, and the associated LinkedIn public group aim to facilitate meaningful global conversations, foster collaborative partnerships, enable knowledge exchange, and hopefully, also nurture lasting friendships among the diverse, multidisciplinary community of people who share similar values and objectives.

This entire initiative is personally funded by me with no sponsors or institutional backing. The conference and all resources are completely free, participant information will never be shared without explicit consent and will never be sold to anyone.

This is my contribution to ensuring technology serves human dignity as AI becomes more prevalent in our aging ecosystem.

I invite you to join me and others as we work together to shape a future that keeps our interests as people first, where artificial intelligence serves not just efficiency, innovation and profit, but the deeper human values that make aging a journey filled with dignity and meaning.

My sincere thanks to all the panelists who made this dialogue possible through their willingness to share openly, think critically, and engage with both the promise and complexity of AI in aging.

Ezra Schwartz
Founder and Organizer, Responsible AgeTech
LinkedIn