As global demographics continue to evolve toward an increasingly aging population, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a transformative tool in addressing the emotional and social challenges the elderly face. Individuals born before the 1980s generally exhibit lower digital proficiency compared to younger generations, which places them at a disadvantage in adapting to today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape (refer to Picture 1). By the year 2050, AI is anticipated to play a pivotal role in elder care, evolving into a digital companion that provides comprehensive emotional and social support. Innovations such as caregiving robots, intelligent chatbots and AI-driven mental health applications are expected to revolutionize the landscape of senior care. These technologies possess the capability to analyze behavioral and emotional patterns, enabling them to deliver personalized interventions that enhance mental well-being and overall quality of life among elderly individuals.

In countries where aging populations are rapidly increasing, the integration of AI in elder care is already taking shape. Japan, for instance, has introduced caregiving robots such as Pepper to provide companionship, stimulate cognitive engagement and assist with daily routines. These robots are designed to interact empathetically with elderly individuals, promoting both mental stimulation and emotional comfort (Kanamori et al., 2021). In the United States, AI applications such as Replika serve as virtual companions that engage users in meaningful, empathetic conversations, offering a source of emotional support and a sense of connection, particularly for those who are socially isolated (Park et al., 2020). Meanwhile, Europe is taking proactive steps through initiatives like the H2020 CARESSES project, funded by the European Union, which focuses on integrating culturally aware robots and environmental sensor systems into elder care. This project ensures that interactions are not only personalized but also aligned with the cultural values and preferences of senior users, fostering dignity and familiarity in their daily experiences (Dautenhahn et al., 2019).

AI technologies also hold the potential to bridge social gaps by enhancing communication between elderly individuals and their families or broader social networks through intelligent platforms. These systems contribute to a sense of inclusion and belonging, helping to alleviate feelings of loneliness and disconnection. Nevertheless, the journey towards widespread and ethical adoption of AI in elder care is not without its challenges. Key concerns include the digital divide, particularly for older adults who may lack access or familiarity with digital tools; the risk of overdependence on technology at the expense of human interaction; and critical considerations surrounding data security and privacy. Addressing these issues requires a concerted effort from researchers, developers and policymakers to ensure AI solutions are accessible, ethical, culturally sensitive and user-friendly for the elderly.

With ongoing research and careful attention to inclusivity and ethics, artificial intelligence has the potential to become a vital and trusted digital companion—one that supports not only the physical but also the emotional and social well-being of elderly individuals worldwide. By 2050, AI could reshape the aging experience, allowing seniors to lead more connected, supported and fulfilling lives through the thoughtful integration of technology into their everyday routines.

This article is authored by Dr. Norizan Musa, a lecturer at the Tourism Department, Faculty of Hospitality, Tourism and Wellness, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan. She holds a doctoral degree and specializes in tourism geography, with a research focus that encompasses qualitative studies on pilgrimage travel, rural and urban dynamics, elderly populations, socioeconomics and well-being. Her academic pursuits reflect a commitment to exploring the intersection of aging, mobility and quality of life, particularly within sustainable and inclusive tourism development.

Acknowledgment
The author expresses sincere appreciation to Universiti Malaysia Kelantan for supporting this research through the UMK FUND research grant (R/FUND/A1100/01974A/001/2022/01095) under the project titled ‘Pengaturan Kehidupan Warga Emas Dan Impak Ke Atas Kemampuan Melancong’.

Picture1: Researcher observed that elderly Malay individuals with chronic illnesses receive support from their spouses, particularly in managing medication schedules and monitoring blood pressure. In the view of the elderly individual, they are not proficient in using technology.