Bill would expand research into AI's effects in elderly

Sens. Mark Kelly (D‐Ariz.), Rick Scott (R‐Fla.) and Roger Marshall (R‐Kan.) have introduced the Aging with Artificial Intelligence Act — bipartisan legislation that would expand federal research on how AI tools, including chatbots and voice assistants, are affecting older adults, a news release from Kelly's office stated. The bill would direct the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to study how older adults use AI‐enabled technologies such as chatbots and voice assistants, including potential benefits for aging in place, caregiving, health management and access to information and services. Researchers would also examine risks associated with the technology, including fraud and scams, misinformation, social isolation, overreliance on AI and the manipulation by systems designed to mimic human interaction. The measure would further support research through the National Institute on Aging and provide Congress with ongoing reports on emerging trends, findings and future research needs.