The University of Navarra brings generative artificial intelligence to the elderly

The University of Navarra, through its Unit of Scientific Culture and Innovation (UCC+I)held the informative talk "Generative AI. A new companion in our daily life". The activity, aimed at seniors, had the goal of bringing this technology to a public with less access to digital tools and promote technological literacy as a way of social inclusion. It counted with the partnership of the association of Neighbors and Merchants of the Santa María la Real neighborhood.

The meeting brought together nearly 50 people interested in exploring how generative artificial intelligence can improve their autonomy, communication, entertainment and quality of life, and in learning about the main challenges and precautions for a manager use. "Generative AI should not be seen as a distant or exclusive tool for experts. Our goal is that older people can understand it and use it in an internship and safe way", explained Julieta Sammartino, researcher at the Institute of data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DATAI) of the at the University of Navarra and speaker at the session.

AI and active aging

During the talk, Sammartino explained in a clear and accessible way what generative artificial intelligence is, how it is currently applied and what opportunities it offers to the elderly. The session took place in a demographic context that is particularly relevant for Navarra, since according to the latest diagnosis of needs and concerns of the elderly carried out by the Pamplona City CouncilIn the capital, there are 48,423 people over 65 years of age -23% of the population- , and 7% are over 80 years of age. This reality reinforces the need to create spaces for technological participation and digital inclusion that allow this group to benefit from technological advances.

This activity, held at the Santa María la Real Center, is part of the annual program of the UCC+I of the University of Navarra, aimed at promoting the active participation of citizens in science and innovation. With these initiatives, the institution reinforces its commitment to knowledge transfer, scientific knowledge dissemination and the reduction of the digital divide, especially among the elderly. "Technology should be a tool for integration, not exclusion. That is why we believe it is essential to offer accessible learning spaces, especially to those who can most benefit from them," added Sammartino.