Social and societal issues in AAL

Lutz, C., Miguel, C., Mujirishvili, T., Perez Vega, R. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1619-317X and Fedosov, A. (2025) Social and societal issues in AAL. In: Salah, A. A., Colonna, L. and Florez-Revuelta, F. (eds.) Privacy-Aware Monitoring for Assisted Living Ethical, Legal, and Technological Aspects of Audio- and Video-Based AAL Solutions:. Intelligent Systems Reference Library. Springer, Switzerland. ISBN 9783031841576 doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-84158-3_13

Abstract/Summary

Active Assisted Living (AAL) systems use advanced technology to help older, impaired, or frail people live independently and stay active in society. These systems rely on automated data monitoring in home or care environments, processing video, image, audio, environmental, and motion data through artificial intelligence (AI), particularly machine learning. Thus, AAL systems offer considerable opportunities for efficient health monitoring, increased autonomy, and enhanced quality of life for older adults. However, AAL technologies also present ethical, legal, and social challenges, particularly around privacy due to the sensitive nature of the data collected and the vulnerability of the populations served. Beyond privacy, the broader social implications of AAL must be considered, including the potential reshaping of care relationships and work within the sector. This chapter provides an in-depth overview of the social and societal issues surrounding AAL, offering a comprehensive literature review that highlights the challenges in implementing these systems in everyday life. Specifically, the chapter discusses cultural differences, biases, the normalization of surveillance, the reshaping of care work and relationships, and matters of trust and adoption, alongside the opportunities AAL technology offers for prolonged independent living.

Item Type	Book or Report Section
URI	https://reading-pure-test.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/123488
Identification Number/DOI	10.1007/978-3-031-84158-3_13
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Henley Business School > Digitalisation, Marketing and Entrepreneurship Central Services
Publisher	Springer
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