Why we need technological progress and senior citizens and why they go well together
Rapid digital progress on the one hand and a shortage of skilled workers and an ageing society on the other: How do we get it all together?
Control the avatar from the living room
No problem for Japanese researchers. They have developed avatar checkouts for a supermarket chain whose animes are controlled remotely, e.g. by experienced older or former employees who are familiar with the customers and products. The seniors can even instruct the avatars from the comfort of their own home while the anime is toiling away in the supermarket.
Senior citizens, a topic for AI research
On the other hand, the same Japanese robot researchers are working on digital communication systems such as online stores that also reach non-technical senior citizens. As direct human contact in the store is still crucial for this age group, many pensioners work part-time directly in retail and service, as an important point of contact on site.
Don’t demonize AI, don’t forget pensioners
Whether human or avatar: retirees are a welcome workforce in Japan with their expertise, specialist knowledge and experience, but not against, but with the help of digital progress. Research is providing the appropriate new technologies, and politics, at least in Japan, is promoting working until 70 and beyond, with flexible, accommodating working time models, among other things.
Our conclusion: don’t forget the pensioners and don’t demonize AI, but use it – a good plan, also for us. And you? When can we develop a target group-specific recruiting campaign for you?
Click here for your next target group-specific recruiting campaign.
You can read more about this “Japanese pensioner job miracle” in Handelsblatt and elsewhere.
