Old Age in the Robotic Age

Old Age in the Robotic Age: How Machines Are Becoming Companions in Our Final Chapters

In a recent issue of Wall Street Journal, LS Dugdale explores a theme that resonates deeply with those of us who have lived long enough to witness medicine, technology, and culture reinvent themselves: aging in the era of intelligent machines. For seniors, especially those living alone or managing chronic health challenges, the robot revolution is no longer science fiction, it is becoming part of daily life.

I read the article with a mixture of curiosity and recognition. Having spent years at the FDA and three other big private companies, where we carefully evaluated emerging medical technologies and new drugs,  I’ve watched the evolution of devices meant to support vulnerable populations. But today’s robots go far beyond clinical tools. They are stepping into roles that were once the work of family members, caregivers, or attentive neighbors: helping someone get out of bed, reminding them about medications, offering companionship, or simply standing by to prevent a fall.

The Rise of the Practical Helper

Dugdale describes machines that can literally lift a person out of bed, transfer them safely into a chair, or support them during a bath. These tasks can be physically demanding for caregivers and emotionally uncomfortable for older adults. A robot doesn’t get tired. It doesn’t wince. It doesn’t hurry. For someone with limited mobility, this can be the difference between living independently and entering long-term care.

We’re already seeing robotic walkers that anticipate a senior’s balance shifts, smart home sensors that alert families when something seems off, and automated medication dispensers that prevent harmful mistakes. These tools reduce risks that many seniors fear, most of all, the fear of falling, which can change everything in an instant.

Companionship in a Digitized World

More surprising, perhaps, is the emotional dimension. Robots that talk, listen, encourage, and respond are becoming part of daily routines. Some are shaped like pets; others resemble simple tabletop devices with expressive faces. For seniors who no longer drive, who see fewer friends, who have outlived spouses or siblings, these machines can soften the edges of loneliness.

Are they the same as human connection? Of course not. But they can supplement it and sometimes they are the difference between silence and a voice saying, “Are you okay today?”

Ethics, Dignity, and What We Value

As Dugdale notes, we must also wrestle with the ethical questions. Are we replacing human touch with mechanical efficiency? Are we risking emotional shortcuts when what older adults really need is time, patience, and presence?

But I also see another angle: autonomy.

For many seniors, dignity comes from being able to do things themselves or at least without feeling like a burden. If a robotic assistant helps someone bathe safely and privately, or get up without calling a son, daughter, or aide, that is not a loss of humanity. That is a restoration of it.

Aging, Technology, and the Shape of Tomorrow

As someone now writing from the vantage point of later life, I feel this topic not just academically but personally. The machines are coming, not to take over our lives, but to support them. And perhaps to give us more time, more choices, and more freedom.

For decades, my work at the FDA showed me how innovation often begins in laboratories, but its true meaning unfolds in living rooms, clinics, and nursing homes. Today’s robotic age is no different. It is redefining aging, not as decline, but as a stage of life where technology can offer a new kind of safety net.

A Personal Reflection

I’ve been blogging since 2009. Over the years, my posts have followed me through careers, passions, health challenges, and the slow but steady march of time. Writing about aging in the robotic age feels like reflecting on the world I now inhabit, one where my generation is learning to live alongside machines that didn’t exist when we were young.

And perhaps that is the quiet beauty of this moment: even as our bodies slow, the world continues to innovate around us. Robots will never replace human love, but they can amplify care, independence, and dignity. In the end, that is something worth embracing.

Meanwhile here's an AI Overview of the Above Topic: 

Old age in the robotic age is characterized by the use of robots and AI to support seniors with daily tasks, health monitoring, and companionship, enabling them to maintain independence and age in place. Robots can help with tasks like cleaning and medication reminders, monitor vital signs, provide physical assistance, and offer emotional support through conversation and interaction, ultimately aiming to enhance quality of life and ease the burden on human caregivers. Ethical considerations, such as consent and the potential for robots to replace human interaction, remain important as the technology develops, as shown in this YouTube video and this NIH article. 

Support for daily living and independence

• Physical assistance: Robots can help with tasks such as standing up, which requires careful development to ensure it is non-intrusive and cooperative with the user.
• Household chores: Robotic assistants can perform routine tasks like cleaning and cooking.
• Medication management: Robots can remind seniors to take medication and even dispense it at the correct time.
• Enhanced mobility: Robots can assist with and improve mobility. 

Health monitoring and safety

• Vital signs: Robots can monitor vital signs like blood pressure, body temperature, and heart rate.
• Fall detection: Some robots are equipped with sensors to detect and prevent falls.
• Remote care: They can provide remote access for doctors and nurses to monitor patients. 

Companionship and cognitive support 

• Social interaction: Robots can provide companionship, which is especially important for those experiencing loneliness.
• Cognitive stimulation: They can offer cognitive stimulation through games and conversation.
• AI companions: AI companions, accessible via phone or other devices, can engage in conversation, ask follow-up questions, and help schedule appointments. 

Ethical considerations

• Human vs. robot care: It is crucial to consider the ethical implications of using robots to replace human caregivers, particularly the loss of human interaction and the potential for confusion in those with dementia.
• Consent and control: The technology needs to be developed with the user's consent and in a way that ensures the person remains in control of their care.
• Human-in-the-loop: For complex tasks like assisting with standing, a "human-in-the-loop" approach is currently necessary, where a human supervises the robot to ensure the interaction is safe and cooperative. 

• Finally, here are five of the biggest headline news stories for today (December 8, 2025):

  🔎 Top News Headlines

  Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets European leaders in London amid Ukraine war talks
  The Guardian+2ABC News+2
  The Ukrainian president is in London for high-stakes discussions with leaders from the UK, France and Germany centered on a U.S.-authored peace proposal for ending the war in Ukraine. The Guardian+1

  Paramount Skydance makes a surprise $108.4 billion all-cash bid for Warner Bros. Discovery
  The Guardian
  Paramount Skydance’s bid overtakes Netflix’s earlier offer sparking a fierce media-industry battle with serious implications for streaming, content creation, and regulation. The Guardian

  United States Supreme Court hears major case on presidential powers could reshape independent agency authority
  AP News+1
  The Court is weighing whether the President can remove independent-agency board members without cause, a decision that could alter the balance of power over multiple governmental institutions. AP News

  Strong geomagnetic storm watch issued for tonight as CME from solar flare approaches Earth
  Midland Daily News
  A powerful coronal mass ejection (CME) triggered by a recent solar flare is en route,  a G3-level geomagnetic storm may hit tonight, potentially producing spectacular northern lights visible across parts of the continental U.S. and possibly affecting some satellite/communications systems. Midland Daily News

  Global crisis: fresh drone and missile strikes shake Ukraine amidst cease-fire talks
  Democracy Now!+1
  Even as peace talks advance, waves of Russian drone and missile strikes have hit infrastructure across Ukraine, damaging power plants — including a major nuclear facility intensifying fears of disaster amid escalating conflict. Democracy Now!+1

A Detail Look at My New BUDDI Watch

This Posting is inspired from my recent acquisition of a BUDDi watch from Vitalfriend.com ( My Second Posting)

 

Monitoring My Health: A Look at the "

Buddi Watch

" and Medicare-Covered RPM

Managing chronic health conditions often means frequent doctor visits and manual tracking of vital signs. The advent of remote patient monitoring (RPM) technology, like the "

Budd watch

" I recently received, is a game-changer, allowing continuous oversight of key metrics right from home.

The Benefits of Remote Monitoring

RPM devices act as a technological bridge between you and your healthcare provider. My new watch monitors three key vitals:

• Blood Pressure: Tracking daily fluctuations helps my doctor ensure my medication is properly managing my hypertension.
• Oxygen Level: Continuous pulse oximetry is crucial, especially for conditions like COPD or sleep apnea.
• Body Temperature: Consistent temperature monitoring can help catch infections or other issues early.

The data is automatically transmitted to my doctor's office, giving the clinical team real-time insights into my health status without requiring frequent in-person appointments. Studies have shown that effective RPM programs can reduce hospital admissions and improve overall health outcomes.

How Medicare Covers These Services

Medicare recognizes the value of RPM for managing conditions and provides reimbursement to healthcare providers for these services. Here’s how it generally works:

• Medically Necessary: RPM must be ordered or prescribed by a physician to help manage an acute or chronic condition.
• Automatic Data Transmission: The device must automatically upload health data to a secure platform; manual entry does not qualify.
• Regular Usage: Medicare requires data to be collected on at least 16 days out of every 30-day period for the service to be billable.
• Provider Monitoring: The service is not just the device; it includes clinical staff time (at least 20 minutes a month) dedicated to reviewing the data and coordinating care.

Important Note: Medicare does not directly pay for an individual to simply get a smartwatch. Instead, it reimburses your healthcare provider for the service of monitoring the data from an FDA-defined medical device. The provider usually supplies the device as part of the service.

A Note of Caution: Watching Out for Fraud

While my experience has been positive, government agencies like the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) have issued consumer alerts about RPM fraud schemes. Scammers may use cold calls or online ads promising "free" devices to sign up beneficiaries for services that are not medically necessary, or sometimes no service at all, and then bill Medicare fraudulently.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Legitimate Services Come from Your Doctor: RPM is a service ordered by your established healthcare provider, not a durable medical equipment (DME) company you randomly encounter online or over the phone.
• No Unexpected Bills: While Medicare Part B typically covers 80% of approved costs (leaving you responsible for the remaining 20% coinsurance unless you have a Medigap plan), you shouldn't be charged upfront for a "free" watch without a doctor's order and consent process.
• Verify the Source: Ensure any company you interact with is a legitimate partner of your physician's office.

The "

Buddi watch

" is a great tool, and I'm excited to use it to stay on top of my health. For others looking into RPM, the key is ensuring you are working directly with your physician and that the service is part of an established, legitimate care plan to manage your well-being.

Meanwhile, here's the response of Gaurav on first posting on my new BUDDI watch.

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2025/12/continious-remote-monitoring-for.htmlv

"Thanks for the blog post, couple of quick items if you can correct would be great for our compliance. 

  

1. In you first paragraph you have mentioned "Budd" vs "BUDDI" 

2. Name of Founder you have as "Gourab" vs "Gaurav" 

3. You have it as "FDA-approved" please change that to "FDA-cleared"

4. In the personal notes you mentioned the following:

      At Our Dinner last night, I showed proudly my new Budd Watch to a fellow Resident Couple, my neighbors and Chair VolleyBall friends. They told me they have tried it for 2 weeks and were not too happy and they returned the watch. Some of the reasons they cited was that the watch woke him up in the middle of the night that affected his sleeping. He mentioned that the data (blood pressure readings)were not as accurate compared to their manual blood pressure apparatus. Both had a hard time with the watch cuff on and off mechanism. Do not Forget to read a related article on the Botton of the page on Glucose Monitoring without Needles. 

A Little bit of change:

  

a.) Please change "Budd" to "BUDDI" 

  

b.) Thanks for sharing your BUDDI experience and being such a great ambassador for the program! I wanted to address the concerns your neighbors mentioned—sounds like there might have been some misunderstandings that we can easily clear up.  

A few clarifications that might help:

On the nighttime readings: You're right that we set BUDDI to take BP every 2 hours by default. I actually asked your neighbors if they wanted me to turn off nighttime readings if it was disturbing their sleep, and they said it was fine to leave it. But here's the thing, everything is customizable! If nighttime readings are disruptive for anyone, we can easily adjust the schedule. No one should lose sleep over health monitoring! 

On the accuracy: BUDDI is FDA-cleared and clinically accurate for BP readings, but there's an important catch: you have to follow proper BP measurement position, just like at the doctor's office.

For accurate readings:

• Sit with feet flat on the ground
• Rest your arm on your lap (not on a table or raised)
• Position the BUDDI at heart level (cross your arm to your chest as shown on the box)

If you're walking around, arm raised, or sitting with your hand on the table, the readings won't be accurate, just like any BP monitor. I did mention this to your neighbors, but honestly, they ultimately said they just don't like wearing anything on their wrist, which is totally fair! BUDDI isn't for everyone, and we respect that.

On the cuff mechanism: We've actually already improved the strap design to make it more seamless based on early feedback! The newer straps are much easier to use. And here's something cool: we have 99-year-old residents wearing BUDDI daily with no issues, so we know it can work for a wide range of people. The new strap is coming on Feb, 2025 and I had mentioned that to your 2 neighbor couple.

The bigger picture: What excites me most is what your neighbors might have missed: this is revolutionary healthcare. For the first time ever, doctors are proactively monitoring your health 24/7 and calling YOU to discuss what they're seeing in your data. That's next-level care that's never been available before, especially at no cost through Medicare.

Plus, everyone enrolled now gets 100% free upgrades to our next-generation BUDDI with fall detection and other advanced features. We're constantly improving based on feedback like this!

Bottom line: BUDDI isn't perfect for everyone (especially folks who don't want to wear anything on their wrist), but for those who embrace it, the health insights and proactive care are game-changing. I'm so glad YOU're loving it and sharing your experience with neighbors! In the end your neighbors mentioned the real reason for returning the BUDDI was they don't like to wear anything on your wrist, they are not used to wearing watches all the time. I can only tell the benefits but cannot force people to wear if they don't see the health benefit.

Thanks again for being such an enthusiastic BUDDI advocate! Keep spreading the word, and let me know if you ever have questions or want to adjust any settings. 

  

Regards, 

- Gaurav 

  

-- 

Gaurav Kohli

Founder & CEO

VitalFriend Inc.

415-316-6891

www.vitalfriend.com

LinkedIn Profile

Finally, Do you Know that... 

Last, but Not Least, here are five of the top news headlines today — December 7, 2025:

• 🇺🇦 Russian missile and drone strikes kill at least one person in Ukraine as U.S. and Ukrainian officials conclude another round of diplomatic talks. ABC News

• 🇺🇸 The U.S. has deported 55 Iranian nationals, the second such group in recent months under current immigration policy, according to Iran’s foreign ministry. Reuters

• 🏛️ Tensions rise as U.S. lawmakers demand the public release of video showing a controversial military “boat strike” that reportedly killed suspected smugglers, a move that could challenge the credibility of recent operations. ABC News+1

• 🌐 Global central bankers including the Federal Reserve are expected to make major policy remarks this week, with market watchers anticipating possible interest-rate changes. Financial Times

• 📚 A year-end analysis of the U.S. higher-education sector highlights sweeping changes under the current presidential administration from funding cuts to new regulations affecting admissions, research, and campus policies. Forbes

Metformin- A Drug I have Used for Over Thirty Years- Pearl Harbor Day

Metformin: A Drug I Lived With for 30 Years And What We’re Learning About Its Longevity and Brain Effects

For more than three decades, metformin was part of my daily routine. Like millions of people living with Type 2 diabetes, I took that familiar white tablet every morning without much thought. It became a quiet companion in my health journey. reliable, inexpensive, and scientifically trusted.

Then last year, everything changed. When my kidney disease reached an advanced stage, my nephrologist insisted I discontinue metformin. It was the right call for my condition, but it marked the end of a very long chapter.

What surprised me recently  and inspired this blog is the growing body of research suggesting metformin might do far more than control blood sugar. After six decades of use, scientists are still uncovering unexpected effects, including potential benefits for longevity and even brain function.

The Metformin “Longevity Drug” Reputation

Over the last ten years, metformin has been widely discussed as a possible life-extension drug. Observational studies have hinted that people taking metformin sometimes experience:

• Lower all-cause mortality than even some non-diabetics

• Reduced inflammation

• Improved metabolic efficiency

• Possible protection against age-related diseases

These findings earned metformin a reputation as a “prolonging life” medication although researchers emphasize that these are associations, not proof of cause-and-effect. The large TAME Trial (Targeting Aging with Metformin) was launched to study whether metformin could actually slow biological aging.

Although the trial has had funding challenges, the scientific curiosity remains strong. Even after 60 years, metformin still refuses to be a simple drug.

Surprising Research on Metformin and the Brain

The image above reflects another emerging discovery: metformin may influence brain function in ways we are only beginning to understand.

Recent laboratory and small clinical studies suggest metformin might:

• Support neuroplasticity

• Improve glucose use in brain cells

• Promote the growth of certain neural stem cells

• Reduce inflammation linked to cognitive decline

Some scientists are exploring whether metformin could help delay or modify conditions like dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or age-related memory loss. These ideas are still in early stages, but they point to a broader truth: the brain and metabolism are closely intertwined.

I find it remarkable that a drug originally extracted from French lilac plants and introduced in the 1950s is now being studied for its potential impact on the aging brain.

My Personal Perspective After 30 Years of Use

Looking back, I see metformin as one of the steady supports in my long journey with Type 2 diabetes. It helped me maintain good control during decades of working at the FDA, raising my family, and later enjoying my retirement years with Macrine (RIP), my wife for over 63 years. 

Stopping it because of kidney disease was necessary and an important reminder that no medication is risk-free. Metformin is not recommended for people with advanced chronic kidney disease because the body can no longer clear the drug efficiently.

Yet I cannot help but feel a sense of curiosity about this medication that served me well for so long. Could it actually have influenced my health beyond diabetes? Could it even have had subtle effects on memory, energy, or cognition? We may never know, but the science is certainly evolving in surprising ways.

A Final Thought

As I reflect on turning 91 soon, I realize how quickly medical knowledge continues to change. A drug I began taking in the 1990s is now being studied as a possible anti-aging tool  and even as something that may help keep the mind sharp.

Whether these findings prove true or simply fade into scientific history, metformin remains one of the most interesting and important drugs of the modern era.

And for me, it will always be part of my story, a companion through decades of living, working, blogging, and aging, hopefully gracefully. 

Meanwhile, Today is Pearl Harbor Day | December 7, 1941

Tomorrow, we pause to Honor the Americans whose lives were forever changed on this day 84 years ago.

A quiet Sunday morning turned into one of the darkest moments in our nation’s history and one of the greatest displays of courage the world has ever seen.

2,403 Americans were killed. Hundreds more were wounded. And countless families received news that shattered their world.

But amid the smoke, chaos, and fear, ordinary men and women showed extraordinary bravery. Sailors fought through fire. Medics risked their lives to pull others to safety. Service members stood their ground, not knowing if help would arrive in time.

This is the legacy we remember today. Not just the attack, but the sacrifice, the valor, and the resilience of those who stood firm when the world changed around them.

To the Heroes we lost, and to the families who still carry their memory: We see you. We Honor you. We will never forget. Let us live each day with the gratitude their sacrifice deserves. I was almost 8 years old on that Day which will live in Infamy...I still remember that event and will never be erased in my Memory,

Lastly, here's the  AI Overview

Pearl Harbor Day, December 7, 1941, marks the surprise attack by Japan on the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, killing over 2,400 Americans, wounding many more, and sinking battleships, drawing the U.S. into World War II, with National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day observed annually to honor the sacrifice and courage of those involved. 

Key Facts About the Attack:

• Date & Time: Sunday morning, December 7, 1941.
• Perpetrator: Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service.
• Location: Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii.
• Casualties: 2,403 Americans killed, 1,178 wounded, with losses in ships and aircraft.
• Significance: Prompted the U.S. to declare war on Japan the next day, officially entering World War II. 

Remembrance:

• National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day: An official U.S. observance to honor those who died.
• Commemoration: Events include ceremonies at the Pearl Harbor Memorial and tributes to survivors and the fallen. 

The "Date Which Will Live in Infamy":

• President Franklin D. Roosevelt famously called December 7th "a date which will live in infamy" in his address to Congress, solidifying the nation's commitment to the war effort. 

The event is remembered not just for the devastation but also for the extraordinary bravery and sacrifice shown by ordinary service members in the face of chaos.