Elizabeth Peralta
Gerontologist, Argentina
Abstract Title:
Intergenerational Empathy in the Digital Age: Demographic Challenges and Innovative Strategies in Gerontology
Biography:
I am a Bachelor in Gerontology, with advanced specialization in Psychogerontology and the comprehensive management of Dementia. Throughout my career of more than a decade, I have dedicated myself to implementing Person-Centered Care (PCC) models, guiding my practice toward the promotion of multidimensional well-being and quality of life in old age.
I possess solid experience with 12 years of service in the public sector within the Government of the City of Buenos Aires. During this period, I was responsible for coordinating home care programs and leading strategic planning in day centers, with a priority focus on optimizing functionality and social participation for older adults. Furthermore, I have held institutional management and leadership roles at Centro Dorrego, consolidating my capacity for supervising long-term care services in both the public and private spheres.
My socio-community commitment is reflected in my work as a volunteer technical collaborator at reference organizations such as ALMA (Alzheimer’s Association of Argentina) and AMIA, where I have actively worked on strengthening support networks for individuals with cognitive impairment and their support systems.
Currently, I practice as an independent consultant, focused on innovation in gerontological services and the advocacy for active and healthy aging. My professional vision integrates the ethics of care with a rights-based approach, working toward the goal of eradicating ageism and promoting technical and social autonomy in contemporary longevity.
Research Interests:
The rapid aging of the population is one of the most significant demographic phenomena of the 21st century. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), between 2015 and 2050, the proportion of people aged 60 years and older will double, increasing from 12% to 22% of the global population. At the same time, declining birth rates and technological advancements are shaping a society with lower generational replacement and a higher prevalence of chronic diseases, multiple comorbidities, and mental health disorders among older adults.
In this context, there is an urgent need to strengthen intergenerational empathy from an early age. Children and adolescents, as future members of society, need to develop socio-emotional skills that enable them to understand the aging process, reduce age-related stigma, and promote respect for older adults. However, the lack of sustained public policies focused on empathy education may contribute to increased social isolation, elder abuse, and the dehumanization of care.
To address this challenge, the integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) represents an innovative and effective strategy. These tools make it possible to create immersive experiences that simulate age-related conditions including cognitive decline, sensory limitations, and functional dependency allowing individuals to gain a deeper, experience-based understanding of aging. Furthermore, AI-driven educational programs can personalize training content, assess empathy-related competencies, and promote meaningful learning across diverse educational settings.
Therefore, the development of interdisciplinary programs that combine education, technology, and public policy is proposed to foster empathy among younger generations. The implementation of these strategies will not only improve the quality of care for older adults but also contribute to building a more aware, inclusive, and prepared society capable of addressing the challenges of population aging.
Background:
• Growing aging population (WHO: 22% of the population will be aged 60+ by 2050)
• Declining birth rates and increased life expectancy
• Rising prevalence of multiple chronic conditions and mental health issues among older adults
Problem:
• Lack of intergenerational empathy
• Increased risk of social isolation, stigmatization, and elder abuse
Objective: To promote empathy among children and adolescents as a preventive social strategy and a foundation for healthier intergenerational relationships.
Innovative Proposal:
• Use of Artificial Intelligence in educational and training programs
• Simulation of the aging process through Virtual Reality technologies
• Immersive experiences that foster meaningful and experiential learning
Expected Impact:
• Greater understanding of the aging process
• Reduction of age-related prejudice and stereotypes
• Improved quality of care for older adults
• A more inclusive, empathetic, and socially conscious society
Conclusion: Population aging requires innovative strategies that integrate education, technology, and public policy. Empathy-focused education, supported by Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality, is essential for building a more conscious, inclusive, and future-ready society.
