Research Areas

In an aging society, work is a key element in maintaining a healthy and independent later life, beyond mere economic activity. This study explores ways to design work that aligns with personal preferences and life stages after retirement. It focuses on gradual retirement planning, discovering new forms of work, and fostering intergenerational collaboration in workplaces to ensure continued autonomy and social engagement in later years. For example, it examines models that combine existing expertise with new skills or flexible work arrangements to maintain work-life harmony. The research also emphasizes leveraging technological advancements not just for productivity gains but as tools to support older adults in adapting to new roles. This includes addressing physical and cognitive limitations through assistive technologies while strengthening institutional frameworks to guarantee fair employment opportunities and reduce age-related discrimination.

This area of research focuses on developing a role-adaptive AI companion capable of dynamically adjusting its functions in response to real-time inputs such as the user’s emotional state, environmental context, and long-term objectives. For instance, it may act as a supportive advisor during daily health monitoring while transitioning to an active collaborator during social activities, fostering trust-based, long-term relationships with users. An AI companion for dementia care and caregiver support may also be developed, with specialization in reminiscence therapy functions using resources such as photo albums, music, or personalized narratives to support cognitive stimulation for patients.

The project integrates context-aware technologies and intention inference algorithms to enable personalized interactions while embedding ethical frameworks that prioritize privacy protection and user autonomy. By addressing both technical limitations and socio-technical concerns, the research aims to advance AI systems that not only alleviate physical constraints for older adults but also mitigate social isolation and enhance psychological well-being.

The Active Aging Research Center is developing an AI-powered support system that merges organizational psychology and technology to empower mid-to-senior adults navigating career transitions. The system addresses age-related workplace biases by analyzing resumes and interview data to identify discriminatory patterns, while offering personalized skill recommendations tailored to individuals’ professional histories. It integrates VR-based practical training modules to simulate real-world scenarios, enhancing preparedness for new roles, and provides emotional support through an AI chatbot linked to community resources like mentorship programs or upskilling courses. By fostering a sustainable employment ecosystem that values diverse experiences and leverages technological innovation, the research redefines career transitions as opportunities to reinvest social capital and drive societal growth.

As lifespans extend, many seniors face challenges like financial strain, health issues, and social isolation in later life. This study aims to develop an AI-driven social matching platform that connects individuals with tailored activities—such as volunteering, hobbies, or community events—based on their unique preferences, goals, and social needs. While social engagement improves emotional and physical well-being for older adults, interests vary widely (e.g., volunteering vs. leisure travel) and require personalized approaches. By leveraging AI’s ability to analyze individual profiles, the platform will match seniors with suitable opportunities and peers, enhancing access to supportive networks and resources. Beyond platform development, the research will conduct an acceptability evaluation to ensure the system meets real-world needs and aligns with existing welfare frameworks. Ultimately, this initiative seeks to create a scalable, adaptive model for fostering inclusive, purposeful aging through technology-enabled social connectivity.