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Experts reveal growing public support for use of AI in elderly care as innovative care service launched

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A combination of AI and Big Data is transforming elderly care from reactive to proactive, and Taking Care, the UK’s leading personal alarm provider, is at the forefront of this innovation.

Taking Care has unveiled ActiveAlert, an innovative technology that acts as an early warning system to alert family members about potential health concerns among older adults. This service helps older adults remain independent at home for longer, addressing caregiving challenges and aligning with growing public acceptance of technology in elderly care.

Personal alarms help older people live independently and provide a way to call for help in an emergency. ActiveAlert uses insights from 30 years of alarm call data to monitor how and when the personal alarms are used. By detecting changes in usage patterns, the ActiveAlert algorithm identifies potential health and wellbeing concerns among older adults who rely on the alarms.

The technology acts as an early warning system by triggering a wellbeing check-in call when it detects changes in the frequency, timing, or nature of alarm calls. These changes may indicate a shift in the user’s condition or overall wellbeing.

ActiveAlert has been developed as part of Taking Care’s broader commitment to revolutionise its approach by establishing a proactive approach to elderly care, and a mindset shift away from reactively addressing an older adult’s care plan after their health or independence declines.

Recent research commissioned by Taking Care highlights growing concerns about elderly care and an increasing openness to technological solutions:[1]

  • Only 26% of people say they have the time to provide around-the-clock care for their older relatives.
  • 64% are concerned about their older relatives living alone.
  • 76% would support the use of AI if it enhances health and independence for older adults.
  • 72% believe innovations in technology can truly support health and wellbeing.

Devised to respond to the UK’s ageing population, ActiveAlert can alert potential concerns or red flags to families before emergency scenarios arise, allowing carers and family members to proactively put the steps in place to support their older relatives and manage health and frailty, reducing health service dependence and supporting independence in later life.

With more than 3.2m people aged 80 and above in the UK [2] and insights from the NHS showing that one in two of these will likely have at least one fall this year alone [3], reactive elderly care could be costing the health service in excess of £350m a year, especially when A&E triage and overnight hospital stays are required.[4]

Taking Care’s new ActiveAlert solution, which was developed with support from their IT apprenticeship scheme, aims to alleviate health service strain and also offer further support to the “sandwich generation”, made up of more than 10m informal carers [5], who often struggle to check on family members regularly due to location, lifestyle, or work and family commitments.

“Traditional elderly care often waits for something to go wrong, like a fall or decline in health, before stepping in,” says Andrew Ridpath, Head of Emergency Resolution at Taking Care. “With ActiveAlert, we’re changing that approach by proactively monitoring wellbeing and providing support before emergencies occur. This not only helps maintain our customers’ independence but also offers their families invaluable peace of mind.“

Amanda Amory from Cambridgeshire, invested in a Taking Care personal alarm for her 85-year-old father, Ron, after he broke his elbow in a fall. Despite Ron now having 24/7 care, the personal alarm remains a lifeline for the family.

Speaking of the alarm package, which includes ActiveAlert, Amanda said: “My father lives seven miles away, and despite his 24/7 care I still visit twice a day and rely on his personal alarm when his carers take their daily two hour break.”

“Initially, the alarm was for alerting us to any physical issues when my dad was more mobile, whereas now, it’s very much a comfort blanket for all of us, providing essential peace of mind that he can access help at any time of the night or day – it really is worth its weight in gold to us.”

“Thanks to ActiveAlert, knowing if he is pressing his alarm more regularly during the night or on the odd occasion he is alone allows us to better understand his mental wellbeing, along with knowing there’s always support in place, at all times.”

By embracing AI and proactive monitoring, Taking Care is setting a new standard in elderly care, ensuring that older adults can maintain their independence while families gain peace of mind.

ActiveAlert is now available to all new Taking Care alarm customers at no additional cost, seamlessly integrating into their existing 24/7 support service. To discover how ActiveAlert can provide peace of mind for your family, visit ActiveAlert online at https://taking.care/pages/active-alert

About Taking Care Personal Alarms, part of AXA Health

Taking Care, a subsidiary of AXA Health, has been providing personal alarm services for more than 30 years. Taking Care has helped ¼ million people and their families with personal alarms, supporting customers and their families across the UK.

Each year Taking Care resolves over 49,900 customer emergencies from older and vulnerable people. Customers love the peace of mind the service offers. 99% of them say they like the security of knowing someone’s there at the press of a button.

The company is the only Which? approved personal alarm service and is the trusted provider of the Age Co Personal Alarm Service. Taking Care employs around 250 staff, each carefully chosen for their caring and professional manner.

Contact Details

For more information, please contact:
John Swaffield
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07909 820 701

Sources

  1. Survey of 2,009 UK adults commissioned by Taking Care and carried out between the 13th and 19th of September 2024
  2. 2021 Census data
  3. NHS.uk Falls and Prevention
  4. Taking Care Elderly People and Falls report
  5. Projecting Older People Population Information (POPPI)

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Momentum Builds to Curb AI Development Amid Safety Concerns

Tech leaders advocate for slowing AI progress to mitigate risks and ensure safety.

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On Saturday, September 12, 2026, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei published an essay titled “We Must Pace the Frontier”, calling on the AI industry to deliberately slow the development of its most advanced models. He proposed a three-part plan, starting with giving independent third-party evaluators “employee-like access” to developers’ internal work. Within hours, xAI owner Elon Musk posted “Dario is right,” and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said he agreed the industry needed to “pace the frontier”, committing OpenAI to welcome independent evaluators. The rare alignment reflects a burgeoning movement within the technology community. The aim is to ensure that AI advancement does not outpace the necessary safety measures that must be in place to protect society. Musk, known for his outspoken concerns regarding AI, has been vocal about the potential existential threats posed by unchecked AI development. His stance is not without precedent. In past years, he has been an advocate for AI regulation, emphasizing the importance of establishing robust safety protocols. Sam Altman shares this concern. As a key figure in AI innovation, Altman’s support for decelerating AI progress highlights the industry’s internal awareness of its own vulnerabilities. Altman has been instrumental in shaping AI discussions, both as a developer and a policymaker. His involvement underscores a critical shift in perspective among those who once championed AI’s limitless potential.

Amodei’s essay warned that AI capabilities had been advancing drastically faster since the summer, and argued that buying even an extra year or two to work on alignment could greatly reduce the risk of something going seriously wrong. As CEO of Anthropic, Amodei’s insights into AI’s capabilities are profound. He has long advocated for responsible AI development, emphasizing research into AI safety and alignment. His company, Anthropic, is at the forefront of AI safety research, making his voice particularly influential. Amodei’s concerns are grounded in the belief that AI systems need to be designed with alignment and transparency as core principles. The consensus among these leaders is clear. The pace of AI development must be moderated to prevent potential societal disruptions. The public discourse around AI safety has evolved significantly over the past few years. Initially, concerns were often dismissed as speculative or alarmist. However, as AI systems become more integrated into daily life, their impact is undeniable. From autonomous vehicles to intelligent personal assistants, AI technologies influence countless aspects of modern existence. The rapid integration has outpaced regulatory frameworks, leaving gaps that could potentially be exploited.

This movement to slow AI development is gaining traction within the tech community. It reflects a deeper understanding of the potential risks and ethical considerations that come with advanced AI systems. Industry leaders are increasingly aware of their responsibility to mitigate these risks. There is a growing consensus that more comprehensive safety measures and regulatory oversight are necessary. The call for a slowdown is not a demand to halt innovation. Rather, it is a plea for a more deliberate approach to AI development. The goal is to establish a regulatory framework that prioritizes safety, ethical considerations, and long-term societal impact. This approach seeks to ensure that AI technologies are developed responsibly and with foresight. The motivation behind this push is multifaceted. At its core is the desire to prevent unintended consequences that could arise from unchecked AI advancement. These include potential job displacement, privacy concerns, and the risk of AI systems being used for malicious purposes. The tech industry is increasingly aware that the societal implications of AI are vast and complex. There is a recognition that addressing these challenges requires collaboration across sectors and disciplines.

The momentum to slow AI development also reflects a shift in how technology leaders view their role in society. There is a growing acknowledgment that technological innovation must be balanced with ethical responsibility. This recognition is driving the call for more stringent safety protocols and regulatory oversight. As the debate around AI continues, the voices advocating for caution are becoming more prominent. The movement is gaining momentum, supported by influential figures and organizations committed to ensuring that AI development proceeds safely and responsibly. The challenge now is translating this momentum into actionable policies and frameworks. Governments and regulatory bodies must work closely with industry leaders to develop comprehensive guidelines that address the unique challenges posed by AI. This collaboration is essential to fostering innovation while safeguarding societal interests. The path forward requires a collective effort to balance progress with prudence. As AI continues to evolve, the need for thoughtful and responsible development becomes increasingly critical. The calls to slow down AI development are a testament to the industry’s commitment to navigating this complex terrain with care.

The journey ahead is not without challenges. Implementing effective regulatory measures will require cooperation and consensus among diverse stakeholders. However, the growing momentum to address AI safety concerns offers hope for a future where technological advancement is aligned with societal well-being. As industry leaders and policymakers work together, there is potential to shape a future where AI technologies enhance, rather than disrupt, the fabric of society. The commitment to responsible AI development is key to ensuring that AI technologies are harnessed for the greater good. This forward-thinking approach will be crucial in defining the next chapter of AI innovation. The momentum to slow down AI development is more than a precautionary measure. It is a strategic decision to prioritize safety, ethics, and long-term impact. As the conversation around AI continues to evolve, the focus on responsible development will remain at the forefront. The future of AI depends on the choices made today. By embracing a more measured approach, the tech community can pave the way for a future where AI serves humanity’s best interests.

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Quantum Computing Breakthroughs: Disrupting Industries with Oxford’s Innovations

A recent breakthrough in quantum computing at the University of Oxford promises to disrupt multiple industries by significantly enhancing computational capabilities. Explore the technological implications and potential disruptions poised to redefine sectors.

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In May 2026, the University of Oxford announced a significant breakthrough in the field of quantum computing, unveiling an advanced error correction algorithm that has the potential to transform computational capabilities. This development is not just a scientific triumph; it heralds a new era of technological disruption across multiple industries. Quantum computing, long anticipated as the next frontier in technology, promises to solve complex problems beyond the reach of classical computers, and Oxford’s latest advancement brings this closer to reality.

At the core of this breakthrough is the enhancement in quantum error correction, a critical component that addresses the inherent instability of qubits, which are the fundamental units of quantum information. Traditional computers use bits of 0s and 1s, but quantum computers operate on qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously. This superposition allows quantum computers to process information exponentially faster than classical computers. However, qubits are notoriously prone to errors due to environmental noise and operational inaccuracies. Oxford’s new algorithm significantly improves the error correction process, maintaining qubit stability longer and allowing extended computational tasks to be performed accurately.

The implications of this are profound. Industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to finance stand on the cusp of disruption as quantum computing offers the ability to model complex molecular structures, optimize large-scale financial portfolios, and even revolutionize artificial intelligence algorithms. In pharmaceuticals, for example, quantum computing can expedite drug discovery by accurately simulating molecular interactions, potentially reducing the time and cost associated with bringing new drugs to market. Similarly, in finance, quantum algorithms can optimize trading strategies and risk management with a precision unattainable by current technologies.

Moreover, the ripple effects of such a leap in computational power extend to data encryption and cybersecurity. Quantum computers possess the potential to decrypt classical encryption methods, prompting a race for quantum-resistant cryptography. This necessitates a paradigm shift in how we secure digital information, affecting every sector that relies on data security.

Despite the tremendous promise, the transition to quantum computing is not without its challenges. The infrastructure required to support quantum technologies is expensive and complex. There is also a significant skills gap; experts in quantum computing are scarce, and training a new generation of scientists and engineers is imperative. Furthermore, ethical considerations regarding the power of quantum computing must be addressed, particularly in terms of privacy and security.

Looking forward, as quantum computing continues to evolve, industries will need to adapt swiftly to harness its capabilities. Early adopters who invest in quantum technologies and develop quantum-ready strategies will likely dominate in the coming decade. As Oxford’s breakthrough demonstrates, the race is on to fully realize the potential of quantum computing and redefine the boundaries of what is technologically possible.

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Apple’s AI Innovations: Shaping the Competitive Landscape in 2026

Apple’s latest advancements in artificial intelligence are setting the stage for a competitive showdown with other tech giants. This article explores how Apple’s AI strategy is positioning the company in the fast-evolving tech landscape.

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In the bustling realm of technology, few companies command as much attention as Apple. In 2026, the Silicon Valley titan has once again captured the tech world’s gaze with its latest advances in artificial intelligence. As Apple unveils a suite of AI-driven innovations, the competitive landscape is poised for a seismic shift.

Apple’s strategic focus on AI is not merely about introducing new features but is a calculated move to redefine user experiences while maintaining its staunch advocacy for privacy. At the heart of Apple’s AI initiatives is the promise of personalization—an AI that learns and adapts to the user’s preferences, offering seamless interaction across its range of devices. This focus is especially pertinent in an era where user data is a hot commodity, and privacy concerns are at an all-time high.

What sets Apple apart in the AI race is its dual emphasis on innovation and privacy. While competitors like Google and Amazon have long been heralded for their AI prowess, often prioritizing expansive data collection to fuel their AI engines, Apple has carved out a niche by leveraging on-device processing. This approach not only mitigates privacy risks but also enhances real-time responsiveness, a crucial factor in user satisfaction.

The competitive implications of Apple’s AI advancements are profound. Google’s AI, renowned for its search and recommendation algorithms, faces a formidable challenger in Apple’s ecosystem-centric approach. Meanwhile, Amazon’s Alexa, which dominates the smart assistant market, must contend with Apple’s Siri, now equipped with enhanced contextual understanding and predictive capabilities.

Microsoft, another major player, has been making strides with its integration of AI in cloud services and productivity tools. However, Apple’s holistic approach—integrating AI across hardware, software, and services—presents a cohesive strategy that is difficult to replicate. This integration not only ensures a seamless user experience but also reinforces brand loyalty, a cornerstone of Apple’s business model.

As AI continues to evolve, the stakes in the tech industry are higher than ever. Apple’s innovations are not just about keeping pace but are strategically designed to place the company at the forefront of the AI revolution. In doing so, Apple is not only safeguarding its market position but is also setting new benchmarks in how technology can enhance and secure our digital lives.

The road ahead will undoubtedly see further advancements and competition, but Apple’s current trajectory suggests it is well-positioned to lead in the AI domain. By prioritizing user-centric design and privacy, Apple is not just participating in the AI race; it is setting the pace.

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