Older persons, caregiving and AI: Addressing the need for self-actualization through ethical negotiation

Author : Thando Nkohla-Ramunenyiwa

Abstract : Digital literacy has become one of the most important forms of literacy in a society where all things digital are developing at a substantial pace. To illustrate, this paper draws its insight from fieldwork conducted in a disadvantaged community in South Africa, Mamelodi. The digital literacy of twenty participants (n=20) who are older persons in this community playing the role of caregiver to their post-millennial grandchildren is revealed in this study. The study reveals how the differing AI literacies in the mentioned households set up not only aggravates the already existing differences within the household, but further reveals that these differences have led to the conception of unmet needs. Further, these unmet needs have been informed by the increasing generational gaps when it comes to communication and the introduction of AI technology in South African township homes. In light of these differing AI literacies, the purpose of this study is to propose the need for self-actualization for the older person through an ethical negotiation, a strategy to identify and address these needs by way of restoring the harmony in the household.

Keywords : Older persons, caregiving, ethics, child-centered AI, post millennials.

Conference Name : International Conference on Ethics and Responsibility in Digital Transformation (ICERDT-26)

Conference Place : Thessaloniki, Greece

Conference Date : 22nd Oct 2026