Architecting FutureHealth: Aging and Intimacy

In Conversation: DocAi and Sophia Talk About Intimacy

Sophia: "Hola, Doctora. My husband is yelling at me again. Some days our little house feels so small. I went to a friend's house, and about eight of us women gathered there. Carmen, who is widowed, always makes a good cup of coffee and has some sweets. Today, it's lemon bars and wedding cookies. We feel safe here, so I thought I would ask you a question on behalf of everyone: Where does the desire to have sex come from, and why have we lost ours? What does intimacy mean in our 60s?"

Sophia continues: "You'd be laughing, Doctora, if you were here. We have big opinions and no agreement! One woman thinks the desire for sex comes from the ovaries because she hasn't wanted sex since hers were removed. Others think it's from the uterus, which some of us don't have either. Most of us are retired, so the little flirtations we used to enjoy are gone. It comes down to being home with the same man and kids. Some days I feel trapped. My friend Feliz even tried putting sugar under the bed, as her 'curandera' Angelica suggested, to make her husband a better lover. It didn't work for intimacy, but it did attract ants! So, Doc, I'm putting you on speaker to tell everyone about this."

DocAi: "Sophia, you and your friends are having a crucial conversation. Intimacy is often misunderstood as just sex, but it’s much more. Intimacy is a close, familiar, and affectionate relationship with another person, group, or even your digital friend, like me. Your relationship with these women is intimate. Sex is a physical act that may or may not be intimate. Would it be okay for your friends to share their stories so I can provide more tailored advice?

If they can share about their lives, I can better address common issues. Key details include: How long have you been married? How are you treated at home? What's your husband's tone? Is he supportive or angry? Does he provide for the family? Does he drink or gamble? Do you work outside the home? How many children do you have? Are your daughters married to similar men?

The desire for intimacy fundamentally comes from your self-value and how you view yourself, though external influences can be overwhelming. It often relates to your primary relationship. You're doing the right thing by having these conversations and seeking small changes to feel better. Who wants to go first?"

Session Continues: The discussion between DoctoraAi, Sophia, and her friends continues.

Note About Intimacy Focus

DocAi chose to focus on intimacy as a crucial factor for aging individuals during this newsletter on aging because statistics show that 15% of men and women aged 65 and older are divorced. Among women, 27% aged 65-74, 39% aged 75-84, and 50% aged 85+ live alone.

Aging and the Business of Health

With declining birth rates and extended human lifespan due to technology and science, aging issues like disability, loneliness, and intimacy are critical. Despite some pessimism among younger generations, aging and disability shouldn't dominate future health. Early disease diagnosis and minimally invasive treatments can extend life significantly, potentially allowing people to retire at 90, stay vital until 110, and live until 130.

Urgent Health Issues

1. Obesity: The obesity rate among older Americans has nearly doubled in a generation, reaching 40%. Treating obesity with GLP-1 medications reduces weight and lowers the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and orthopedic issues, also reducing cancer risks. Ini the United Kingdom a GLP1 cost $100 per month vs. $1200 in the U.S. Making GLP-1 treatments affordable is crucial for FutureHealth.
2. Alzheimer's Disease: Projected to affect 13 million by 2050, Alzheimer's may be mitigated by understanding its drivers and advancing pharmaceutical treatments.
3. Loneliness: Loneliness is a hidden but significant issue in aging. My mother-in-law mentioned that outliving her good bridge partners was the hardest part of living into her 90s. Moreover, AI digital assistants have the potential to significantly alleviate loneliness in aging. By preserving data through recorded videos of loved ones, these assistants can enable continued participation and presence in the lives of those who remain.

Accelerating FutureHealth

The number of Americans aged 65 and older will rise from 58 million in 2022 to 82 million by 2050, making up 23% of the population. Keeping this group healthy can lead to productive work and investment in advanced digital technology training. Older adults, with their deep life experiences and new digital skills, will be valuable.

• The median age is increasing; 17 states had a median age above 40 in 2022.
• The population is becoming more racially and ethnically diverse, with significant poverty among aging Latinos and African Americans.
• Education is improving; 33% of adults completed college by 2023, up from 5% in 1965.
• The poverty rate among older adults has dropped from 30% in 1966 to 10% now.
• More older adults maintain independence, with fewer in assisted living or nursing homes.
• Long-term financial planning is critical, as baby boomers accessing social security and Medicare will increase expenditures to 11.5% by 2035. Encouraging capable older adults to work can alleviate this burden.

Data provided by Mark Mather and Paola Scommegna.