FPF Launches Major Initiative to Study Economic and Policy Implications of AgeTech

FPF and University of Arizona Eller College of Management Awarded Grant by Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to Address Privacy Implications, and Data Uses of Technologies Aimed at Aging At Home

The Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) — a global non-profit focused on data protection, AI and emerging technologies–has been awarded a grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to lead a two-year research project entitled Aging at Home: Caregiving, Privacy, and Technology, in partnership with the University of Arizona Eller College of Management. The project, which launched on April 1, will explore the complex intersection of privacy, economics, and the use of emerging technologies designed to support aging populations (“AgeTech”). AgeTech includes a wide range of applications and technologies, from fall detection devices and health monitoring apps to artificial intelligence (AI)-powered assistants.

The number of seniors eighty-five and older is expected to nearly double by 2035 and nearly triple by 2060. This rapidly aging population presents complex challenges and opportunities, particularly in the increased demand for resources necessary for senior care and the use of AgeTech to promote improved autonomy and independence.

FPF will lead rigorous, independent research into these issues, with a particular focus on the privacy expectations of seniors and caregivers, cost barriers to adoption, and the policy gaps surrounding AgeTech. The research will include experimental surveys, roundtables with industry and policy leaders, and a systematic review of economic and privacy challenges facing AgeTech solutions.

The project will be led by co-principals Jules Polonetsky, CEO of FPF, and Dr. Laura Brandimarte, Associate Professor of Management Information Systems at the University of Arizona Eller College of Management. Polonetsky is an internationally recognized privacy expert and co-editor of the Cambridge Handbook on Consumer Privacy. Brandimarte’s work focused on the ethics of technology, with an emphasis on privacy and security, uses quantitative methods including survey and experimental design, and econometric data analysis.  

Jordan Wrigley, a data and policy analyst who leads FPF health data research, will play a lead role for FPF along with members of FPF’s U.S., Global, and AI Policy teams.  Jordan is a recognized and awarded health meta-analytic methodologist and researcher, whose work has informed medical care guidelines and AI data practices.

“The privacy aspects of AgeTech, such as consent and authorization, data sensitivity, and cost, need to be studied and considered holistically to create sustainable policies and build trust with seniors and caregivers as the future of aging becomes the present,” said Wrigley. “This research will seek to do just that.”

“At FPF, we believe that technology and data can benefit society and improve lives when the right laws, policies, and safeguards are in place,” added Polonetsky. “The goal of AgeTech – to assist seniors in living independently while reducing healthcare costs and caregiving burdens – impacts us all. As this field grows, it’s essential that we have the right rules in place to protect privacy and preserve dignity.”

“Technology has the potential to increase the autonomy and overall wellbeing of an ageing population, but for that to happen there has to be trust on the part of users – both that the technology will effectively be of assistance and that it will not constitute another source of data privacy and security intrusions,” added Brandimarte. “We currently know very little about the level of trust the elderly place in AgingTech and the specific needs of this at-risk population when they interact with it, including data accessibility by family members or caregivers.”

Dr. Daniel Goroff, Vice President and Program Director for Sloan, agrees, “As AgeTech evolves, it brings enormous promise—along with pressing questions about equity, access, and privacy. This initiative will provide insights about how innovations can ethically and responsibly enhance the autonomy and dignity of older adults. We’re excited to see FPF and the University of Arizona leading the way on this timely research.”

Key project outputs will include:

• A public taxonomy of AgeTech tools and best practices
  
• Policy reports and recommendations for industry leaders and policymakers
  
• Clear, actionable guidance tailored to address specific challenges identified in the research
• Scholarly publications presenting new findings on AgeTech
• Resources developed to increase awareness among seniors, caregivers, and policymakers
• Events to disseminate findings and share educational materials directly to stakeholder groups, including policymakers, industry leaders, and advocacy groups.

Sign-up for our mailing list to stay informed about future progress, and reach out to Jordan Wrigley ([email protected]) if you are interested in learning more about the project. 

Aging at Home: Caregiving, Privacy, and Technology is supported by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation under Grant No. G-2025-25191.

About The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation

The ALFRED P. SLOAN FOUNDATION is a not-for-profit, mission-driven grantmaking institution dedicated to improving the welfare of all through the advancement of scientific knowledge. Established in 1934 by Alfred Pritchard Sloan Jr., then-President and Chief Executive Officer of the General Motors Corporation, the Foundation makes grants in four broad areas: direct support of research in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and economics; initiatives to increase the quality, equity, diversity, and inclusiveness of scientific institutions and the science workforce; projects to develop or leverage technology to empower research; and efforts to enhance and deepen public engagement with science and scientists.
sloan.org | @SloanFoundation

About Future of Privacy Forum (FPF)

FPF is a global non-profit organization that brings together academics, civil society, government officials, and industry to evaluate the societal, policy, and legal implications of data use, identify the risks, and develop appropriate protections. FPF believes technology and data can benefit society and improve lives if the right laws, policies, and rules are in place. FPF has offices in Washington D.C., Brussels, Singapore, and Tel Aviv. Follow FPF on X and LinkedIn.

About the University of Arizona Eller College of Management

The Eller College of Management at The University of Arizona offers highly ranked undergraduate (BSBA and BSPA), MBA, MPA, masters, and doctoral, Ph.D. degrees in accounting, economics, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, management and organizations, management information systems (MIS), and public administration and policy in Tucson, Arizona and Phoenix, Arizona.