CASE Scientific Session (CSS)

Welcome to this year’s first interdisciplinary CASE Scientific Session (CSS), a collaboration between the faculty of law and the faculty of medicine! Presenters from the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Medicine will present about their work (see below). The presentations will be followed by a moderated panel discussion with questions from the audience. There will also be time for networking and fika. Very welcome!

Presentations:

From the faculty of law:
(Petra Holmberg and Ana Nordberg)
As we rely on digital tools and AI to enhance health and social care, a critical question arises: How do "connected objects" affect the safety and independence of the elderly?

Connected objects, often referred to as smart devices, are physical objects characterised by their ability to sense or act on their environment and communicate with each other and other computers. They are commercially available in a wide range of sizes and capacities, including smartwatches, smartphones, household appliances equipped with sensors, and health-monitoring bracelets, designed to make life easier. They facilitate communication, task management, health monitoring and social connection. For the elderly, these tools could be game changers, helping them live independently in their own homes for longer, even if they live alone.

Our research examined the challenges of using connected objects, with a special focus on data accuracy, accessibility, and user privacy. We found several issues that may affect older adults more than younger users. First, the reliability of these devices—and the quality of the data they produce—depends heavily on how they are used. Older adults may unintentionally use them in ways that reduce data accuracy.

Second, upcoming European legislation (European Health Data Space Act) will give users more control over their data and allow them to transfer it more easily. But will these rights be accessible and usable for elderly people? Awareness of data protection is already low among users of connected devices, and older adults are especially at risk of being left out.

This issue goes beyond technology. It’s about empowering the elderly to use tools that support their well-being while also protecting their safety, privacy, and rights. As digital care continues to grow, making the needs of elderly users a priority is essential. If we don’t, we risk excluding them from the benefits of this technological shift.

From the faculty of medicine:
(Samantha Svärdh and William Son Galanza)
Will present their work with technologies used in care for older adults and use of AI in monitoring activities in the homes of older adults.

Panel discussion with presenters as well as Sofi Fristedt and Steven Schmidt (moderator Yana Litins'ka)