In the Light of Ai: Will “purpose” Be Redefined?

In an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and automation, what will be left for humans to do? This question is especially pressing for older individuals, who may reflect on their lives and legacies as society undergoes profound changes in how value is created.

What will be our ikigai—our “reason for being,” as the Japanese call it—in a world where AI generates value on a large scale and frees individuals from routine chores? Will this newfound freedom feel enriching, or will it render any form of effort meaningless? Can AI help us discover our ikigai, or will it leave us feeling obsolete? Many activities we currently consider meaningful, along with ways of giving back, may evolve.

Mentoring and coaching, for instance, might increasingly shift from professional advice to personal and community domains, while “jobs” as we know them could diminish. Sports, games, and self-optimization may become dominant activities filling people’s days. Will “subcultures” around social activities emerge, with human interaction and fulfilment primarily found in these pockets, decoupled from the actual economy?

These scenarios may not materialize by 2025 but could shape the years ahead. Interesting times we live in—or, as one of the contemporary billionaires put it, “perhaps the most interesting times.”

This is an excerpt from our full article on "Ageing Societies as Ageless Societies - A Global Opportunity for 2025 & Beyond" - coming soon.

Ageless-Societies.com is wishing you a happy Christmas, and happy holidays!