How AI will become part of the everyday lives of Prime Timers
I sit down with renowned futurist, AI expert and author Dr. Catherine Ball to get a big picture understanding of how AI will impact those of us in our Prime Time.
Today on the show, I’ve got a real treat for you.
I’m talking to one of the world’s leading thinkers on the future of technology, robotics and artificial intelligence - and what that future might actually look like for us.
Dr Catherine Ball is a global expert in AI, robotics and emerging technologies. She’s worked across fields like drones, digital twins and automation, and has spent years advising governments, universities and industry on how these technologies are reshaping our world.
If you’re in mid-life or heading for retirement right now, the reality is that we’re going to see extraordinary technological change over the next 10, 20 and 30 years: AI. Robotics. Smart homes. Personalised healthcare. Maybe even robotic carers.
So what will that actually mean for us?
This is a fascinating conversation. And what I love about Catherine’s perspective is that she’s not just talking about technology for technology’s sake. She’s thinking deeply about how it changes how we live, how we age, and how we stay independent in the second half of life.
You can find out more about Catherine’s research here, and learn more about her latest book, ‘The Future of Sleep’ here.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:
Highlights of the conversation:
The pace of change is accelerating faster than we think: What took 30 years with the internet, we’re now likely to see in just a few years with AI, across how we live, work and manage our health.
The future is already here, just not evenly distributed: Some of these technologies already exist today, but access and adoption will vary, raising big questions about equity and who benefits first.
From robot vacuums to humanoids in the home: What starts as small conveniences (like vacuum mops) is quickly evolving into humanoid robots that could cook, clean, assist with care and help people stay independent longer.
The rise of “ambient AI” in everyday life": Technology is becoming invisible, from smart beds and lamps to sensors that can monitor your health, detect falls or flag early warning signs without you even noticing.
A revolution in healthcare and longevity: AI is dramatically accelerating drug discovery and personalised medicine, with the potential to change how we age, treat disease and extend our healthspan.
How work, and retirement, may fundamentally change: With AI improving efficiency, we may see shorter work weeks, different career paths and a redefinition of what “retirement” even means.
The skills that will matter most in an AI world: Human skills - communication, creativity, analog thinking - will become more valuable, not less, as we learn to work alongside AI.
Your homework: start using AI now: The best way to prepare isn’t to fear it; it’s to engage with it. Experiment, ask questions, build simple tools and start understanding what it can do.
From Bec’s Desk
It was a busy start to the week. A trip to Canberra to speak at the the Adviser Roadshow of AMP North, talking about The Future of Retirement. It was pretty fun. I love chatting with all the Advisers at the event too!
And even more fun - yesterday, we launched the Earlybird Deal for the How to Have an Epic Retirement Flagship Course for May/June 2026. The first 200 people to book will get our 25% off pricing. There was hundreds of people on the waiting list when we launched so don’t mess about.
Learn more about the course here ➡️
Cheers, Bec
That poll should have an included an option called "deeply concerned" - about the real embedded bias and lack of ethical and moral guidelines that seem to be in how we implement these technologies - immense potential for both good and evil!