The end of life is a difficult and sensitive topic for many people. And the simple reality is that end of life care — from medicine to financial planning — is often relegated to an afterthought or even a tragic post-mortem discussion with little to no perspective from the recently deceased.
Facing the fact that death is inevitable can be overwhelming, making end-of-life planning an unpleasant but important task. Digital twin technology is an emerging concept that may be an effective tool to help individuals prepare for end-of-life care and financial matters in a more efficient, organized, and even in a more compassionate way.
A digital twin, or virtual replica of oneself, provides an individual with the ability to plan end-of-life care. Through this technology, patients can access detailed information about their medical history, current treatment plans, and end-of-life wishes. This data can then be used to create a personalized end-of-life directive specific to each patient’s needs. It’s a technology-empowered living will that leverages artificial intelligence to foster very very human discussion. Further, the role of the digital twin can also generate scenario planning that can quickly and easily provide options with less emotional pain that can be commonly associated with these tasks.
Digital twins also have the potential to improve end-of-life financial planning. Through their digital twin, individuals can create a detailed financial blueprint that includes end-of-life expenses such as funeral and burial costs, medical bills, estate taxes, and more. This information can then be shared with family members or other trusted advisers to ensure that end-of-life finances are handled in an organized and responsible manner.
In short, digital twin technology is making end-of-life care more accessible and less intimidating for individuals who want to take control of the process that is often shunned by family and physician alike. By providing detailed data about both medical and financial matters at end of life, digital twins make it easier for people to create personalized plans that meet their individual needs and wishes — empowered by artificial intelligence.
