Andrei Benedict N.

Mendiola
12 – Biology
Activity 3.1: Case Analysis on Bioethical Issues in Some Innovations/Development in Medical
Science

A. INTRODUCTION
As we grow older and older, our bodies experience different changes. Some of these
changes include our body losing its capacity to enact physical tasks that we used to perform
when we were younger. We may find ourselves moving slower, experiencing chronic back
pain, or having weakened muscles. Old age leads to decreased bone density, giving our
bodies susceptibility to different skeletal diseases that could seriously hinder our mobility
and ability to perform daily activities. Bone diseases in the elderly are not only widely
prevalent, they are also painful and, in some instances, life – threatening. Among the most
common bone diseases are osteoporosis, Paget’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. These
diseases can lead to fractures, bone deformities, inflammation, and the eventual restriction of
movement.
In addition to our skeletal system, our muscles also play a vital role in the movement of
our joints. Unfortunately, our muscular system also experiences degeneration with aging.
This is called age – related sarcopenia. Symptoms of sarcopenia include fatigue, weakness,
and lower hormone concentration. Not only does sarcopenia interfere with physical activity,
it also increases the likelihood of fractures due to the disease inducing frailty on the body.
B. DISCUSSION
i. Nature/Description of the procedure
The aforementioned skeletal and muscular diseases can render our elderly with bones and
muscles incapable of supporting a high level of physical activity. This may be culpable for
depression among the elderly as their lack of mobility may lead to intrusive thoughts of them
being a burden to their friends and family. In response to this issue, eight European research
institutes and technology companies have come together to devise an exoskeleton that could
help seniors stay active through the aging process. The AXO Suit would be a lightweight
exoskeleton that acts as a supplement to the wearer’s physical capability. Small motors drive
the limbs of the suit, which allows the senior wearing the suit to walk, bend, squat, and
perform activities such as gardening or doing groceries. The suit, however, only provides a
limited amount of electrical assistance that does not include the ability to lift heavy objects.
In another effort to reduce possible apprehension towards the suit, it would be marketed as a
tool that could simply be removed at the wearer’s wish, and not as robot technology.
ii. Acceptability/Unacceptability
Although it is hard to deny that the AXO Suit would be a novel invention with the
potential of solving one of the most prevalent problems that occur with aging, it is also hard
to deny the possible exploitation of the elderly it could cause once the suit is released to the
general public. These exoskeletons could boost worker productivity, but a boost in the
Andrei Benedict N. Mendiola
12 – Biology
Activity 3.1: Case Analysis on Bioethical Issues in Some Innovations/Development in Medical
Science

physical capability of a senior may also give employers a valid reason to deny an elderly
employee’s request for retirement, subsequently forcing these employees to work for a few
more years. More years in the workforce can also be used as a valid justification for cutting
the benefits that are received by seniors.
Personally, I do approve with the release of the AXO Suit as it could seriously benefit the
elderly. However, I also believe that there should be a tremendous amount of research, as
well as safety testing, on the suit before it is released to the general public. If there are
glitches and malfunctions that go unnoticed in the suit, it could lead to even more
complications in the wearer than what they started with. The final product that is to be
released to the public should be free from these errors. I also believe that the AXO Suit
should not be shoved down the throats of the elderly as an essential the same way that
maintenance medicines are, but instead be marketed as a commodity for those who can
afford it, simply because not elderly people want to regain the physical capability they
possessed when they were younger. When the AXO Suit is marketed as a commodity instead
of as an important medical procedure, it gives the elderly the autonomy to choose for
themselves if they want the suit or not. It is possible that some members of the elderly are
satisfied with the way that they are living and see no use for the suit.
As for the issue on the exploitation of the elderly, I believe that this can be avoided when
the company that makes the AXO Suit is transparent in what the suit is capable of providing.
The AXO Suit is designed to simply aid in daily activities like walking, not for heavy manual
labor. Employers and other companies should be well – informed of this so that they may be
mindful in dealing with elderly employees who own the suit. It would not be ethical for a
construction contractor to force an elder to continue working in construction as that field
requires a large amount of physical labor that the suit is not capable of providing. I also
believe that regardless of whether the elder owns a suit or not, employers should respect the
decision of their elderly employees should they want to retire. Again, it is a matter of
respecting the autonomy of people to their right to choosing for themselves.
iii. Ethical issues involved
The main ethical issue present with the invention and availability of the AXO Suit is
whether or not it would lead to the exploitation of the elderly population in the workforce due
to the additional physical capability the suit provides. I believe that this is a valid ethical
issue, however as mentioned in the previous section, this issue can be avoided or resolved
when the company responsible for the AXO Suit is transparent in what it is capable of
providing, when the AXO Suit is marketed as a commodity and not as an essential, and when
the autonomy of the elderly to choose for themselves if they want the suit, or if they want to
keep working, is observed and respected.
Andrei Benedict N. Mendiola
12 – Biology
Activity 3.1: Case Analysis on Bioethical Issues in Some Innovations/Development in Medical
Science

C. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

The degeneration of the muscular and skeletal system that occurs alongside aging is a
relevant issue that is not only prevalent but also potentially life – threatening to those who
have it. The development of the AXO Suit aims to solve this problem through an exoskeleton
that provides its wearer additional physical capability that can help them perform physical
tasks they may struggle at doing. However, the release of this suit also poses a bioethical
concern as to whether or not the additional physical capability in the elderly could lead to the
exploitation of seniors in the workplace. In my opinion, the suit itself is not what leads to the
problem. Rather, it is the implementation of the device. When the company that sells the
AXO Suit markets it as a commodity that is only capable of adding so much physical
capability, then employers in certain fields will be given less valid reasons to extend their
elderly employees’ years at work or deny them of retirement. It is also recommended that the
autonomy of the elderly population always be observed and respected. They should have the
right to choose if they would like the suit in the first place, as well as the right to choose if
they are capable of working for a few more years before retirement.