With the rise of artificial intelligence, seniors across the U.S. are enrolling in tailored courses to navigate the benefits and risks of technology, reflecting a commitment to staying informed and engaged.
Embracing the Future: Senior Citizens Engage in AI Education Amid Rapid Technological Advancements
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve and integrate into everyday life, a unique demographic is taking steps to stay abreast of these advancements: senior citizens. This generation, which witnessed seismic technological shifts such as the advent of home refrigeration, the television, and the internet, is now grappling with the implications and opportunities presented by AI.
Across the United States, seniors are enrolling in AI education courses tailored specifically to their needs. These courses are sprouting up in senior centers, community colleges, and public libraries, reflecting a growing recognition that older adults must be equipped to navigate the benefits and threats of AI technology.
One such location is the North Shore Senior Center in Northfield, a Chicago suburb, where a recent class aimed at demystifying AI for senior attendees made an immediate impact. Attendees, aged 60 and above, expressed a mix of awe and skepticism as they learned about AI’s capabilities. From recognizing AI-generated scams to understanding the role of chatbots like ChatGPT in everyday tasks, the curriculum is comprehensive.
“I saw ice boxes turn into refrigerators, that is how long I have been around,” remarked Barbara Winston, an 89-year-old class participant. Winston’s curiosity was piqued by the transformative possibilities of AI, prompting her to further educate herself on the subject. Her journey began with downloading books on AI and experimenting with AI tools for personal use.
These AI courses are not just isolated to Northfield. Nationally, organizations like the AARP’s Senior Planet offer courses such as “AI All Around,” “AI Image Generators,” and “Introduction to AI,” which cover crucial topics including the fundamentals of AI, the utility of AI in daily life, and recognizing AI-driven disinformation. Membership in AARP grants free access to these resources, although non-members can find similar offerings through community colleges and public libraries.
The necessity for such education is underpinned by significant threats and benefits AI presents to seniors. AI technology can greatly enhance quality of life for older adults by assisting with medical tracking, mental wellness, and even providing transportation via self-driving cars. Voice assistance devices powered by AI can offer personalized responses to support telehealth and other applications.
However, there are also pronounced risks. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to financial scams and misinformation proliferated through deepfake technology and AI-driven content. An AARP report highlighted that Americans over 60 lose approximately $28.3 billion annually to financial schemes, some of which utilize AI to enhance their deception.
Educators like Michael Gershbein, who conduct AI courses for seniors, emphasize the importance of balanced skepticism. He encourages seniors to engage with AI while maintaining a critical eye. During one session in Northfield, Gershbein introduced the concept of deepfakes—AI-generated videos that convincingly portray individuals saying things they never did. The realistic nature of these deepfakes left the seniors in disbelief, underscoring the need for awareness and caution.
Dianne Stone, associate director at the National Council on Aging, supports these educational initiatives, stressing that older adults are indeed adopters of technology. She advocates for “healthy skepticism” to empower seniors with the ability to discern the reliability of information they encounter.
Despite varying reactions—from enthusiasm to tentative acceptance—many seniors find value in these courses. Linda Chipko, who attended a class in Atlanta, understood the importance of AI but concluded it wasn’t for her. Conversely, Ruth Schneiderman, a 77-year-old, explored AI’s creative potential by using it to illustrate a children’s book, subsequently seeking further education to deepen her understanding.
The impact of AI on seniors is a dynamic narrative. As this generation continues to engage with new technologies, the balance between embracing innovation and safeguarding against its risks remains pivotal. Such educational efforts reflect a broader societal shift toward inclusivity and digital literacy, ensuring that no demographic is left behind in the information age.
