Seniors across the U.S. are taking classes on AI to stay connected and informed. See how they're embracing this technological revolution.
In a recent report by the Associated Press, in a bright classroom at the North Shore Senior Center in Northfield, Illinois, a group of seniors, many with gray hair and some using canes, gathered to learn about artificial intelligence (AI), a technology that both intrigued and intimidated them. These older adults, all in their 60s or beyond, were determined to understand how it is reshaping their world, offering both potential benefits and significant risks.
As technology continues to advance, seniors across the United States are turning to educational classes designed to demystify artificial intelligence. These courses aim to help them navigate the complex digital landscape and protect themselves from the unique threats that artificial intelligence poses.
Stay tuned to learn more.
Embracing AI and its opportunities and benefits
For many seniors, AI presents a new frontier of opportunities. Barbara Winston, an 89-year-old attendee of the Northfield class, is no stranger to technological revolutions. She said that she saw ice boxes turn into refrigerators and that’s how long she has been around. Yet, she believes it represents the most significant technological shift of her lifetime. Eager to explore it's possibilities, Winston left the class inspired to begin her journey into the digital world.
Artificial intelligence has the potential to enhance the lives of seniors in numerous ways. From curbing loneliness through AI-powered companionship to making medical appointments more accessible, technology can play a vital role in improving the quality of life for older adults. Winston, for example, used ChatGPT, an AI chatbot, to seek advice on a personal medical issue. Expressing her eagerness to learn more, she said that this is the beginning of her education.
These classes are not just about introducing seniors to new technology; they also encourage them to see how it can positively impact their daily lives. Michael Gershbein, the instructor of the Northfield class, emphasizes the importance of balanced skepticism. “Overall, the suspicion that is there on the part of seniors is good,” Gershbein said. But he doesn’t want them to become paralyzed by their fears and not be willing to do anything online.
AI’s risks and the importance of skepticism and safety
While AI offers many benefits, it also comes with significant risks, especially for seniors who may be more vulnerable to scams and misinformation. The rise of deepfake videos, realistic yet fake depictions of people saying or doing things they never did, has heightened concerns about the spread of AI-generated misinformation. During the class, when Gershbein played examples of deepfakes, the seniors were shocked at how convincing they were, underscoring the need for caution.
The potential for AI-driven scams targeting seniors is also alarming. According to a report by AARP, Americans over 60 lose $28.3 billion annually to financial extortion schemes, some of which are increasingly aided by the new technology. These scams can be particularly devastating for seniors, who may struggle to distinguish between genuine and fraudulent communications.
Recognizing the growing threats, organizations like the National Council on Aging (NCOA) have ramped up efforts to provide artificial intelligence education to seniors. Dianne Stone, associate director at NCOA, stresses the importance of fostering a “healthy skepticism” among older adults. “There’s a myth out there that older adults don’t use technology. We know that that’s not true,” Stone said. These courses, she added, are designed to help seniors critically evaluate the information they encounter online and protect themselves from potential dangers.
For many seniors, the journey into the new technology is just beginning. While some, like Linda Chipko, may decide that it is “not for me,” others, such as Ruth Schneiderman, are eager to embrace the technology and explore its possibilities. Schneiderman, who used AI to illustrate a children’s book, believes that adapting to change is key to thriving in today’s world. “My mother lived until she was 90,” Schneiderman reflected, “and I learned from her if you want to survive in this world, you have to adjust to the change. Otherwise, you are left behind.”
As artificial intelligence continues to shape the world, these classes provide a crucial resource for seniors, helping them navigate the new digital landscape with confidence and caution.
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