The classroom was filled with students, many of them sporting gray hair and using canes, all well into their 60s or older. They were captivated by the lesson unfolding before them.
“Oh, wow,” murmured a retired professor, barely able to contain her astonishment.
“Does it come with any risks?” asked another, jotting down notes with a concerned expression.
One of the participants, a 79-year-old dressed in a black-and-white floral shirt, raised a question that seemed to resonate with everyone: “How can you tell if something’s real or fake?”
This was how a group of older adults—individuals who had witnessed the dawn of technologies like refrigeration, television, and the Internet—were engaging with the concept of artificial intelligence. They were attending a class at a senior center in a suburban area near Chicago, eager to learn about what might be the most transformative technology they would encounter in their lifetime.
They were not alone in this pursuit. Across the United States, similar classes are being offered, designed to educate seniors on how AI can significantly impact their lives, both positively and negatively.
“I remember when ice boxes became refrigerators, that’s how long I’ve been around,” said Barbara Winston, 89, who had signed up for the class at the North Shore Senior Center in Northfield. “I think this is the biggest technological revolution I’ll witness in my lifetime.”
As technology continues to evolve, older adults find themselves at a unique crossroads. Artificial intelligence holds the potential to enhance their lives, from reducing feelings of loneliness to simplifying access to medical care. However, there are also concerns specific to this demographic, such as the increased risk of falling victim to scams or misinformation spread through AI.
Winston, undeterred by these risks, left the class eager to explore AI further. Back at home, she began researching the technology, downloading books, and using tools like ChatGPT to seek advice on personal health issues.
“This is just the start of my learning journey,” she said, a floral-patterned coffee mug resting beside her. “I’m not too concerned about protecting myself. At my age, that’s not my biggest worry.”
These classes aim to provide older adults with both the knowledge to harness the benefits of AI and the critical thinking skills to approach the technology with a healthy dose of skepticism.
For seniors like those in Michael Gershbein’s class in Northfield, this balanced perspective is essential. Gershbein, an experienced instructor, has seen interest in AI skyrocket in recent months. He teaches these sessions to create a safe space where seniors can ask questions and explore the implications of AI in their lives.
During one of his 90-minute classes, Gershbein introduced the concept of deepfakes—videos that use AI to make it appear as though someone said something they didn’t. The seniors watched in disbelief, astonished by how convincingly real these fabricated videos seemed. Concerns about such technologies being used to manipulate political opinions, particularly among older voters, are widespread.
But the risks extend beyond politics. AI can also facilitate scams, using voice-cloning technology to deceive seniors. A recent report found that Americans over 60 lose billions each year to such schemes, some of which are increasingly aided by AI.
Organizations like the National Council on Aging have recognized the growing importance of digital literacy for seniors. Dianne Stone, who has worked with seniors for over two decades, emphasized that while older adults are increasingly tech-savvy, they need to be equipped with the skills to discern truth from falsehood in the digital age.
“We need to strike a balance,” said Siwei Lyu, a professor at the University at Buffalo, who has also lectured on AI to various groups, including seniors. “Education about AI for older adults must be well-rounded, addressing both its potential benefits and dangers.”
Many seniors who have taken these classes report a better understanding of AI’s potential, as well as its limitations.
“It’s only as reliable as the people who create and use it, and users need to be aware of that,” said Linda Chipko, 70, who attended a class in suburban Atlanta. While she found the information valuable, she concluded, “AI’s not for me.”
However, others have embraced the technology. Ruth Schneiderman, 77, used AI to help illustrate a children’s book she was writing. Inspired by this experience, she enrolled in the Northfield class to learn more.
“My mother lived to be 90,” Schneiderman said, “and she taught me that to survive in this world, you have to adapt to change, or you’ll be left behind.”
