How Older Adults Are Really Using AI, According to New Research

Older adults are not just “getting used to AI,” they’re using it in very specific, very practical ways, and the new research backs it up.

In the survey, older adults described turning AI into a daily tool, from streaming music and asking for help with learning to building travel plans and comparing insurance options. But the real twist comes with safety: about one in three reported installing AI-powered devices like smart cameras, alarm systems, or video doorbells, and 93 percent of those users said they felt safer afterward.

Then comes the complicated part, AI is welcomed everywhere except when it comes to health information.

As AI continues to evolve, the voices of older adults will play an important role in shaping how these technologies are designed and adopted.

Why Are Older Adults Turning to AI?

Some of the most common uses include:

• Entertainment and learning: streaming music, playing games, or asking AI to explain new concepts.
• Research and planning: from travel itineraries to comparing medical insurance options.
• Creative expression: generating images, writing stories, or brainstorming project ideas.

In short, AI is not just about convenience; for many in this age group, it is about empowerment.

That smart camera or video doorbell is the first “okay, this actually helps” moment for a lot of older adults in the study.

The notion that older adults are resistant to technology is increasingly proving to be a misconception. The findings from Brewer’s study reveal that older adults are not only embracing artificial intelligence but are also finding significant value in its applications. This demographic is often more adaptable than society gives them credit for, particularly when they recognize the practical advantages that technology can provide in their everyday lives. The increasing use of AI tools among older individuals underscores their willingness to engage with new innovations, challenging the stereotype that they are technophobic.

One of the standout findings from the survey was how strongly older adults value AI when it comes to personal security. About one in three said they had installed AI-powered devices like smart cameras, alarm systems, or video doorbells.

An overwhelming 93 percent of these users reported feeling safer with these technologies in place. For many, it provided peace of mind that traditional locks and alarms never fully offered.

Safety and Security Matter Most

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Once they’ve used AI for entertainment and planning, it’s a lot harder to dismiss it as some kind of gimmick.

It’s similar to the woman who sold her SUV to family at a discount, then got hit with an engine-failure bill.

What About Health?

Interestingly, while AI is being widely used in daily routines, there is still significant hesitation regarding medical advice. Nearly three out of four older adults said they do not trust AI to provide reliable health information.

This points to a gap in adoption: while AI is welcomed as a companion for entertainment and safety, older adults remain cautious about relying on it for decisions that could affect their well-being.

Breaking the “Tech-Averse” Stereotype

For years, the assumption has been that older generations shy away from new technology. This research paints a very different picture. Today’s over-50s are not only open to using AI; they are actively finding ways to shape it into something practical, personal, and even fun.

As Brewer notes, these findings challenge the idea that AI is reserved for younger, more “tech-savvy” groups. Instead, older adults are carving out their own space in the AI landscape, one that prioritizes independence, creativity, and safety.

AI is not just about convenience; for many in this age group, it is about empowerment.

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But the comfort drops fast when the conversation turns to medical advice, because nearly three out of four don’t trust AI for reliable health information.

The Bigger Picture

They are experimenting, adapting, and choosing the tools that add value to their lives. And while skepticism around health advice remains strong, the momentum is undeniable.

As AI continues to evolve, the voices of older adults will play an important role in shaping how these technologies are designed and adopted.

So the same people who feel safer at the door are still cautious about what AI tells them behind it.

The empowerment that AI brings to older adults can be explained by the Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 2000). This theory posits that feelings of autonomy, competence, and relatedness can enhance motivation and wellness (Deci & Ryan, 2000). AI, by providing assistance and enabling independence, can significantly improve the sense of autonomy and competence in older adults.

The recent research highlights a crucial aspect of technology adoption among older adults: their willingness to engage with AI is closely tied to how easy and beneficial the technology appears. This underscores the importance for AI developers to prioritize user-friendly interfaces that cater specifically to this demographic. The findings challenge the stereotype that technology is solely for younger generations, revealing an opportunity for broader engagement across age groups.

The findings regarding older adults and their interaction with AI challenge the prevailing notion that this demographic is resistant to technology. Instead, the research highlights a willingness among older individuals to embrace AI, particularly when they see it as beneficial and user-friendly. This perspective aligns with the principles of Self-Determination Theory, which emphasizes the importance of autonomy and competence. By recognizing how AI can enhance these aspects of life for older adults, we can better appreciate the potential for innovative designs that cater to all ages.

They’re treating AI like a lock that keeps them calm, not like a health guide that earns their trust.

That hotel keycard fight, where she says he treats her as “less than human,” is wild too. See the full argument.