How Older Adults Are Really Using AI, According to New Research
In short, AI is not just about convenience; for many in this age group, it is about empowerment.
Artificial intelligence is often portrayed as the domain of younger generations. From TikTok filters to homework help with ChatGPT, the stereotype is that AI belongs to Gen Z and millennials.
However, new research suggests a very different story. Older adults are not only experimenting with AI; they are finding meaningful ways to integrate it into their everyday lives.
The Study at a Glance
A research team led by Robin Brewer, in collaboration with the University of Michigan, surveyed 3,000 Americans aged 50 and above. The goal was to better understand how older adults are interacting with AI tools, what they find useful, and where they still feel hesitant.
The results were eye-opening. More than half of the participants (55 percent) reported having used some form of AI technology. While voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Home were the most common, one in four respondents indicated they had used ChatGPT in the past year.
The motivations behind this adoption go far beyond curiosity. According to the study, many older adults are drawn to AI because it helps them maintain independence, stay socially connected, and improve their quality of life.
In short, AI is not just about convenience; for many in this age group, it is about empowerment.
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.
Understanding the Psychology of Older Adults and Technology
The stereotype that older adults are technophobic and resist technological innovation is not only outdated but also unsupported by recent research. As noted by Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist, "Older adults are often more adaptable than we give them credit for, especially when they see the tangible benefits of technology in their daily lives" (Dr. Ramani Durvasula). The use of AI by older adults, as suggested by Brewer's study, is a testament to their adaptability and openness to new experiences.
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
PexelsWhat 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.
PexelsThe Bigger Picture
The takeaway is clear: older Americans are not sitting on the sidelines of the AI revolution. 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.
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.
What Research Shows About Aging and Technology Acceptance
Research indicates that older adults' acceptance of technology is significantly influenced by its perceived ease of use and usefulness. Dr. Dan Ariely, a behavioral economist, states, "When technology is intuitive and clearly beneficial, older adults are more likely to embrace it" (Dan Ariely). This suggests that AI developers should focus on creating user-friendly interfaces and providing clear demonstrations of AI's practical benefits to effectively engage this demographic.
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
In conclusion, the relationship between older adults and AI is far from the common stereotype of older adults being technophobic. Research shows that older adults are open to adopting technology when it is perceived as useful and easy to use. The Self-Determination Theory provides a lens to understand how AI can empower older adults by enhancing their sense of autonomy and competence. It's a reminder that psychological theories and principles can offer valuable insights to inform and improve technological design and adoption for all age groups.
