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

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.

But 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 participants (55 percent) said they had used some form of AI technology. While voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Home were the most common, one in four respondents reported using 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 included:

• 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.

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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What About Health?

Interestingly, while AI is being used widely in daily routines, there is still significant hesitation around 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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The 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.