AI isn’t just for the young people of our society. With technology rapidly improving throughout the world, it’s important that everyone has a basic understanding of how new versions of artificial intelligence work and how they don’t have to be seen as a negative aspect of learning new skills.
As technology continues to evolve rapidly, it’s becoming increasingly important for everyone — including older adults — to understand how AI works and how it can be used to enhance daily life. Far from being intimidating, AI can actually help make tasks easier, more accessible, and even more enjoyable.
One of the most well-known AI tools today is ChatGPT, a program developed by OpenAI. ChatGPT is designed to understand and respond to human language, making it feel like you’re chatting with someone who knows a little bit about everything. It can help with a wide range of tasks: writing a letter, finding a chicken soup recipe, or even explaining how Medicare works. Unlike search engines like Google that provide a list of links, ChatGPT offers clear, personalized answers in everyday understandable and easily digestible language.
Another powerful tool is Google Gemini, created by Google. Similar to ChatGPT in its ability to assist with emails, recipes, and more, Gemini also integrates seamlessly with other Google apps like Gmail, Google Maps, and Google Docs. This makes it especially helpful for managing your inbox, planning a trip, or organizing documents — using platforms many people already rely on daily.
To help older adults get more comfortable with using these tools, Senior Planet from AARP is offering a series of hands-on, up close and personal, and interactive classes in Montgomery County called “Exploring AI.” These courses were specifically designed for adults 60 and older, with a key focus on making AI more approachable, practical, and useful.
Participants will learn how to use tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini for everyday needs such as writing emails, planning vacations, generating artwork, or simply asking questions. These classes will also heavily rely on the importance of digital responsibility and safety, covering topics like deepfakes, voice cloning, and how to spot AI-generated misinformation.
The classes are being held at two locations:
- Benjamin Gaither Center: A 10-week session running on Wednesdays, which began July 9.
- Holiday Park Center: A five-week course starting August 26, held on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
If you missed the start of the first session, there’s still plenty of time to get involved in upcoming sessions.
Senior Planet is a nonprofit organization powered by OATS (Older Adults Technology Services) in collaboration with AARP. Its mission is to help older adults traverse the modern AI-dominated world with purpose and confidence. In addition to the workshops described above, Senior Planet also offers:
- Live online classes via Zoom;
- A private online community for adults 60 and older;
- One-on-one tech assistance;
- And a library of self-paced digital tools and resources
Whether it’s learning to use AI, connecting with others online, or exploring digital creativity, Senior Planet offers a welcoming space for older adults to thrive in today’s tech-driven society.
