You’ve likely heard plenty of talk lately about Artificial Intelligence, or AI, tools such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini.
Perhaps you have wondered what all the fuss is about.
Maybe you have even tried asking AI a question and were surprised
when it actually gave you a useful answer.
If you haven’t tried it yet, don’t worry. You don’t have to become
a computer expert, learn complicated programming or understand how AI works. Think
of it as having a very patient assistant sitting beside you, ready to help when
you have a question.
The GLUU Society is one
organization helping older adults become more comfortable with technology and the
digital world. Their work is a great reminder that technology should be a tool that
helps us live better, not something that intimidates us.
Here are the first five of ten simple, practical ways older Canadians
can put AI to work.
1. Scam Verification
There seems to be a new scam every week, and some are becoming
remarkably convincing. AI can help you examine a suspicious email, text message
or phone call and explain the warning signs.
Try asking: “I received an email saying the CRA owes me money.
What are the signs that this could be a scam?”
Or: “How do I protect myself from a grandparent scam using a
cloned voice?”
AI should not replace your common sense or an official source,
but it can help you recognize the red flags.
2. Translating “Doctor-Speak”
A medical appointment can sometimes feel like drinking from a
fire hose. Your doctor explains something, uses three words you have never heard
before, and then moves on to the next subject.
AI can help you understand the terminology in plain English.
Try asking: “Can you explain osteoarthritis in simple terms without
medical jargon?”
Or: “What three questions should I ask my doctor about a new
medication?”
Remember, AI can explain information, but it cannot diagnose
you or replace your doctor.
3. Navigating Canadian Pensions and Tax Credits
Government programs can sometimes seem as though they were written
by people who were paid by the word.
AI can help you understand the terminology and identify questions
you should investigate further.
Try asking: “What Canadian tax credits might be available to
seniors for home mobility modifications?”
Or: “What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan, and who may be eligible?”
Use AI as your research assistant, then confirm important information
with the appropriate government department or a qualified financial professional.
4. Understanding Government and Community Services
Sometimes the hardest part of getting help is figuring out where
to begin.
You may know you need assistance with transportation, home repairs,
food, caregiving or social isolation, but you may not know which organization to
contact.
Try asking: “I am a senior living in British Columbia. What types
of community services might help an older adult who is becoming socially isolated?”
Or: “What questions should I ask when looking for transportation
services for seniors?”
AI can help you turn a vague problem into a list of possible
solutions and questions.
5. Organizing Your Life
Retirement does not necessarily mean having nothing to do. In
fact, many retirees wonder how they ever found time to work!
AI can help organize appointments, errands, projects and travel
plans into manageable steps.
Try asking: “I have six appointments and errands this week. Help
me organize them into a simple schedule.”
Or: “Create a checklist for preparing my house before I leave
for a two-week vacation.”
You remain in charge. AI simply helps turn the clutter in your
head into an organized plan.
And that may be one of the most useful things AI can do.
If you are curious about learning more, take a look at the GLUU
Society and the resources they provide for older adults. You don't have to understand
everything about technology. You just need to be willing to try one new thing.
Next time, we’ll look at five more ways AI can help with communication,
travel, learning, family and the hobbies we enjoy.
Start small. Ask one question.
You may be surprised by the answer.
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