AI for Seniors, Ten Simple Ways to Make Life a Little Easier: Part 2

Last time, I looked at five practical ways seniors can use Artificial Intelligence to make everyday life a little easier.

The important thing to remember is that you don't have to become an AI expert. You don't even have to understand how AI works.

Think of it as a tool.

A very patient tool.

You can ask it a question at midnight. You can ask it to explain something again. You can ask it to simplify an answer. And unlike the rest of us, it never seems to get tired of being asked the same question twice.

Here are five more ways you can put AI to work.

6. Help Drafting Messages

Sometimes the hardest part of writing an email or letter is getting started.

You know what you want to say, but the words don't quite come together.

AI can help.

Try asking: “Draft a polite email to my strata committee about noisy neighbours.”

Or: “Help me write a birthday message for my teenage granddaughter that sounds warm but not too formal.”

You don't have to use what AI writes word for word. In fact, you shouldn't. Think of it as a first draft that you can change until it sounds like you.

The words should still be yours.

7. Making Travel Plans

Travel planning can involve hours of searching for places to stay, things to do, restaurants, transportation and accessible attractions.

AI can help you get started.

Try asking: “Plan a three-day trip to Victoria for a couple who have mobility challenges.”

Or: “Create a packing list for a seven-day Alaskan cruise.”

You can then ask follow-up questions: “Make it less expensive.” “Add accessible activities.” “Give me options for rainy days.”

That conversation can help you build a much more useful plan.

Just remember to verify current prices, opening hours, reservations and travel requirements before you leave home.

8. Learning Something New

One of the great advantages of retirement is having the opportunity to become a beginner again.

Want to learn photography? Try gardening? Understand artificial intelligence? Learn another language? Improve your cooking?

AI can become a very patient tutor.

Try asking: “Teach me how to use my new smartphone one step at a time.”

Or: “I've always wanted to learn photography. Give me a simple four-week beginner's plan.”

You can ask questions whenever you get stuck.

There is something rather wonderful about being able to say, “I don't understand that. Explain it another way.”

9. Staying Connected with Family

Technology can sometimes create distance between generations, but it can also bring us closer.

AI can help you think of conversation starters, activities and ways to connect with children and grandchildren.

Try asking: “Give me five conversation starters I can use when I call my teenage grandson.”

Or: “Suggest activities I can do with my grandchildren that don't involve screens.”

You might even ask AI to explain something your grandchildren are interested in so you can understand what they are talking about.

The goal isn't to replace the conversation.

It is to help create one.

10. Exploring Hobbies and Keeping Your Mind Active

This may be my favourite use of AI.

Retirement should be about more than managing appointments and paperwork. It should also be about curiosity, enjoyment and discovering what comes next.

AI can become a companion for your hobbies.

If you enjoy gardening, ask about planting schedules. If you like cooking, ask for recipes based on what you have in the refrigerator. If you play golf, ask for ideas to improve your short game. If you love reading, ask for suggestions based on books you've enjoyed.

Try asking: “I enjoy historical novels. Recommend some authors and explain what makes their books interesting.”

Or: “Give me five simple ways to improve my putting.”

The possibilities are almost endless.

Four Golden Rules for Staying Safe

AI is powerful, but that doesn't mean we should believe everything it tells us.

First, keep private details private. Never give AI your SIN, bank account number, credit card information, passwords or other sensitive personal information.

Second, double-check important facts. AI can make mistakes. Verify medical, financial, legal and government information with the appropriate professional or official source.

Third, don't substitute AI for people. A computer can give you information, but it can't replace your doctor, financial adviser, family, friends or the people in your community. Those human connections are important to our health and happiness.

And fourth, start small.

You don't need to learn everything about AI. Pick one thing from these two articles that would make your life a little easier.

Open ChatGPT or Gemini and ask a question.

Try something.

You may discover that artificial intelligence isn't really about replacing people at all.

It can be about giving people a little more independence, a little more confidence and a little more time to do the things they enjoy.