Helping older adults use AI in everyday life

OpenAI and Older Adults Technology Services from AARP have launched a collaborative initiative to host free, in-person ChatGPT workshops for older adults. Known as the Older Adults AI Skills Jam, the program is designed to help participants use ChatGPT confidently and safely for everyday tasks such as trip planning, understanding bills, pursuing hobbies, and staying connected with family. The multi-year effort, operating through the Senior Planet program, aims to reach 1,000 older adults across 10 U.S. cities in partnership with local organizations such as the Nashville Public Library and FiftyForward. According to OpenAI data, the share of ChatGPT messages associated with users aged 55 and older grew from 6 percent to nearly 10 percent over the course of a year, indicating rising engagement. Online safety is a core component of the curriculum, teaching older adults to recognize scam warning signs like urgent language and suspicious links, and to use ChatGPT as a tool for evaluating potentially fraudulent messages. This workshop series builds on previous OpenAI Academy events focused on nonprofits, small businesses, and K-12 educators, with participant experiences intended to help shape future learning resources for older adults.