AI workshop for seniors: Friend or Foe?

This was my second time presenting “AI: Friend or Foe” to seniors in my community over the past couple of months. The first one packed the room, so we brought it back.

The format was simple. I started with a plain explanation of what AI actually is right now. Then I showed a few clips of where it helps, where it gets weird, and where it can cause real problems.

Then we just talked.

That’s the part I like most.

Technology moves fast. I keep meeting seniors who feel like they’ve been left behind by it. But most of the time, it’s not because they can’t understand it. It’s because they don’t see it every day. They haven’t had someone slow it down and explain it without making them feel silly for asking.

That matters.

AI is already showing up in search results, phones, email, banking, scams, customer service, health tools, photos, and family conversations. Seniors don’t need hype. They don’t need a lecture. They need someone to show them what’s real, what’s useful, and what to be careful with.

I’m glad I get to help translate some of this.

I’m not claiming to be the world’s AI expert. I’ve just spent enough time digging into this stuff to know what matters for regular people. And every time I run one of these sessions, people leave with a few things they can actually use.

If you know older folks who feel wary of AI, you don’t need to overwhelm them. Show them something real. Talk it through. Give them room to ask questions.

That’s usually where the conversation starts.

If you’d like to bring this talk, or one of our other technology workshops, to your senior centre, library, retirement community, or community group, you can book a time through our online booking page or contact form. We’ll get back to you and talk through what would be the best fit.

Stay curious, and stay safe online.