June 25, 2026
The “person” who answers the phone at your doctor’s office uses it.
So does the health care updates you search for online.
And the Evite invitation from your neighbor that turns out to be a scam.
Yes, we’re talking AI – artificial intelligence.
What is AI?
“Artificial Intelligence is technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human learning, comprehension, problem solving, decision making, creativity and autonomy.
Applications and devices equipped with AI can see and identify objects. They can understand and respond to human language. They can learn from new information and experience. They can make detailed recommendations to users and experts. They can act independently, replacing the need for human intelligence or intervention (a classic example being a self-driving car).
But in 2024, most AI researchers, practitioners and most AI-related headlines are focused on breakthroughs in generative AI (gen AI), a technology that can create original text, images, video and other content.”
There are lots of AI apps, both free and for a fee, but in many of the latest smartphones and computers AI technology (AI assistants) is integrated into the software so you might not know you’re using it.
AI & older adults
AI is helping older adults in three main areas, according to Senior Planet from AARP: health, wealth and self.
Specific examples include:
- Personalized fitness and diet plans;
- Voice-powered assistants to remember medication times and other daily tasks;
- Empathetic AI counselors to reduce isolation and loneliness;
- Auto-generated captions converting speech to text making it easier for people facing hearing decline;
- Automated bill payments and personalized investment advice;
- Online shopping assistants offering personalized service and price comparisons;
- Popular online learning apps like Duolingo and Coursera using AI to make learning more engaging;
“For older adults in particular, AI offers new tools that can support independence and safety. The National Poll on Healthy Aging conducted a survey in February 2025 shows that older adults are already using AI in diverse and practical ways. For instance, the survey found that more than half (55%) of U.S. adults age 50 to 97 have used some kind of AI tool they speak or type to, and 51% have used one in the past year. This includes virtual assistants, chatbots, and other interactive systems,” according to myLifeSite.
Scams & AI
No surprise that scammers are also utilizing AI technology, and older adults are often the target of those scams.
According to the National Council on Aging, the four most common AI scams are:
- Voice cloning in which a criminal sounds like a family member and pretends to be in trouble and needs money ASAP.
- Phishing email attacks that look very authentic and include personalized information.
- Deepfake scams that used AI to generate convincing videos, photos, and audio clips that make it seem like someone said or did something they didn’t.
- Fake websites that look nearly identical to legitimate ones, requiring visitors to enter personal information, leading to identity theft or financial fraud.
To reduce your risk of being scammed, create a family “code” or “password” that can be used to verify each other’s identity, verify the source especially if it seems unusual and limit sharing personal information online. And keep abreast of AI developments. For instance, IBM, Cyper-Seniors and Senior Planet offer free online course.
And finally
AI is not about replacing human support, but enhancing it,” myLifeSite explains:
“Technology is improving people’s lives in countless ways, but one of AI’s most promising roles among older adults may be its ability to help them safely remain in their homes longer. AI tools can also complement the services offered in senior living communities, helping residents stay connected, remember important tasks, and maintain a sense of control over their daily routines.”
