Like it or not, artificial intelligence is here to stay. Services, government agencies, and retailers have been rolling out AI tools over the past few years, and there are quite a few benefits that go hand in hand with these new tools.
AI can streamline tasks like organizing documents, making financial decisions, getting health advice, avoiding scammers, and so much more. But there's a clear generation gap when it comes to adoption and trust of AI.
According to one recent YouGov poll, 48% of Americans aged 18-29 said that AI had a positive effect on their lives. By contrast, only 16% of those aged 65 and older said they thought AI was a good thing.
That’s understandable, given how rapidly AI has moved in across a variety of key sectors. But the truth is that older generations stand to gain major benefits from artificial intelligence. They just have to approach AI in the right way.
To get some pro tips on how older individuals can start integrating AI into their daily lives, we sat down with Gyan Chawdhary, a vice president at Security Compass.
Security Compass is a Toronto-based cybersecurity solutions provider that uses AI-based tools and development products to support a range of financial companies, tech businesses, and government agencies like the U.S. Department of Defense.
Chawdhary has spent the past decade focusing on information security and AI. He founded Kontra, an app security training platform that Security Compass acquired in 2024 and is used by major brands like SoundCloud and Snapchat.
Read on to get Chawdhary’s take on AI’s generation gap, how AI can help older generations simplify life, and get his tips on the security features individuals should look for in an AI-powered app.
Why Is There a Generation Gap Around AI?
Answer: Many boomers are cautious about using AI because it’s unfamiliar territory. They didn’t grow up with this kind of technology, so the learning curve can feel steep.
Concerns about privacy, scams, and data security add to their hesitation, especially with so many stories of fraud out there. It’s not that they’re unwilling. They just need tools they can trust and some extra reassurance to feel confident.
How Can Older Generations Overcome Barriers to AI Adoption?
Answer: AI doesn’t have to be intimidating. Starting small with easy-to-use tools can open up a world of possibilities, helping older adults stay connected, independent, and organized while making life a little easier.
The best AI tools for older adults are simple, intuitive, and practical. Voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant are great because you can just talk to them to set reminders, check the weather, or play music.
Tools like Trustworthy or apps for organizing family photos can also introduce AI in ways that feel meaningful and not overwhelming.
How Can AI-Powered Tools Help Older People Streamline Tasks?
Answer: As a cybersecurity solutions and AI expert, I’ve had the privilege of seeing how technology transforms lives, particularly for older generations.
AI can take care of the little things, like reminding you to pay bills, keeping track of important documents, or organizing your calendar.
Platforms like Trustworthy are designed to handle tasks like this, freeing up time and reducing stress so older adults can focus on what matters most.
How Can Elderly Individuals Use AI for Personalized Assistance?
Answer: AI can tailor solutions to fit individual needs, like creating custom grocery lists, suggesting wellness routines, or setting up daily schedules.
For example, health apps can recommend exercises or meal plans based on personal preferences and goals, making self-care easier and more achievable.
How Can AI Help Elderly People Maintain Their Independence?
Answer: AI-powered devices like smart home assistants can help with things like turning on lights, adjusting the thermostat, or locking doors — all with a simple voice command.
Wearable devices can also monitor health and alert someone in case of an emergency, giving older adults more confidence to live independently.
How Can AI Support Health Monitoring for Older Adults?
Answer: Wearables like smartwatches track health stats like heart rate, sleep, and daily activity. They can also send alerts to family members or doctors if something seems off.
AI tools can remind you to take medications or even detect potential health issues early.
How Can AI Help Older Adults Manage Their Money?
Answer: AI can act like a personal assistant for life’s important responsibilities.
It can track medical appointments, remind you about prescriptions, or manage and alert you to any changes in legal or financial documents. This makes it easier to stay organized and avoid missing anything crucial.
What Security Features Should People Look for in AI Tools?
Answer: Security is key. Look for tools with features like two-factor authentication (especially hardware keys), strong encryption (AES 256-bit), and reputable certifications like SOC-2 or SOC-3.
Password managers can simplify account security, making it easier to stay protected.
What Emotional and Legacy Benefits Does AI Offer?
Answer: AI can help older adults leave a lasting impact.
For instance, tools like Trustworthy’s free eulogy writer help craft messages for loved ones, easing that responsibility for family members. Digitizing memories and organizing them in one place also ensures future generations can enjoy them.
How Can AI Preserve Family History?
Answer: AI can be a powerful way to save and organize family memories. Tools that digitize old photos, letters, and documents make it easy to create searchable archives.
This means your family history is preserved in a way that’s accessible and shareable for years to come.
• Get more advice from experts in Trustworthy's Q&A series
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Using Trustworthy’s AI Tools to Support Older Generations
AI isn’t here to take over the world. But it can streamline some of your more cumbersome daily tasks, letting you get the most from your time.
Trustworthy's AI-powered Autopilot tool is designed to take the hassle out of family and household management. Whenever you upload a new document to Trustworthy, Autopilot will automatically suggest a suitable file name and suggest which folder to save the document in.
But Autopilot even goes further by extracting key data from your documents and offering a quick summary of their contents. You can instantly grab an invoice number, important dates, or ID information without sifting through each document.
Unlike some other platforms' tools, Trustworthy’s AI is "memoryless." While it uses reasoning to help you get organized, it doesn't learn from your data or use your data in any other way. Your data is always secure, thanks to bank-level AES 256-bit encryption, multi-factor authentication, biometrics, and tokenization.
Ready to learn more about how Trustworthy can make your life easier? Check out Trustworthy’s range of features and start your free account today.
We’d love to hear from you! Feel free to email us with any questions, comments, or suggestions for future article topics.
Trustworthy is an online service providing legal forms and information. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice.
