Artificial Intelligence and Older Adults: Adaptation Process in Working Life
The elderly population and local business owners in upstate New York are learning to use artificial intelligence tools in the workplace and daily life with the support of the Erie County Department of Senior Services.
The older population in upstate New York is trying to embrace artificial intelligence tools in the workplace—which can be both helpful and confusing—and not shy away from this technology. The Erie County Department of Senior Services encourages older adults to use AI as an assistant in daily tasks, support decision-making, and find resources.
Jennifer Johnson, the 72-year-old co-owner of Johnson Estate Winery, carries the ChatGPT app set up by her daughter on her cell phone and uses this tool to create food and wine pairing menus for private events. Her husband, Fred Johnson, stated that visitors create stops along the wine trail using AI, that they benefit indirectly from this situation, and that the tool makes things easier. Randy Hoak, Commissioner of the Erie County Department of Senior Services, emphasized that assumptions should not be made about older adults and technology, stating that those who embrace AI with curiosity will benefit from its efficiency, while those who completely ignore it will be at a disadvantage.