Ruth Schneiderman, a 77-year-old resident of Northfield, Illinois, is taking artificial intelligence (AI) classes despite her age. In these sessions at a senior center, she learns how to use AI for tasks such as finding directions to medical appointments and making AI a conversational companion. In an interview with the Associated Press, Schneiderman remarked, “I am currently using AI to create illustrations for children’s books that I am working on, and learning about cutting-edge technologies like AI is incredibly exciting.” Recently, there has been a surge in enthusiasm among seniors aged 60 and above in the U.S. for studying AI. Senior centers and similar organizations across the country have seen a significant increase in AI courses tailored for older adults, with classes—often 90 minutes long and held once or twice a week—experiencing high demand. According to the Associated Press, seniors' eagerness to learn is evident in their active participation. In-class questions often include concerns such as, “Can AI expose me to viruses?” and “How do I verify whether this information is real or fake?”

Barbara Winston, 89, who is taking AI classes at the Northfield Senior Center, is also enthusiastic about learning how to use ChatGPT. “I’ve lived through the transition from iceboxes to refrigerators,” she says, “but AI represents the greatest technological revolution I’ve encountered in my life.” These AI classes do more than introduce participants to new technology; they also address practical concerns. According to a report from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) last year, Americans over 60 suffer approximately $28.3 billion in economic losses annually due to AI-related fraud and other crimes. Michael Gershbein, an instructor for these AI classes, notes, “There has been a significant increase in interest from seniors in the past nine months. Our goal is to help older adults use AI safely.” Experts agree that expanding AI education for seniors is increasingly essential. Professor Siwei Liu from the University at Buffalo advises, “AI education for seniors should be designed to provide a balanced understanding of both the advantages and potential risks of the technology.

(The Dong-A Ilbo 2024.08.15)