AI and Seniors

Seniors have, in many cases, completed fulfilling careers, raised families, made wise financial and life decisions and successfully navigated many complex circumstances through the years – all without the technology of today. ‘Back in the day’ the delivery of services and information was predictable, familiar and reliable.

But then, technology in the form of iPads, cellphones, ATMs, self-checkouts, smart-everythings, and automated voice systems began to augment long-familiar, and simple, routines; banking, retail stores, connecting by phone in one-step with a human customer service agent, booking a vacation, and more.

The pandemic gave rise to video platforms like Zoom, FaceTime and Facebook Messenger that allowed us to keep in touch visually with loved ones. Out of necessity we became proficient with these platforms and still use them today for geographically dispersed family get-togethers, reunions or meetings, impromptu chats, or sharing screen information.

And now, the most significant leap of automation in almost every aspect of our lives; Artificial Intelligence – AI, is changing the landscape on a generational level.

From making everyday inquiries for information and tasks, writing tips, travel itineraries and even recipe suggestions, AI is providing us with a wellspring of information that we never thought possible.

But AI also presents its own risks; sophisticated scammers are able to easily and quickly replicate the voices of our loved ones almost to perfection as they seek to deceive and rob us.

** Common occurrence: an unsuspecting Senior receives a phone call from their “grandchild.” Looking at the caller ID number and name, the Senior confirms that, yes, this is their grandchild speaking. Pleasantries are exchanged. It is precisely their grandchild’s voice in tone, cadence and pattern. It even knows personal family details.

‘There has been an incident,’ the grandchild says, urgently. ‘It’s an emergency,’ they continue – but don’t tell mom or dad. The ‘grandchild’ needs money. Lots of money. NOW! Or bad things will happen to them.

The Senior, frightened, flummoxed and under pressure to act immediately on the instructions that the grandchild demands, such as banking and other financial details, hands over this sensitive information – never to see their money again.

There was no ‘incident.’ It was never the grandchild speaking on the phone. The displayed Caller ID and grandchild’s name were faked. All false and generated by a complex AI system.

In this interactive presentation – run via Zoom – Seniors will learn about AI with the goal of Staying Safe, Smart and Curious.

LEARNING TAKEAWAYS

In simple and relatable terms, understanding what AI is – and what it is not

An introduction and walkthrough of the popular AI platform, ChatGPT

Easy-to-execute strategies to protect yourself from text, email and phonecall voice scams

Audience participation!! Your questions are inputted into ChatGPT – and watch, on-screen, the AI’s detailed response

Build confidence, not confusion with using AI; incremental steps, day-by-day

Request a Senior’s Presentation Overview and Outline.