Technology has come a long way since today’s seniors were marveling at the first man on the moon or playing Pong. Many have embraced new technologies along the way, like smartphones, smart homes, and online books, music, and entertainment. These days, seniors can use ChatGPT artificial intelligence for an array of benefits, from enhanced well-being to simply having fun.
ChatGPT, a user-friendly AI tool, is opening up new possibilities to stay informed and engaged. Whether it’s getting help with everyday questions, writing a letter, exploring hobbies, or simply having a friendly conversation, ChatGPT can serve as a helpful companion and resource. Older adults can use ChatGPT with ease and confidence, no tech expertise required.
Accessibility features
The ChatGPT tool includes several accessibility-friendly features that can help senior users. Users can use the microphone on their computer or mobile device (for Plus accounts), making it helpful for those with vision or mobility challenges. The tool works with most screen readers and supports keyboard navigation for easier use. While it doesn’t have built-in text-to-speech, it can adapt its responses for clarity, use plain language, or summarize content based on your needs.
Here’s how seniors can use ChatGPT
This user-friendly AI tool provides information and entertainment. Before diving in, remember that answers may not always be 100% accurate. Also, never share sensitive information (phone number, Social Security number, bank accounts, passwords, etc.).
Once you’ve waded in to ChatGPT, you’ll be amazed how easy and enjoyable it is to use. Start with these basic ideas.
1. Support for health concerns
ChatGPT can help with general health questions by explaining symptoms, conditions, and treatments in plain language. It can offer self-care tips and help you prepare for doctor visits. However, it can’t diagnose, prescribe, or replace professional medical advice. It’s a helpful tool for learning and support, but not a substitute for a healthcare provider.
- Understand medical terms: “What is polymyalgia rheumatica?”
- Get diet and exercise tips: “Give me a simple stretching routine for seniors.”
- Prepare questions for a doctor’s visit: “What can I ask my rheumatologist about my arthritis?”
Related: How the Internet Benefits Older Adults’ Mental Health
2. Learning and mental engagement
ChatGPT offers interactive, personalized experiences that make learning more accessible and enjoyable. It can explain complex topics in simple terms and adapt to your interests, providing information on history, science, old movies and TV shows, and current events. ChatGPT often gives better answers than a search engine because it summarizes information from many sources instead of making you sort through a long list of web pages. It also provides brain-stimulating activities like puzzles, trivia, and word games to keep your mind active.
- Learn something new: “Tell me an interesting fact.”
- Get technology guidance: “What’s the easiest way to send a photo by email?”
- Play brain games: Ask for riddles, trivia, or logic puzzles or play games like 20 Questions and memory challenge.
- Get help with everyday questions: “What’s a good low-sodium recipe?” or “What does Medicare Part B cover?”
- Look up answers to specific questions: “How is rye whiskey different from bourbon?”
3. Creativity and fun
Stay engaged with fun, low-pressure ways to explore creativity, through storytelling, poetry, and jokes. Get help writing a personal memoir. Invent characters and adventures just for fun – or to share with the grandkids. You can also create funny images, such an action figure based on you, your pet, a friend, or a family member.
- Write jokes, limericks, or stories
- Generate gift ideas for birthdays or holidays
- Make custom crosswords or word searches with family names or favorite hobbies
- Make funny images like dinosaurs having a tea party or a squirrel driving a car
Sample prompt:
Write a funny riddle or joke for me to tell a five-year-old girl.
ChatGPT response:
Sure! Here’s a fun and silly riddle perfect for a five-year-old:
Q: Why did the teddy bear say no to dessert?
A: Because she was stuffed!
Want another one with animals, princesses, or something else she likes?
Writing and communication
Make your writing tasks easier and more enjoyable with AI support. Use ChatGPT to write emails and messages. The tool can recommend clear and understandable wording, use proper grammar, and organize thoughts. It can also help control the tone of your message, making communication more effective and less stressful.
- Write emails, letters, or cards: ChatGPT can help draft messages to friends and family.
- Create stories or poems: Turn memories into creative writing or legacy projects, for yourself or to share.
- Edit and format documents: Record family history and write newsletters and journals.
Here is an example of using AI for communication:
Sample prompt:
My neighbor makes me angry by playing loud music late at night. Write me a polite email to address the problem.
ChatGPT Response:
Subject: A Quick Note About Late-Night Music
Hi [Neighbor’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to reach out about something that’s been affecting my sleep lately. I’ve noticed that the music from your place can get quite loud at night, and it’s been a bit difficult to get rest.
I completely understand wanting to enjoy your evenings, and I don’t mean to be a bother—just hoping we might find a way to keep things a little quieter later in the evening.
Thanks so much for understanding, and I appreciate your consideration.
Warmly,
[Your Name]
Getting Started
The ChatGPT AI tool is simple to use. Here’s how seniors can use ChatGPT on a computer, tablet, or smartphone.
- On a web browser, go to chat.openai.com – no need to install an application.
- Android and iOS devices can use a mobile app for the program.
- Type naturally, just like you were asking a question or making a request of a friend. ChatGPT understands plain language.
- Ask follow-up questions.
- Make follow-up requests like “Make it simpler,” “Explain that again,” or “Try a different version.”
- There are no wrong questions – just be curious!
Basic ChatGPT is free. A free account gets access to a slightly less powerful version of the software, may provide slower or limited access during peak times, and places limitations on some of the tool’s features, such as image generation. But the free version is still a powerful and useful tool, suitable for casual use and basic Q&A.
Once seniors have learned how to use ChatGPT and experienced the fun and enrichment it can provide, the world is their virtual oyster.
Related: Artificial Intelligence for Reading Medical Tests – Beneficial or Risky?