You might still think of AI as something your kids or grandkids use. But walk into many homes now, and you’ll see Grandma asking Alexa to play Elvis or Grandpa checking tomorrow’s weather with a smart speaker. In fact, a recent national survey found that an astounding 55% of older adults are using AI. Some of those tools are as simple as voice assistants like Alexa or Siri, which about half of older adults reported using in the past year. Only about one in four said they’d tried a text-based chatbot like ChatGPT. But together, these tools are shaping everyday life for many aging adults.

 

So what are they actually doing with AI, and how can you help them use it in ways that are both helpful and safe?

 

How Older Adults Are Using AI Right Now

 

The research shows that older adults who use AI are mostly turning to it in the following ways:

 

• Asking a smart speaker to set a timer while cooking or to remind them to take medication
• Getting quick answers to questions about the weather, directions, or simple how-tos
• Listening to music, audiobooks, or relaxation sounds
• Using AI-powered home security cameras or doorbells to feel safer living alone

 

Some older adults are also experimenting with more creative uses: asking AI to help them plan a vacation, brainstorm grocery lists, or even draft a note or letter.

 

The Trust Problem: AI Is Helpful, But Not Always Right

 

Here’s where things get tricky. AI can sound very confident, even when it’s wrong. And older adults are split on how much they trust it: about 54% said they trust AI-generated content, while 46% do not.

 

Only about half of older adults surveyed felt confident they could tell when AI had given incorrect information. Those with more education were more likely to feel comfortable spotting mistakes, while older adults with poorer physical or mental health tended to trust AI less.

 

So what do all these stats mean for you in real life? In a nutshell, AI can be both a helpful tool and a potential source of confusion or misinformation. Your loved one might rely on it for health advice, financial information, or news without realizing when something doesn’t quite add up.

 

How to Help an Older Loved One Use AI Safely

 

You don’t have to be a tech expert to make AI safer and more useful for someone you love. A few small steps can go a long way:

 

1. Ask how they’re already using it. Instead of starting with warnings, start with curiosity.

• “Hey Mom, what do you usually ask Alexa?”
• “What kinds of questions do you type into that chatbot?”

 

Once you know how they’re using AI, you can gently guide them toward safer, more helpful uses, like recipes, music, reminders, and light entertainment, and away from high-risk topics like financial decisions or serious medical advice.

 

2. Set some “AI house rules” together. Keep it simple and specific:

 

• Don’t share Social Security numbers, bank information, passwords, or insurance details with any device or app.
• Don’t click on links an AI tool suggests for banking, bill pay, or “account fixes.” Go directly to the official website instead.
• Treat health information from AI as a starting point, not a diagnosis. Anything serious should be checked with a doctor.

 

Framing these as shared safety habits (“Let’s both do this”) is more respectful than giving strict “do” and “don’t” rules.

 

3. Use AI to support independence, not replace connection. AI can be wonderful for:

 

• Playing their favorite music from years past
• Guiding simple exercises or stretching routines
• Reading recipes aloud while they cook
• Offering brain-teasing games, trivia, or language practice

 

But it can’t replace a real conversation, a listening ear, or the comfort of another person in the room. You might say, “Let’s see what your smart speaker can do to make your day easier, and we’ll keep the important stuff between us and your doctor.”

 

4. Talk openly about scams and “fake-sounding truths.” Older adults are already targeted by sophisticated scams, and AI can make those scams more convincing. Remind your loved one that:

 

• Just because something sounds official doesn’t mean it’s true.
• If a message, call, or answer from AI asks for money, gift cards, or personal details, it’s a red flag.
• It’s always wise to double-check anything that feels off with you or another trusted person.

 

When Caregiving and Technology Overlap

 

If you’re already juggling medications, appointments, and daily care, adding “tech coach” to your list may feel like one role too many. But helping an older adult use AI wisely can actually ease your load by providing reminders, music, and safety tools to support both independence and peace of mind.

 

At Traditions Home Health Services, our caregivers can also help support the safe use of technology, so life at home feels more manageable and connected. Reach out to us at 617-376-3711 to learn more about how we can help someone you love in Boston, Milton, Westwood, and throughout Eastern Massachusetts, with live-in care available in New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Massachusetts with highly customized in-home care services.