Introducing AI to Older Adults

I'm arranging a 150-minute training session that covers five key topics to help a group of people in their 50s become comfortable using AI on their smartphones. The plan is to demonstrate each skill and then have participants practice hands-on using a curriculum framework I've set up inside a Notion database. The training focus is basic digital literacy – from installing apps on smartphone to using voice and camera features on their handsets – applied to everyday tasks like reading information and finding local services.

I'm focusing on using specific AI tools (Google’s Gemini, OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Meta’s AI Assistant, and Google Lens). They are widely used today (ChatGPT alone had around 600 million monthly users by early 2025, and they’re designed to be intuitive even for those who aren’t tech-savvy.

I will run a survey at the end of the workshop, measuring the level of confidence people have when using their phone’s AI capabilities in their daily lives.

Topic 1: Installing AI Apps and Using Voice Assistants

What & Why: Begin with the basics of getting the right tools. Many in the group may not have apps like ChatGPT or Google Gemini. So I need to show everyone how to find and install apps from the app store and set up accounts if needed (for example, creating a free OpenAI account for ChatGPT). I’ll also cover updating WhatsApp or Facebook apps to ensure Meta’s AI assistant is available.

I've discovered people need examples of how to use their voice as a friendly way to interact with AI. Even though speaking a question instead of typing can be easier for newcomers, it's important to phrase questions logically.

Installing apps and using voice control are fundamental digital literacy skills. Once these tools are in place, participants can access AI assistants that work through natural conversation, which is accessible even for non–tech-savvy users. I will demonstrate installing an app (projected for everyone to see), then assist participants as they download the apps on their own phones. Once the apps are downloaded, we’ll practice asking the AI some questions. That helps to build confidence from the start.

Demo & Hands-on:

• Demo: I will show how to search the App Store/Play Store for “OpenAI ChatGPT” and install it. I will open WhatsApp to verify the Meta AI feature. We will pass around Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses and ask questions with the "look and tell me feature". We will also ask Google simple questions.
• Hands-on: Participants follow along to install the ChatGPT app (or open it in a browser) and Google Gemini with voice queries (e.g. asking “What’s the weather tomorrow?”) to get comfortable speaking to the phone.

Topic 2: Using AI to Read and Summarize Information

What & Why: The group needs to handle lengthy text like social welfare service documents or official letters. This topic introduces using the phone’s camera and AI to read or summarize text. We will use Google Lens, an AI-powered tool that can “see” and interpret text. For example, if you have a printed letter about benefits, you can point your phone’s camera at it and let the AI scan it. Google Lens can instantly convert a photo of text into digital text that the phone can read out loud or copy into another app.

I will show how to do this step by step. I’ll also demonstrate how ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini can summarize a long passage in plain language. This means you could take the text from an official document and ask the AI, “Please summarize this in simple terms,” and it will generate an easier-to-understand summary. Rationale: This empowers those with reading difficulties or anyone overwhelmed by jargon to get the gist of important information quickly.

Demo & Hands-on:

• Demo: I will use a printed pamphlet about a social welfare program. I will open Google Lens feature (via the Google app camera icon or by the Lens app) and show how Lens highlights the text. The “Listen” function is used so the phone reads the text out loud, and then the text is copied. Next, I will open ChatGPT and paste a chunk of the text, prompting “Summarize this for me.” Gemini can read the summary aloud. We will use a Bluetooth speaker so everyone can hear the AI talking.
• Hands-on: Participants use a practice document (provided in print or on their screen) and their own phone’s camera. With guidance, they activate Google Lens, extract the text, and try the reading-aloud feature. Then they copy that text into the ChatGPT app (or into Google Gemini) and ask the AI to summarize it. It's important that everyone succeeds in hearing a spoken version or that they get a short summary of the long text.

Topic 3: Finding Local Services (Tradesmen) Using AI

What & Why: Next, we tackle using AI to quickly find local tradesmen and services – for example, a handyman to clear garden rubbish or a plumber. In traditional web search, you’d type keywords and sift through results, but modern AI tools can streamline this. We’ll explore two methods: conversational search with an AI chatbot and voice-assisted search. First, using Google Gemini, we can ask a complete question like, “Who can help me clear out backyard rubbish in Tipp Town?” Instead of just giving a list of links, the AI can summarize information from multiple sources and present handy answers. Google’s search now has an AI-powered summary at the top of results, so it might list a couple of local waste removal services with details in one concise answer. I will show how to use this feature. I'll also demonstrate using voice commands to perform a local search by asking aloud. Additionally, I’ll mention Meta’s AI in WhatsApp – you could send a question in WhatsApp like “@MetaAI recommend a good local plumber” and get a quick answer, since Meta’s assistant can pull real-time info from the web without leaving the app.

Rationale: This topic teaches participants to leverage AI as a personal search assistant for real-world needs, saving them the trouble of navigating complex websites. It builds general skills in phrasing questions and using location keywords to get useful answers.

Demo & Hands-on:

• Demo: I open Gemini and type a question about finding a local tradesman (“Find a company in [their town] that does garden waste removal”). I can show the AI-generated result on a digital projector, with a short list of providers and descriptions. In my experience, this AI answer is more user-friendly than a raw Google search result page. Then, I ask: “Hey Google, show me plumbers near me” on my Android phone, demonstrating a voice search. I will also show Meta’s AI in WhatsApp by asking it a similar question in a chat.
• Hands-on: Participants think of a service they might need (e.g., electrician, painter, etc.) and either type or voice-ask an AI tool for local options. They can use the ChatGPT app with a question (but ChatGPT may give only general advice), or use the Google search bar with the new AI summary enabled. Those with WhatsApp can try asking Meta AI within the app. The group compares the results and discusses which information seems most helpful. I guide them to refine queries if needed (for example, adding “near [town name]” or asking for contact info if the first answer is too vague).

Topic 4: Exploring Community Events and Shopping Deals with AI

What & Why: Beyond services, everyday life can be improved by quickly finding out what’s happening locally – community events, activities, or even special offers at local shops. This topic shows how AI can act as a concierge for local information. We’ll use Meta’s AI assistant in familiar apps like Facebook and WhatsApp for this purpose, since many community groups and businesses post updates on these platforms. Meta AI is integrated into the search function of Facebook/Instagram and chat in WhatsApp. For example, in Facebook you could see a post about a local arts festival and ask the AI “When and where is this happening?” and get an immediate answer. In WhatsApp, you might ask Meta AI, “Are there any live music sessions in our town this weekend?” or “What special offers are on in my local Lidl?” The assistant can fetch real-time information from the web to answer you right within the app. I will also show that Google’s AI search or Gemini can answer questions like “What events are happening in Cashel this week?” by summarizing event listings from the web.

Rationale: This topic encourages exploration and shows practical uses of AI for leisure and shopping – areas that can motivate continued use. It also reinforces search skills from the previous topic, applied in social and shopping contexts.

Demo & Hands-on:

• Demo: I open a WhatsApp chat with the Meta AI assistant and types a question like “Find some free community activities for young people around Tipp Town this month.” The response is shown and explained. Another demonstration: using the Google search AI, I ask about “special offers at SuperValu” and shows how the AI might summarize a couple of current deals from that store’s website or flyer. I also demonstrate asking Meta AI for an event (e.g., “Are there any concerts or events in or around Tipperary Town this Saturday?”) – echoing Meta’s example of finding concerts while planning a weekend – and discuss the answer.
• Hands-on: Participants choose a topic of interest – one might look for a local event (like a hobby group meeting or a festival), another might look for a car boot sale (e.g., “discounts on gardening supplies near me”). They practice by either using the Meta AI on their own Facebook/WhatsApp (if available) or by using Google’s voice search to ask the question. I circulate to help interpret the results. Each participant is encouraged to share one useful thing they found (e.g., “I asked about local art classes and it showed me one at the library next week”). This builds confidence that AI can connect them to their community and shopping needs.

Topic 5: Building Confidence, Safety, and Skills for Daily AI Use

What & Why: In the final topic, I wrap up with guidance on using AI safely and effectively. I reinforce that while these AI tools are powerful helpers, users should stay alert and think critically – an important digital literacy aspect. For instance, AI answers can sometimes be incorrect or outdated, so it’s smart to double-check important information with a second source. I’ll remind the group never to share personal sensitive details (like bank or ID numbers) with any AI chat. I also provide tips for asking AI questions to get better results: using clear language, being specific about what you want, and feel free to ask follow-up questions if the first answer isn’t clear. (Studies have found that specific queries yield more precise answers than very broad ones, so we encourage adding details to questions.) I emphasize that practice is key – the more people use these tools for small daily tasks, the more comfortable they will become. It helps to start with fun, low-stakes queries to build confidence.

Rationale: This topic addresses any remaining fears and solidifies the learning. By discussing safety and letting them experiment in a guided way, we empower participants to continue exploring AI on their own after the workshop.

Demo & Hands-on:

• Demo: I offer a quick “do’s and don’ts” list: Do use simple language, do ask follow-ups, don’t give private data, etc. I demonstrate an example of refining a query: e.g., asking ChatGPT a vague question and then a more specific one to show how the answer improves. I also deliberately asks a factual question that the AI answers incorrectly or controversially to show why one must verify important info. I also mention that organizations like Age Action Ireland sees AI as a helpful supplement – but not a replacement – for professional advice in areas like health or finance. This reinforces that AI is a tool, and users remain in control of decisions.
• Hands-on: This final exercise is more free-form: participants are encouraged to play with the AI and ask any question or task they’re curious about (such as “tell me a joke,” “what’s a good recipe for dinner,” or “help me draft a nice message to my brother who is living in Canada”). I help anyone who gets stuck or if the AI response is confusing.

The idea is to end on a positive note, with each person successfully using the AI for something personally relevant or enjoyable. We conclude by sharing experiences and ensuring everyone knows how to continue using these AI apps at home. Each participant leaves with a handout of key steps and tips, reinforcing that these new AI skills can make everyday tasks easier and information more accessible.