A room full of seniors took on AI — and didn't blink

In a vibrant workshop in Singapore, a group of seniors gathered to explore the world of artificial intelligence, engaging with the technology on their own terms. Seventy-year-old Susanna Lau, for instance, found herself amused as an AI chatbot generated an extravagant version of Hokkien mee, a beloved local dish. This hands-on session, facilitated by Asif Saleem from Google, saw 15 retirees delving into various AI models, asking questions, and testing out prompts for over four hours. Participants arrived with a mix of apprehension and curiosity, eager to enhance their skills and prove that learning knows no age limits. The initial hour focused on foundational concepts, including the basics of AI and the workings of large language models. Questions flowed rapidly, with retirees curious about AI-generated videos they had encountered online and concerns over personal data security when interacting with chatbots. As the workshop progressed, Saleem introduced them to prompting techniques, beginning with a playful exercise that involved creating unique fusion dishes using Google’s Gemini. Lau took the experience further by asking for a complete recipe and suggestions for enhancing her dish, demonstrating how AI could inspire creativity in the kitchen. Another engaging task involved crafting travel postcards, with participants prompting the AI to recreate images from their past adventures. The ability to integrate their photos into scenic backdrops left retirees like Ann Seow, 60, astounded by AI's interpretative capabilities, which she believed opened numerous avenues for exploration in retirement, including new hobbies and potential business ventures. The introduction of NotebookLM, Google’s note-taking and summarization tool, further captivated the audience. Initially deemed a productivity tool for younger users, Saleem showcased its potential for seniors. Participants could upload lengthy documents and receive concise audio or visual summaries, relieving them from the strain of sifting through pages of text. Queries about the accuracy of AI responses were met with reassurances that NotebookLM relied solely on user-uploaded materials, minimizing risks of misinformation. Cindy Ang, another participant, reflected on the efficiency of AI, noting how tasks that once took days could now be accomplished in moments. By the end of the workshop, Ang, who had come with mixed feelings about AI, recognized the necessity for seniors to engage with technology rather than shun it. "AI is here to stay, whether we like it or not," she emphasized, advocating for a balanced approach that utilizes AI while retaining our critical thinking skills. As the class wrapped up, the seniors expressed both excitement and concern about the rapidly evolving tech landscape. While Seow appreciated the benefits of learning AI, she voiced worries about the widening gap in digital literacy between generations. Many participants took diligent notes and engaged actively, eager to understand the nuances of this transformative technology. In a humorous exchange, Ang even pondered whether AI could assist her in sharing her insights, highlighting the newfound enthusiasm for AI among the seniors.