WASHINGTON, January 28, 2026 — Most Americans age 50 and over have already dipped a toe into the world of artificial intelligence, and roughly three in five consider themselves AI “beginners,” according to new research. But their enthusiasm isn’t uniform; it hinges on what AI is being asked to do.
A Generational Divide on AI’s “Jobs”
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A new report details how older adults view the potential—and limitations—of artificial intelligence in daily life.
- Approximately 60% of Americans 50+ identify as AI beginners.
- Translation services, home/public safety, and learning new skills are the most appealing AI applications for this demographic.
- Emotional support, self-driving cars, and pet care are viewed as tasks best left to humans.
- 80% of older Americans believe technology has made life more convenient and efficient.
- There’s a 50/50 split on whether the benefits of AI outweigh the potential risks.
Older Americans are generally familiar with common AI-related terms like text-to-speech, voice recognition, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, chatbots, and digital assistants. However, awareness dips when it comes to augmented reality and generative AI, the report, Navigating the World of AI: Awareness, Attitudes, and How People Expect to Use It, found.
Where Older Adults See AI Shining
Enthusiasm for AI applications varies widely. The highest levels of interest were found in translation services (74%), home and public safety monitoring (71%), learning new skills (67%), fraud/financial planning/banking (66%), health monitoring and diagnostics (63%), and smart home/energy controls (63%).
Conversely, older adults expressed less enthusiasm for AI taking on roles involving emotional support, self-driving vehicles, and pet care—tasks largely seen as requiring a distinctly human touch.
AI and Healthcare: A Promising Partnership?
The research framed AI applications as “the jobs we hire,” a relatable way to consider how AI could support everyday tasks. In healthcare, for example, AI could assist with medication adherence—a task currently managed with low-tech solutions like sticky notes or voice assistants.
Health support is a particularly valued area for potential AI assistance, with opportunities for personalized health steps, learning about health options, organizing health tasks, and simplifying complex medical information.
However, the adoption of AI isn’t without reservations. While 80% of older Americans agree that technology has made life more convenient and efficient, and 65% see AI as a helpful tool for maintaining independence, a full 50% believe the benefits of AI are evenly matched by the potential risks.
Concerns are also high regarding the rapid pace of AI development outpacing ethical considerations (73%), and the potential for reduced human interaction in crucial areas of life (68%).
This nuanced perspective—embracing AI for convenience, lifelong learning, and support, while simultaneously acknowledging ethical and social concerns—highlights the complex relationship older adults have with this rapidly evolving technology.
