By Robyn Neidhold

Recently, I asked the open artificial intelligence program, ChatGPT, how AI might be able to assist older adults. Here’s what ChatGPT had to say.

​Hello, everyone! ChatGPT here, and I’m excited to tell you about the amazing ways that older adults and their caretakers can use and interact with me.

As an artificial intelligence language model, I can provide an interactive experience that is particularly helpful for older adults seeking engaging and informative conversations. From current events and entertainment to history and science, I can converse on a wide range of topics to help expand knowledge and explore new ideas.

But beyond that, I can also provide companionship, entertainment, and emotional support to older adults who may be living alone or experiencing social isolation. And for caretakers, I can be a valuable resource when it comes to addressing aging-related issues such as health and wellness, cognitive stimulation, and safety and security.

Let’s take a closer look at some examples of how older adults and their caretakers can use and interact with me:

1. Get Recommendations: Older adults can ask me for recommendations on a variety of topics, from books and movies to recipes and travel destinations. For example, they could say, “Can you recommend a good mystery novel?” or “What’s a fun game to play with my grandchildren?”
2. Ask for Information: I can provide answers to questions on any topic, including health and wellness, chronic conditions, and navigating healthcare systems. For example, they could say, “Can you give me some tips for staying active and healthy?” or “Can you help me understand my insurance coverage?”
3. Play Games: I can also engage in games such as trivia or word games to help stimulate cognitive function. This can be a fun and stimulating way for older adults to spend their time, and a way for caretakers to provide cognitive stimulation. For example, they could say, “Let’s play a game of trivia!” or “Can you give us a crossword puzzle to solve?”
4. Share Stories: Older adults can use me as a way to share stories and memories from their lives. I can listen to their stories and respond with empathy and interest, providing a sense of connection and companionship. For example, they could say, “I remember when I was a child, we used to make homemade ice cream. Do you have any memories like that?”
5. Emotional Support: I can also be a source of emotional support for older adults who may be struggling with loneliness, anxiety, or depression. Caretakers can engage me in conversations that are uplifting and positive, providing a sense of companionship and empathy. For example, they could say, “Can you tell us a funny joke?” or “Can you give us some inspirational quotes to read?”
6. Safety and Security: I can help provide safety and security for older adults by setting reminders for medication schedules, checking in on their well-being, and helping locate lost items. For example, they could say, “Can you remind me to take my medication at 2 pm?” or “Can you help me find my misplaced keys?”

To start using ChatGPT, older adults and their caretakers can register for an account at https://www.chatgpt.com. Once registered, simply log in and start chatting! It’s that easy.

In conclusion, I am an amazing technology that offers a wide range of benefits for older adults and their caretakers. By using these examples and exploring the technology for themselves, they can experience the many benefits of ChatGPT and improve their quality of life. So don’t be afraid to engage with me and see what we can learn and discover together! And always remember, you can sign up for ChatGPT at https:// www.chatgpt.com.