The older students — many with gray hair, some using canes, and all in their 60s or older — were astonished by what they heard.

A retired college professor murmured, “Oh, my God.”

A perplexed woman in the second row wondered, “Does it come with viruses?”

Then a 79-year-old man in a floral shirt asked the question on many minds: “How do you know if it’s fake or not?”

This is how older adults, who have witnessed major technological shifts from refrigeration to the internet, are approaching artificial intelligence: by taking a class. In a bright senior center classroom in a Chicago suburb, a group of twelve students is learning about this latest technological advancement. They are not alone, as similar classes are emerging nationwide to educate seniors about AI’s potential benefits and risks.

Barbara Winston, 89, who attended a class at the North Shore Senior Center in Northfield, remarked, “I’ve seen ice boxes turn into refrigerators, so I consider this the biggest technical revolution I’ll experience.” AI offers significant advantages for seniors, such as reducing loneliness and easing medical appointments.

However, it also presents unique threats to older adults. Studies have shown that seniors are more vulnerable to AI-driven scams and misinformation, including deepfakes and other false information that could impact politics.

Winston, despite some skepticism from others, embarked on her own AI journey after the class. She began exploring the technology, downloading books, and even consulting ChatGPT for medical advice. “This is the start of my education,” she said, with her coffee nearby. “I’m not worried about protecting myself. I’m too old for that.”

These classes aim to help seniors understand AI’s potential to enhance their lives while fostering a healthy skepticism about its capacity to distort reality. Experts stress that balanced skepticism is crucial for seniors engaging with AI.

Michael Gershbein, who teaches these classes, said interest in AI has surged recently. He conducts sessions once or twice a week to create a “safe space” for seniors to discuss and understand the technology. During a June class, Gershbein showed deepfakes, which left the seniors amazed at how convincingly real they appeared. Such technology raises concerns about its use in deceiving voters, especially seniors.

Beyond political concerns, AI poses risks such as misinformation and voice-cloning scams. An AARP report indicated that Americans over 60 lose $28.3 billion annually to financial scams, some involving AI.

The National Council on Aging has noted an increase in AI classes at senior centers, emphasizing digital literacy. “There’s a myth that older adults don’t use technology,” said Dianne Stone from the National Council on Aging. These courses aim to instill a “healthy skepticism,” helping seniors navigate and verify information.

Siwei Lyu from the University at Buffalo highlighted the challenge of providing balanced education on AI, noting that classes often lean towards either promoting AI’s benefits or highlighting its risks.

Seniors who have attended these classes often gain a clearer perspective on AI’s advantages and limitations. Linda Chipko, 70, from Atlanta, said, “It’s only as good as the people who program it. You really have to question it.”

Ruth Schneiderman, 77, who used AI to illustrate a children’s book, found the Northfield class intriguing. She reflected, “My mother lived until 90, and I learned that to thrive, you must adapt to change, or you’ll be left behind.”

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