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Older Adults Increasingly Adopt AI Technology at Home and Work

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AI Adoption Among Older Adults: A Generational Shift in Technology and Work

Surveys and interviews reveal a complex picture of engagement, reluctance, and adaptation as Americans over 50 integrate artificial intelligence into their lives.

Technology Adoption Among Retirees

Interviews with 15 retired Americans across multiple states reveal a striking range of AI engagement—from active project building to cautious curiosity.

"I felt withdrawal when the robot was being upgraded."
— Dee Humphrey, 73, on her companion robot ElliQ

Brian Rezendes, 64, retired from a retail job in North Dakota, now builds apps and actively learns AI tools. Dee Humphrey, 73, uses the companion robot ElliQ and reported feeling genuine withdrawal when the device was temporarily removed for upgrades.

Edward Perry, 72, uses AI to manage his health following a terminal cancer diagnosis. Jan Friedlander, 81, and Pat Smith, 73, teach AI classes for people aged 50 and over in Denver, Colorado.

Marcia Sweet, 72, runs a tech support business and uses AI to expand her services. Michelle Murphy, 64, is pursuing an MBA with a concentration in AI and uses smart home devices. Marvin Honig, 88, takes AI courses and uses technology to manage trust accounts.

Older Workers and AI in the Workplace

Surveys and interviews with employed older workers show a wide spectrum of responses to AI in professional settings.

According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in early 2025, 58% of adults under 30 reported using ChatGPT, compared to 25% of those ages 50 to 64. A London School of Economics survey reported that about half of employed Baby Boomers use AI. An AARP survey found that 7% of people who left the workforce "unretired" in 2024 due to economic uncertainty.

Individual Experiences

Keith Hayden, 53, a software engineer, began learning about AI after observing that interviewers prioritized AI knowledge. He purchased a subscription to the AI model Claude to improve his skills.

Stacy Gilchrist, 57, has been seeking employment for two years after a layoff. She worked contractually for an AI healthtech company training an AI agent and reported obstacles in the job application process due to AI.

"The learning process is exhausting."
— Anonymous, 47, legal sales worker

A 47-year-old legal sales worker, who requested anonymity, stated she adopted AI reluctantly due to employer pressure and described the learning process as "exhausting."

James Seger, 54, a customer service worker, stated he plans to retire within five years and has no intention of learning AI. He noted his employer has not pushed AI aggressively but believes the technology will lead to job cuts.

Survey Data and Industry Trends

Several surveys document significant changes in technology use among older populations:

  • Workforce demographics: U.S. Census data shows the proportion of workers older than 55 grew from 10% in 1994 to 25% in 2022.
  • Smartphone adoption: Ownership among those aged 50 and older rose from 55% in 2016 to 90% in 2025.
  • AI adoption surge: AI use among adults aged 50 and older nearly doubled from 18% in 2024 to 30% in 2025, according to AARP Research.
  • Generational anxiety: A Gallup poll found Gen Z reports increased anxiety and anger about AI. A Quinnipiac University poll indicated that Gen Z and Millennials are more likely than older generations to believe AI will reduce jobs.

Industry investment in age-related technology—including smart home devices, companion robots, and motion sensors—is growing rapidly. AARP predicts the age-tech market will reach $120 billion by 2030.

Expert Observations

"This is the first time I have observed a technological innovation benefit older workers in terms of job security."
— Heather Tinsley-Fix, Senior Advisor of Employer Engagement, AARP

Brittne Kakulla, AARP Research senior research advisor, stated that Tech Trends survey data shows increased smartphone ownership and AI interest among older adults.

Diane Ty, managing director of Milken Institute Future of Aging, noted that 63 million family caregivers exist, most in paid jobs, and that elder care is not well understood.

Heather Tinsley-Fix, senior advisor of employer engagement at AARP, stated that this is the first time she has observed a technological innovation benefit older workers in terms of job security, citing their deep experience and soft skills.

Daniel Jolles, a behavioral scientist at the London School of Economics, noted that major changes like the COVID-19 pandemic and AI prompt workers to reconsider the meaning they derive from work.

Trevor Hawkins, manager of ManpowerGroup's Canada operations, observed that Gen X workers have experienced multiple economic downturns and technological shifts, making them less pessimistic about AI.

Cautions and Considerations

Several retirees noted potential risks of technology overuse, including reduced physical activity and exposure to misinformation. As AI adoption accelerates among older populations, balancing technological engagement with mindful use remains an ongoing conversation.