There are several reasons why seniors should embrace new technology:
New technology can improve the quality of life for seniors by providing them with access to new tools and resources, helping them stay healthy, engaged, and independent. For example, technology can help seniors monitor their health, stay connected with friends and family, and access services and entertainment from the comfort of their homes.
Greater Independence
Technology can help seniors maintain their independence by enabling them to perform tasks with which they may have otherwise needed assistance. For example, devices like smart home assistants, medication reminders, and wearable technology can help seniors manage their daily routines and stay safe.
Increased Social Interaction
Technology can help seniors stay connected with friends and family, even if they live far away. Social media platforms, video conferencing, and messaging apps are excellent tools for seniors to communicate with their loved ones.
Access to Information
Technology can provide seniors access to information that can help them make informed decisions about their health, finances, and other essential aspects of their lives. For example, online resources and apps can help seniors learn about new medical treatments, manage their finances, and find social and community resources.
Mental Stimulation
Learning and using new technology can help seniors stay mentally active and stimulated, which can help to prevent cognitive decline and promote overall well-being.
And now the train wreck¿
I didn’t write the above “article.… Nobody wrote it. That “article… was generated in about 30 seconds by ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence (AI) experiment that has written everything from complex computer coding to college-level essays.
ChatGPT is one of the dozens of AI text generators available today. Its base model is free ª for now ª and open to experimentation, while a paid model offers faster response, more availability, and expanded features. Other platforms have similar free and paid models.
To generate the article above, I wrote for a prompt, “Why should senior citizens embrace new technology?… Thirty seconds later, the story popped out.
Now, I did boldface the subheads. But other than that, what you read was all researched, composed, and edited by ChatGPT.
I’ve tested several AI text generators, which are all surprisingly clever and skilled. One generated a humorous essay on why NASA will never send ducks to the moon. Another created an Instagram post about the best food to eat while watching a basketball tournament on TV.
There is a good possibility you’re already reading AI-generated text. Companies use these tools to create news articles, product descriptions, podcast scripts, website content, and social media posts. It’s a great time and money saver.
But these “tools… are scary good. Folks in education are already finding students using AI generators to compose essays, reports, and research papers. New technology always spawns new challenges.
You might never use an AI text generator yourself, but I suggest trying it and seeing just how powerful a tool it is. As seniors, we might not embrace all new tech, but we need to know what is out there ª and how the world might be changing with that technology in hand.
