AI Policy & Regulation
6d ago
Elderly Americans are not utilizing AI technologies effectively
May 13, 2026
AI Summary
A significant number of older Americans are not using AI tools, with over 50% of the Silent Generation and 39% of Boomers reporting no experience with AI. This lack of familiarity and excitement, coupled with concerns about AI, highlights the need for tailored applications and policy support to improve their quality of life.
- More than 50% of the Silent Generation and 39% of Boomers have never used AI.
- A large portion of older Americans are unfamiliar with AI, with half of the Silent Generation and 24% of Boomers reporting minimal awareness.
- 64% of Boomers and 77% of the Silent Generation express little to no excitement about AI, while a significant number are concerned about its implications.
- The lack of tailored AI use cases for older adults contributes to their hesitance in adopting these technologies.
- Autonomous vehicles (AVs) could enhance mobility for seniors, but access is currently limited to a few areas, necessitating policy changes to expand availability and affordability.
- ElliQ, a robot designed to combat loneliness among older adults, has shown promising results, with users reporting increased interaction and reduced feelings of loneliness.
- There is a call for policymakers to create regulatory sandboxes to facilitate the testing and adoption of innovative tools for older Americans, ensuring that beneficial technologies reach this demographic.
ai adoptionolder adultstechnology accesspolicydigital divide