Older adults eager to learn AI but face access barriers amid $40B scam threat

Age UK workshops revealed that older adults are eager to learn about artificial intelligence but face accessibility barriers rather than disinterest in the technology. The findings challenge assumptions about senior digital literacy and highlight the need for inclusive AI education as deepfake scams targeting vulnerable populations are projected to cost $40 billion by 2027.

What you should know: Workshop participants demonstrated surprising familiarity with AI technologies, ranging from sophisticated smart home setups to complete unfamiliarity with basic concepts.

• One attendee used 10 Alexa devices connected to his doorbell and voice commands for lighting control, showing high digital literacy among some seniors.
• Another participant asked ChatGPT, “Is there some office far away where people are doing nothing but typing these ingredients down?” revealing the knowledge gap that exists.
• The workshop used creative prompts for recipes, poems, and music to demonstrate AI capabilities across text, visual, and audio formats.

The big picture: Access and exposure, not lack of interest, represent the primary barriers preventing older adults from engaging with AI technology.

• Deloitte estimates AI-enabled fraud resulted in $12.3 billion in losses in 2023, with projections reaching $40 billion by 2027.
• Age UK warns that deepfake and voice cloning scams create diminished trust in digital platforms, leading to feelings of violation and isolation among older adults.

What they’re saying: Participants showed both enthusiasm and critical thinking about AI’s implications for creativity and authenticity.

• “That’s amazing, incredible,” one participant said after creating a reggae song in 20 seconds using Suno AI.
• “It would make me think that every new song I hear, you can never trust that it’s an original,” another participant added, showing concern about artistic authenticity.
• “You can’t always believe what you read,” one participant noted, drawing parallels between newspaper skepticism and AI-generated content.

Why this matters: The workshop demonstrated that proper education can help older generations recognize AI-generated misinformation while staying connected and informed.

• Participants shifted from initial delight to critical reflection, capturing AI’s dual nature as both creative tool and source of authenticity concerns.
• The experience emphasized the need for due diligence in verifying AI-generated information, particularly regarding medical or legal advice.

Key takeaways: Building equitable digital futures requires accessible learning experiences and inclusive design considerations beyond basic accessibility requirements.

• User experience designers must consider broader socioeconomic factors including age, technical literacy, socioeconomic background, and cultural context.
• Solutions include creating inclusive learning experiences, encouraging intergenerational tech dialogue, and implementing protective regulations without stifling innovation.