Older workers want AI training as 51% now prefer re-wirement to retirement

AI’s impact on older workers: Recent survey findings reveal a complex relationship between artificial intelligence and retirement planning for workers over 55, with some embracing AI as a career opportunity while others view it as a push towards retirement.

• A Carewell survey of 895 U.S. employees over 55 across 11 industries found that 15% of senior employees feel AI advances are pushing them towards retirement.
• Conversely, 13% of older workers are actively seeking jobs that allow them to engage more deeply with AI technologies.
• The survey highlights a significant AI digital divide among senior workers, with nearly half rarely or never using AI tools, while 10% use AI daily.

Demand for AI training: Despite varied levels of AI adoption, there is a strong appetite for learning among older workers, particularly in areas like prompt engineering.

• 51% of respondents expressed a desire for AI training, yet only 16% have received formal instruction.
• This gap between interest and actual training opportunities suggests a potential area for improvement in workplace development programs for older employees.

Industry-specific AI adoption: The survey reveals significant disparities in AI usage among older workers across different sectors, with technology leading the way and healthcare lagging behind.

• Information technology tops the list with 27% of older IT workers using AI daily, followed by retail (24%) and leisure/hospitality (18%).
• Surprisingly, healthcare workers show the lowest adoption rate at 6%, despite increasing AI integration in the healthcare industry.
• Other industries fall between these extremes, with government (16%), manufacturing (17%), and financial activities (13%) showing moderate adoption rates.

Challenges in AI integration: The transition to AI use has not been without difficulties for older workers, highlighting the need for better support and training programs.

• More frequent AI users reported higher stress levels, possibly due to inadequate training and support.
• Many seniors have had to learn AI tools independently, without guidance from their employers.
• Only 9% of seniors use AI for personal tasks, indicating a primarily utilitarian approach to AI adoption focused on professional applications.

Changing workforce dynamics: The survey results challenge the notion that older workers are being pushed out by AI, instead revealing a demographic eager to adapt and evolve alongside new technologies.

• The findings suggest that age is not a barrier to technological adoption when proper training and support are provided.
• Many experienced workers are reimagining their careers through the lens of AI, while others require better resources to bridge the digital divide.

Broader implications: The study underscores the importance of supporting older workers in their AI adoption journey, potentially reshaping traditional notions of retirement and career longevity.

• Employers may need to reassess their training programs and support systems to better accommodate the needs and interests of older workers in AI-related fields.
• The concept of “re-wirement” versus retirement emerges, emphasizing the potential for experienced workers to adapt and thrive in an AI-driven workplace.
• This shift could lead to more diverse, multi-generational workforces that leverage both the experience of older workers and the potential of AI technologies.