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AI’s untapped opportunity with older adults
Many older Americans recognize the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI), although their enthusiasm depends on how it’s used, a recent AARP survey suggests. There is more openness to trying AI to simplify information and improve efficiency, but not so much if AI is replacing something typically done by a human.
In short, the application of AI — or, “job,” as the survey frames it — matters. The survey results show a solid 74% have an interest in AI-powered translation services and 71% in home monitoring systems, but placing total trust in AI for other jobs is another question. Just 34% are interested in AI for pet care, and 36% would rely on it for self-driving or driving assistance.
Considering AI by Job-To-Be-Done
For the survey, respondents age 50-plus were asked about 40 different jobs to gauge how open they were to leveraging AI to get them done.
The Jobs-To-Be-Done (JTBD) framework focuses on the goals that people aim to achieve with products and services. It assumes that individuals "hire" products to perform a job — either functional (completing a task), emotional (feeling a certain way) or social (being perceived in a certain way).
The findings show that half of the jobs respondents viewed were deemed “opportunity or improvement” jobs of high need, with high interest in using AI to accomplish them.
AI opportunities
What jobs did older adults believe AI was most suited for? According to the research, the overall top jobs for AI are managing one’s health support network, filtering news and simplifying health information. AI’s appeal also extends to other practical jobs, such as offering technology guidance, organizing health tasks and providing tailored financial tools. Seven of the top 20 jobs are related to health, wellness guidance or medication tracking.
AI is also a good fit for high-need jobs (such as simplifying complex information and providing clear instructions) where there aren’t easy answers, according to the research.
Respondents indicate that AI could play a critical role in budgeting, combating fraud and promoting financial security. For example, AI could alert users to scams, remind customers about upcoming bills and simplify financial language in documents.
Another opportunity lies in the use of AI to strengthen social connections by helping people stay in touch with family or enabling resources that build or enhance skills. AI jobs also generate interest in areas such as travel planning and shopping, as well as within smart home devices.
Areas of concern
Meanwhile, many older adults pull back on their interest in AI when it comes to certain uses. Specifically, those age 50-plus have some hesitation concerning the use of AI for tasks that would replace human interaction or existing tools. Concerns expressed include privacy risks, job loss and the need for oversight. AARP notes that trust concerns must be addressed before AI experiences widespread adoption among older adults.
The findings revealed that many respondents are optimistic but skeptical about AI, recognizing both its potential benefits while also expressing worry about its implications. In open-ended comments, about 41% had positive responses, while 35% had negative responses.
Adoption and ease
Opportunities remain for AI to further penetrate the older adult market, as the findings reveal that most older adults consider themselves beginners (42%) or intermediates (28%). Younger respondents tend to describe themselves as more experienced with the technology.
While the convenience of AI is alluring to many, the willingness among older adults to pay for it out of pocket is low. Most people want AI to be free, or for the cost of AI tools to be covered by insurance. Additionally, they would prefer AI to be built into the products and services they currently use, rather than standalone options.
To some extent, the use of AI varies among those who are working and those who are retired. Older adults who are still working tend to embrace financial tools and AI living reminders, while retirees like using AI for guidance with technology and to learn about health options.
There is great potential for AI to enhance the lives of older Americans by simplifying information and personalizing content. However, exactly how they want their AI involves specifics. There remains a lack of appetite for paying for AI, as well as trying a standalone product not linked to an existing device. Among older adults, the most promising areas for AI to fill unmet needs or be hired are jobs that simplify information, improve ease of use or enhance personalization.
Methodology
The findings are based on a 20-minute online survey conducted from January 8 to 20, 2025, among 1,661 adults age 18 and older, including 1,148 individuals over age 50. The composite score for the various jobs was calculated based on 40% importance, 40% dissatisfaction, and 20% interest in an AI solution.
For more information, please contact Brittne Kakulla at bkakulla@aarp.org. For media inquiries, contact External Relations at media@aarp.org.
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