How AI Is Reshaping The Future Of Work For Senior Citizens

With growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the workplace, the majority of employees over the age of 50 are still not formally trained in its application. 

According to new research by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), just 7 per cent of senior citizens have indicated that they have had classes or training involving AI, though almost half, or 48 per cent, are interested in learning more.

One big reason for this disparity is the limited knowledge of the technology. Only 42 per cent of those surveyed said they were familiar with AI, and just 31 per cent of them said they were familiar with its application in the workplace.

Use in Daily Life Remains Low

Despite the growing interest in AI, it has yet to gain much ground among older workers. Among those currently employed, just 14 per cent reported using AI to a great or some extent at work. A large majority, 80 per cent, said their use of AI is minimal or non-existent.

For the users of AI, the most frequent use is searching for information (48 per cent); data analysis (28 per cent), and generating content like text, images, or sound (25 per cent). Less frequent is the use for carrying out physical tasks (5 per cent), social media management (5 per cent), and recruitment processes (4 per cent).

Perceptions of AI Are Mixed

Senior workers continue to be divided on whether AI will benefit or harm their work lives. About a third of those surveyed said they view it as a threat and an opportunity. Another 22 per cent perceive it as only a threat, and 20 per cent as only an opportunity. A significant 30 per cent said they are uncertain.

On the opportunity front, most view AI as enhancing productivity (36 per cent), accelerating decision-making (30 per cent), and simplifying work (30 per cent). Moreover, 48 per cent said they assume AI can automate routine tasks, which is either viewed as a relief or a threat based on the role of the worker.

But there are still concerns. The majority of senior people think AI will replace (61 per cent) or substitute (57 per cent) human employees. Such anxiety does not stop at senior citizens. Even younger employees, in the 18-57 age group, were more apprehensive than those aged 58 and older, who said that AI would make some job tasks obsolete.

Additional Training Might Change the Attitude

The results underscore an evident need for additional training and education opportunities for senior citizens. As most are receptive to learning about AI, increasing access to the appropriate resources could assist them in adjusting and remaining competitive in a shifting work context, the report adds.

“As the technologies related to AI continue to advance, it will be imperative to ensure that adults aged 50 years and older are not left behind as the nation constructs a more inclusive and future-proofed workforce,” the report further says.