A practical introduction to ChatGPT

OpenAI Academy, working with Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP, is hosting the Older Adults AI Skills Jam, a free in-person learning experience intended to help older adults use ChatGPT confidently and safely. The initiative is part of a multi-year effort launched by OpenAI and OATS through Senior Planet, OATS's flagship program.

The workshops are designed around practical tasks rather than abstract explanations of artificial intelligence. OpenAI says older adults may use ChatGPT to plan a trip, understand a confusing letter or bill, explore a new hobby, identify a possible scam, or stay connected with family and loved ones. The stated goal is to make AI useful and accessible to people of every age by providing support alongside the technology.

Training planned across 10 U.S. communities

The Older Adults AI Skills Jam will take place in 10 communities across the United States, with local organizations supporting older adults involved in the events. OpenAI says the program will bring free, hands-on workshops to 1,000 older adults.

The source identifies Senior Community Services in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, and the Nashville Public Library and FiftyForward in Nashville, Tennessee, among the local partners. OpenAI says it is collaborating with organizations in each participating community and that their experience will help shape future learning resources for older adults.

Interest in AI is growing among older users

OpenAI says older adults are increasingly using ChatGPT for practical guidance, finding information and writing. In the United States, the share of messages associated with people aged 55 and older increased from 6% to nearly 10% over a year, according to data cited by the company.

The figure is presented as part of the case for making AI education more accessible to older users. Rather than treating older adults as a single audience with identical needs, the workshops are intended to give participants direct experience with common tasks and the confidence to decide when and how these tools may be useful.

Online safety is a central part of the program

Scam awareness is a core element of the workshops. The training will cover common warning signs in suspicious messages, emails and websites, including urgent language, requests for secrecy and questionable links. Participants will also be introduced to a simple safety rule: pause, think and ask.

OpenAI describes ChatGPT as an additional layer of scrutiny and prevention rather than a replacement for personal judgment. The company says people ask ChatGPT tens of millions of times a week for help evaluating suspicious messages, emails and websites. The educational effort complements OpenAI's broader work to prevent, detect and disrupt fraud and scams, according to the company.

Part of OpenAI's wider AI literacy effort

OpenAI places the Older Adults AI Skills Jam within OpenAI Academy's broader work to make AI literacy practical and accessible. The company says the effort builds on previous events held with nonprofits, small businesses and K–12 educators.

The collaboration with OATS extends that work to a group that may benefit from clear, guided instruction as AI tools become part of everyday information and communication. OpenAI says the questions, ideas and experiences shared by participants and local partners will inform future resources for older adults.

The program's focus is therefore twofold: helping participants use ChatGPT for routine needs and giving them a framework for approaching AI-assisted answers and online interactions cautiously. Its organizers say that combining practical skills with safety education is necessary if the benefits of the technology are to reach people across generations.

Sources

• OpenAI NewsHelping older adults use AI in everyday life