Age-Friendly AI: The Kerry Conversation

A lively and insightful workshop: ‘Let’s Talk About Artificial Intelligence’ recently took place on April 11th at the Centre for Smart Ageing in Farranfore, County Kerry. This event brought together over 20 individuals for an engaging discussion focused on exploring the world of AI and gathering valuable perspectives on how this technology is having an impact as we grow older.

These perspectives will contribute to one of Age-Friendly AI’s main aims: to develop AI training that is specifically tailored to meet the needs and preferences of older people. By hosting regional discussions like this one, the Age-Friendly AI team aims to learn directly from people’s experiences with technology and understand their opinions on AI to develop a training programme that is relevant to older adults in Ireland.

We will be back in Kerry in the Autumn for further discussions. If you are interested in hearing more about our future events you can sign up to the Mailing List on our website: https://agefriendlyai.ie/contact/

During our discussions in Kerry, the following key issues were raised – we have grouped them according to the three overarching questions:   

  • What are your hopes for AI in the future?
  • What are your biggest concerns about AI?
  • What ideas do you have for making AI more age-friendly?

The discussions are summarised as follows:

  • AI presents us with a major societal shift. The focus should be on maximizing its positives.
  • AI has the potential to assist in research and development, particularly in medical diagnosis and treatment, and to make education more accessible and tailored, e.g. for those with additional learning needs.
  • AI can be used positively and constructively, e.g. potentially supporting those with disabilities.
  • There is hope that AI might be used to solve significant global issues e.g. climate change.
  • The increasing role of AI in decision-making is causing unease, especially for those less familiar with technology who are in danger of being left behind.
  • Control over personal AI devices is crucial, with concerns raised about being tracked. While tracking can be useful for crime investigation, unsolicited data collection is not welcome.
  • There is a lack of trust in online systems and participants expressed fears of being scammed or phished, particularly with scammers impersonating institutions like banks, An Post, and Revenue.
  • Privacy of personal and financial information is a worry.
  • There is an increasing technological gap and it can be difficult for older citizens to keep up with security practices like complex passwords and two-factor authentication.
  • More training and workshops are needed to bridge the digital skills gap. These should be held in accessible community locations like libraries.
  • Older individuals should not be forced to use technology if they are not comfortable with it, especially in essential areas like banking and travel.
  • Practical education that demonstrates use cases of AI is essential.
  • Clear opt-in/opt-out options for AI features are necessary.
  • Applications should clearly indicate when AI is being used.