The Age-Friendly AI project delivered a workshop at Leabharlann Phobail Ghaoth Dobhair in Donegal, exploring the opportunities and challenges that Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents for older adults. The session was led by Dr Cara Greene and Dr Emma Clarke from the ADAPT Centre Education and Public Engagement team at Dublin City University (DCU), and brought together a group of engaged participants for a morning of discussion and knowledge-sharing.

The workshop covered a wide range of topics, with the conversation focusing on the potential benefits of AI in healthcare and in supporting independent ageing in place. The group also discussed how voice assistants like Alexa can be used to enhance social connection. However, concerns were raised around the importance of protecting personal privacy online, and the growing worry about mis- and disinformation and scams.

Given the workshop’s setting in a Gaeltacht area, the discussion also revolved around under-resourced languages within AI development. Participants noted that AI tools often don’t understand or support languages like Irish well, raising concerns about equal access for Irish-speaking users who wish to engage with these technologies in their own language.

These discussions underscored a broader point: as AI becomes more embedded in everyday life, increasing AI literacy is essential when it comes to ensuring people can use these tools safely and with confidence.

This was a thought-provoking and engaging workshop, and the Age-Friendly AI team would like to thank Leabharlann Phobail Ghaoth Dobhair for organising the event, and all the participants for their openness and valuable contributions to the discussion.