Aging introduces a variety of new circumstances that redefine what we consider "normal". As the years pass, we often lose family members and friends, encounter new physical and health challenges, and lose established ways of connecting with our social environments. While parents, teachers, friends, and colleagues offer informal support and guidance through our early life encounters, those vital resources naturally diminish as we grow old. Left to their own devices, many older adults must seek out their own means to remain safe, healthy, and actively engaged —and unfortunately, too many simply stop trying.
This challenge is compounded by the recent defunding of several historic information sources for local aging resources, which has created a major gap for seniors exploring their options.
Then along came Artificial Intelligence. While AI brings its own set of challenges, it also provides incredible opportunities to explore tailored solutions that address our unique, individual needs and interests. Today, the primary obstacle is simply learning how to use it safely and effectively.
To bridge this information gap, the Partnership for Age-Friendly Communities (PAFC) is developing an innovative program to teach caregivers how to securely leverage AI. This initiative will empower them to help older adults identify resources and opportunities that directly enhance their quality of life.
The program has initially secured the support of a dedicated group of local service providers, including A Little Help, Seniors Helping Seniors, SAINT, and senior-trained realtors from 8z Realty. Because each of these providers already works directly with older adults in need, they have the unique capacity to sit down and walk clients through the search for additional support.
In August, a two-hour, hands-on AI workshop for selected staff will highlight critical security issues, emphasize the need to focus on relevant concerns, and teach participants how to verify the authenticity of AI suggestions. Because these staff members already have established relationships with their clients, the capacity for meaningful follow-up is naturally built into the program.
The ultimate goal of this initial effort is to evaluate the outcomes and gather key insights. From there, the PAFC team will refine the process so it can be offered to any family or group dedicated to the well-being of its senior members. PAFC extends its deepest gratitude to the participating agencies for their invaluable help in developing this vital program.
