At this age, when many people tend to use tablets, the two pensioners smile at a different kind of tablet, a lighted electronic notebook held by a young boy, perhaps their grandson. This AI-generated WhatsApp display image is from Mulund-based Umesh Prabhu, and the new mission of ‘AI in 60 years’ is written in bold on the image.The 75-year-old retired mechanical engineer boasts 25 AI apps on his phone. Everything is synced to your tablet so you can watch it on the big screen. He spends nearly Rs 20,000 every month on large-scale language models. Not only does this help you quickly send photo birthday wishes to other septuagenarians, but it also helps demystify AI for a roomful of silver coins. Just 15 days after he launched his website, its tagline reminded silver-haired readers, “No coding required. Have no fear”—over 160 seniors have purchased his three-part workbook series. This workbook series uses illustrated QR codes to teach seniors how to leverage AI for everything from planning a trip to starting the second act. One lesson begins with the reassurance: “If you can send a WhatsApp message, you already understand and are ready to use artificial intelligence.”As if to rebel against the boomer tag, a small but growing group of older adults across Mumbai are turning to AI for reasons that have little to do with coding or careers. While much of the public conversation about artificial intelligence revolves around students, software engineers, and concerns about leaving the workforce, some veterans are discovering that AI is used more frequently on a daily basis for things like uploading health reports, pursuing hobbies, staying mentally engaged, and post-retirement activities. “Although AI is lightning fast, retired professors, lawyers, factory managers, and human resources executives have something that AI does not have: decades of judgment. When you put these together, it’s a very powerful combination,” says Prabhu.A few days ago, a message popped up on the WhatsApp account of Hitesh Bhagat, a 66-year-old former textile employee. “The meta AI checked in on me,” he says with a laugh. His relationship with AI began last year, when he started uploading medical reports and asking questions about sleep apnea and cholesterol. A two-hour conversation ensued. One suggestion was to try a memory foam pillow. Bhagat says the recommendation, along with the mouthpiece prescribed by her doctor, helped her. “I’m sleeping better now,” he says.Bhagat, who is a singer by hobby, also asks questions about music on ChatGPT. A recent question concerned whether legendary singer Hemant Kumar pronounced certain Marathi sounds in a song correctly. “The explanations were very detailed,” he recalled, and was surprised to learn that the Bengali singer had indeed pronounced it correctly. “The answer came in an instant. Once AI reaches this level, it will definitely take away our jobs. But it’s a great tool for seniors right now, if you know what you want,” he said, sending a photo of himself in a leather jacket flashing a Rockstar sign under strobe lights.For some older adults, AI is starting to enter into everyday family decision-making. “Suggest a suitable day for baby’s haircut according to baby’s birthday and time (April 21, 2024 1:34 am)” – Malati Balagi, 67, recently asked Gemini while deciding on auspicious days for her grandchild’s routine. She was told to consult an astrologer immediately. “She sometimes asks for recipes on voice chat and even corrects the app if it’s wrong,” laughs her son, Ravi, an AI researcher.For 75-year-old Prakash Nayak, the appeal lies elsewhere. An active member of several senior citizen organizations, he uses ChatGPT and image generation tools to create personalized birthday greetings that display his gray-haired friend in an unexpected avatar. “Not all results are suitable for older adults,” he said dryly, censoring some “bold” results and offering more elegant alternatives. But his wife remains unconvinced. “Most senior citizens tend to be uninterested or afraid. In my view, only 10 per cent are using AI. Many people opt out of digital learning by sending a video on WhatsApp,” says Nayak.International research suggests he may not be completely wrong. A recent EY survey of more than 2,500 adults aged 60 to 85 across 16 countries found that only about one in four reported being familiar with or confident in AI, while only 15% were not interested in learning more.But among those willing to give it a try, it has deeper uses than just greetings and asking questions to family members. Chunavati-based Prakash Apte, 72, a yoga teacher and business owner who recently studied gerontology at TISS, studied AI at AI. When he had a heart attack a few months ago, ChatGPT deciphered the doctor’s handwriting for him. “Doctors don’t always have time to answer all our questions,” said Apte, who then uploaded the prescription to LLM. Elderly engineers warn users should be wary of hallucinations when cross-referencing important medical doses.Back at his office in Thane, Prabhu speaks matter-of-factly about the risks. “There may be a problem with the prompt. It may require some confirmation on your end,” he says. As his VJTI Alumni Association turns 75 this year, he decided to “have some fun with AI” and create a personalized digital greeting. He already has a free module called “Money Saver” (about using AI to save on everyday items like medicine) and an appendix on wills.Now his teacup is empty. We ask him to pose for a photo. His office assistant opens Claude on her laptop. It says, “Welcome, Prabhu.”
