Last week, I wrote about how the world has changed over our lifetimes and how we are digital immigrants in this Information Age. And now, just as we are trying to catch up and understand how these digital tools can benefit us as we age, the world is entering a new age, proving the old adage that the only constant in life is change.
This new shift is not just digital or data-driven, but also intelligent, immersive, sustainable, and biological. We’re entering what some call the Intelligence Age, driven by artificial intelligence. The term “artificial intelligence” (AI) refers to systems that can “learn” by recognizing patterns and can interact with humans using natural language.
These powerful AI systems can be customized to help with almost any task: answering complex questions with ChatGPT, generating amazing images with DALL·E, or creating video clips with OpenAI Sora. And you don’t need to be a computer expert — at least that’s what I’ve read.
We are at the beginning of a long journey, and for me, it’s scary. (Am I showing my age again?) In the future, will I be able to believe what I see, read, or hear? If I visit a doctor or see a nurse, will they be robots?
Regardless of my fears, it is here, and as with the digital tools, there are many ways AI can help older adults live independent and fulfilling lives.
AI tools can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation and offer human-like conversation and companionship. In the New York Times article “To Stay in Her Home, She Let In an A.I. Robot,” you can read how 85-year-old Jan Worrell, who lives alone near the Washington coast, benefits from her robot, ElliQ. (www.nytimes.com/2026/02/12/us/elliq-ai-robot-senior-companion.html?searchResultPosition=1)
AI can promote health and fitness by providing fast, clear, and accurate information about common health concerns. An example is the new ChatGPT HEALTH.
AI can empower older adults to manage their finances with budgeting, money management, and money-saving tools. There are even “robo-assistants” to provide insights into spending, saving, and investments.
AI can provide tools for lifelong learning. Imagine having a friendly, patient, personalized tutor available at all hours to help you learn a new skill.
AI helps make a home safer and smarter by anticipating our needs, such as summoning help if we fall, and making life more convenient. How about a humanoid robot that can wash the dishes!
This is way beyond my brainpower; I’m just trying to be smarter than my smartphone. But if you are interested in exploring the world of AI, you can find more information on the Senior Planet website, which includes the “Senior Planet’s Guidebook: AI for Older Adults” that highlights the benefits and risks of AI tools for people aged 50 and older.
With all the AI tools proliferating these days, I want you to remember, if I make a mistake, I mean when I make a mistake, be kind. At least you know it’s a human writing this column, not AI!
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Brain Tease: I don’t think I have shared these before.
1.) What word becomes shorter when you add two letters to it?
2.) What five-letter word becomes one letter when you remove two letters?
3.) Rearrange the letters in “LISTEN” to make another word.
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During the 1980 Olympics, the “Miracle on Ice” occurred when the USA men’s hockey team of amateur players defeated the Soviet Union (USSR), which had won 5 of the previous 6 Olympics. I received correct answers from Doug Nelson, Mike McFarlane, Donna Mollet, Judy Kiser, Stephen Woolpert, Patty Munk, Rhonda Spies, Dave Lutgens, Rebecca Abrams, and Rose Schulz, who is the winner of a quilt raffle ticket.
And last week, while watching replays of Peggy Fleming skating in the 1968 Winter Olympics, I missed Patty Munk and Debbie Medina.
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I need to thank Tom Shaefer for this week’s “Remember When” question about the western television series “Have Gun – Will Travel.” It was originally broadcast on both television and radio by CBS from 1957 through 1963 and was ranked third or fourth in the Nielsen ratings every year of its first four seasons.
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For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of the gentleman investigator/gunfighter, played by Richard Boone, who travels around the Old West working as a mercenary for people who hire him to solve their problems? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-980-4645, or send it with an illustration of the knight-warriors of Charlemagne’s court in medieval literature.
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Well, it’s been another week, trying to keep the balls in the air. Until we meet again, since we can’t stop the waves, we need to learn to surf.
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Nutritious home-delivered and in-person meals are available at noon Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted.
Seniors of Mosier Valley (541-980-1157) — Wednesdays with music on second and fourth Wednesdays; Mt. Hood Town Hall (541-308-5997) — Tuesdays; Hood River Valley Adult Center (541-386-2060); Sherman County Senior and Community Center (541-565-3191); The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels (541-298-8333).
For meal sites in Washington, call Klickitat County Senior Services: Goldendale office (509-773-3757) or the White Salmon office (509-493-3068), and in Skamania County call Senior Services (509-427-3990).
Editor’s note: Experts say ask human doctors only for serious symptoms. HIPAA, which forbids disclosure of medical records, does not apply to AI.
Answers:
1. “Short” (it becomes shorter).
2. “Stone” (remove “s” and “t” and it becomes one).
3. “Silent.”
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