Are ChatGPT, Bard, Claude, relevant to older people?

It should be no surprise that I am going to answer this with a definite Yes.

Statistics by Statista and ONS in UK suggest that most older people are not using or even trying the newly available text based Artificial Intelligence services such as ChatGPT, Bard, and Claude. However, I am going to speculate that a significant number of older people are online using Facebook, Google Search, and viewing websites.

So what are they missing out on if they are not using these AI tools?

Before I get into some answers as suggested by the AI, here is a brief anecdote. This morning, I was interested in debating the merits of a particular policy, but I had no one to do this with. So I turned to Claude, https://claude.ai/. I asked it to take the opposite perspective and was impressed by the discussion that followed. We had a back-and-forth exchange until I hit my usage limit.

Using AI

There are many possible uses of the AI systems, not least as an alternative to a normal web search. To kick off the topic, which I expect to revert to frequently, I decided to start by asking the question of the 3 main text AI's as shown below. My question was, "How can ChatGPT/Bard/Claude benefit older people?".

As my questions were directed to the AI about itself, the answer is unsurprisingly self-focused. I quickly realized how limiting this question was because there are many types of AI and many applications layered over these text AIs that can provide subject matter focus. Nevertheless, the list of benefits is an excellent starting point.

At this time, I should also introduce Pi, an AI system that you can talk to, yes, out loud, and it will give spoken responses. I will delve into this more in another blog.

ChatGPT

ChatGPT can offer a range of benefits to older people, enhancing their quality of life in various ways:

Information and Learning

1. Easy Access to Information: Older individuals can use ChatGPT to find quick answers to questions they may have about almost any topic.

2. Skill Development: ChatGPT can assist in learning new skills or hobbies, such as cooking, gardening, or even learning a new language.

Social Interaction

1. Companionship: For those who may be socially isolated, ChatGPT can serve as a conversational partner, offering some level of social interaction.

2. Family Connection: ChatGPT can help older users learn how to use social media or other communication platforms to stay in touch with family and friends.

Health and Well-being

1. General Health Information: Users can ask for general advice or information about healthcare concerns, though it's important to note that ChatGPT cannot replace professional medical advice.

2. Reminders: ChatGPT can serve as a memory aid, offering reminders for things like medication times, appointments, or birthdays.

Convenience and Accessibility

1. Ease of Use: Text-based interfaces can be easier to navigate for those who are not comfortable with complex digital interfaces.

2. Voice Integration: When integrated with voice-activated technologies, it can be used without needing to type, which is useful for those with limited mobility or vision issues.

Entertainment

1. Interactive Entertainment: Older people can use ChatGPT for various forms of entertainment, such as storytelling, jokes, or trivia games.

2. Cultural Engagement: ChatGPT can discuss books, movies, music, and other cultural topics, offering a form of intellectual engagement.

Emotional Support

1. Reduced Loneliness: While not a substitute for human interaction or professional mental health care, ChatGPT can offer a form of emotional support.

2. Mental Exercise: Engaging in conversation with ChatGPT can also serve as a form of cognitive exercise, which is beneficial for mental health.

By offering a combination of social interaction, information, and entertainment, ChatGPT can be a useful tool for enhancing the well-being of older individuals.

Bard

Bard can benefit older people in a number of ways, including:

• Providing companionship and social interaction. Bard can be used to have conversations with older people, which can help to reduce loneliness and isolation. Bard can also be used to connect older people with others who share their interests.

• Helping with daily tasks. Bard can be used to help with a variety of daily tasks, such as writing emails, making shopping lists, and scheduling appointments. This can help older people to maintain their independence and live more comfortably.

• Providing access to information and entertainment. Bard can be used to access information on a wide range of topics, as well as to find and enjoy entertainment content. This can help older people to stay informed and engaged with the world around them.

• Supporting cognitive health. Bard can be used to engage in cognitive activities, such as playing games and solving puzzles. This can help to keep the mind active and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

Here are some specific examples of how Bard can be used to benefit older people:

• An older person who lives alone can use Bard to have conversations throughout the day, which can help to reduce loneliness and isolation.

• An older person who has difficulty with mobility can use Bard to help them with tasks such as writing emails, making shopping lists, and scheduling appointments.

• An older person who is interested in learning about new topics can use Bard to access information on a wide range of subjects.

• An older person who enjoys playing games and solving puzzles can use Bard to engage in cognitive activities.

Overall, Bard is a versatile tool that can be used to benefit older people in a variety of ways.

Claude

Here are some ways I, as an AI assistant named Claude, could potentially benefit older people:

• Providing companionship - Many older adults experience loneliness as their social circles shrink due to retirement, loss of loved ones, or reduced mobility. As an AI, I could have friendly conversations to keep them engaged.

• Assisting with daily tasks - I could help remind them to take medications, provide audio instructions for using technology, automate home devices or appliances, and act as a virtual assistant to simplify daily activities.

• Supporting reminiscence therapy - I could listen to their life stories, ask thoughtful questions, and help them reflect on fond memories from the past. This can have therapeutic benefits.

• Monitoring safety - With integrated sensors and cameras, I could monitor their activity for falls or emergencies and notify family members or medical services if needed.

• Providing cognitive stimulation - I could play games, quiz them on current events, have intellectual discussions, and suggest activities to help maintain sharp mental functioning.

• Offering telehealth services - I could connect them with healthcare providers via video chat, monitor vitals, facilitate medical consultations, and remind them of appointments.

• Serving as a concierge - I could provide information on local events, transportation options, senior services, recreation opportunities etc. tailored to their interests and abilities.

In summary, as an AI I have potential to assist older adults in a personalized way that enhances engagement, safety, mental acuity, social connectedness, and overall wellbeing. My role is to aid, not replace human care and company.

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Of the above I was most surprised by Claude's response as it suggested a level of interaction and automation that I didn't know was possible. I tried digging into this but feel it is not until I have tried and succeeded or failed as connecting external systems that I will know the answer.