> **来源：[研报客](https://pc.yanbaoke.cn)** # Summary of "Understanding older generations' adoption of AI" ## Core Content This report explores the engagement of older adults (aged 60-85) with artificial intelligence (AI), highlighting the need for targeted upskilling and inclusive design to ensure they are not left behind in the AI-driven future. It draws on a global survey of 2,515 respondents across 16 countries, along with expert interviews and focus groups in Japan and India. ## Main Findings ### 1. AI Upskilling Matters for Older Adults - **Digital Inclusion Challenge**: As AI becomes more prevalent, older adults face a significant risk of being excluded if not supported with appropriate training and resources. - **Demographic Trends**: The global population over 65 has doubled since 1974, making digital inclusion crucial for maintaining their autonomy, social participation, and quality of life. - **Current Skills Gap**: Many older adults lack basic digital skills, such as setting up Wi-Fi or managing passwords, which could hinder their ability to engage with AI. ### 2. Awareness and Understanding of AI - **Low Familiarity**: Only 24% of older adults are quite or very familiar with AI, while 69% are somewhat or a little familiar. - **Regional Variations**: The Middle East, Africa, and India (MEAI) region show higher familiarity (41%) with AI compared to North America (12%). - **Gender Gap**: 31% of women have never used AI, compared to 20% of men, which may be attributed to underrepresentation in STEM fields and different job exposure to AI. ### 3. AI Usage in Daily Life - **Usage Frequency**: 40% of respondents have never used AI or only once or twice, while 7% use it almost every day. - **Primary Uses**: Learning (79%), health (63%), and travel (58%) are the most common uses of AI among older adults. - **Positive Experiences**: Most users report positive experiences with AI in work (84%), learning (83%), and creativity (80%). ### 4. Perception of Risks and Benefits - **Optimistic Outlook**: 60% of respondents are somewhat or very positive about AI's impact on themselves and their loved ones. - **Concerns and Misconceptions**: Data privacy concerns are the top barrier to AI adoption (41%), followed by uncertainty about which tools to use (34%). - **Trust in AI**: Trust in AI is surprisingly low for common applications like customer service and digital security, but higher for more controversial use cases such as voice and likeness imitation. ### 5. Future Directions - **Need for Support**: Older adults desire easy-to-use resources and guides, with 44% preferring such materials and 32% interested in online training from AI providers. - **Inclusive Design**: Accessible, age-appropriate AI literacy programs are essential to prevent digital exclusion and support the wellbeing and autonomy of older adults. ## Key Recommendations ### For Educators and Policymakers - Design and fund practical, age-appropriate AI literacy programs. - Embed these programs in trusted local settings like libraries and healthcare services. - Provide clear guidance on everyday AI use, data protection, and risk recognition. - Ensure programs reach retired, digitally excluded, and less confident individuals. ### For Businesses - Design AI products with older users in mind, focusing on simplicity, accessibility, and transparency. - Offer clear onboarding and human support options. - Provide plain language explanations to build long-term trust. ### For Older Adults - Actively seek out beginner-friendly resources to build confidence with AI. - Start with low-risk, practical uses of AI that support learning, health, and daily life. - Engage in community-based or peer-supported learning opportunities. - Ask questions about AI functionality and data usage rather than avoiding it altogether. ## Conclusion Older generations are optimistic about AI and eager to learn, but they require targeted support to engage safely and confidently. Failing to address their needs risks deepening digital exclusion and inequality. A coordinated effort among educators, policymakers, businesses, and older adults themselves is essential to ensure an AI just transition that supports their wellbeing, autonomy, and participation in the digital age.