Rediscovering the Connection with Seniors Through AI
Rediscovering the Connection with Seniors Through AI
I often find myself thinking about my grandparents—how much I miss their warmth, their stories, and the comfort of their presence. They were the keepers of tales, always knowing just the right thing to say, with an endless well of patience. Their stories of a world I’d never know firsthand brought me immense joy and a sense of belonging. It’s those memories that inspired my journey today.
In a world that moves faster than ever, I realise how vital it is to hold onto those connections, especially with seniors who have so much wisdom to share. Their stories matter, their experiences are precious, and yet, it's easy for them to become isolated. This longing for connection, for reliving that sense of belonging with seniors, has led me to an unexpected yet fulfilling intersection: AI and seniors.
Bridging Generations with AI
Technology can sometimes feel distant and impersonal, but I see it differently. AI, at its core, is about making our lives easier—helping us remember, manage, and discover. And who better to benefit from these comforts than our older generations? Imagine if my grandparents had access to a tool that could help them write letters, keep track of appointments, or even serve as a conversation partner when loneliness crept in. AI could have made those golden years a bit brighter, a bit less burdened by the minutiae of everyday life.
Meeting Susie and a Shared Vision
This is where Susie comes in. We met in the Promptmaster AI training community, and it all started with a simple “hello.” That hello led to a deeper conversation, which turned into a Zoom meeting, and suddenly, we found ourselves sharing dreams. Dreams about AI, its potential, and, most importantly, about seniors.
I am in the UK, with my mornings syncing to Susie’s evenings in the USA. Despite the distance, we found something special—an enthusiasm to see AI not just as a cutting-edge tool, but as something warm and helpful. I’ve always been interested in AI, but I’ve also long wanted to spend time with seniors, to reconnect with that part of my life I’ve missed since my grandparents passed. And with Susie, I saw the perfect opportunity to do both.
The Value of Connection
There’s something essential about the stories that seniors have to tell. They remind us of where we come from, of how times change, and of the values that persist through generations. I miss the easy conversations with my grandparents—the way they’d bring life to forgotten moments or how their simple advice would help me face a problem. Working with Susie and creating something that could connect with seniors has become a way for me to bring back a little of that magic.
AI as a Friendly Companion
AI doesn’t have to be intimidating. It can be simple, friendly, and, most importantly, helpful. A voice assistant could be a companion for someone who feels lonely. An app could help with the daily tasks that become challenging with age or serve as a way to log those very stories I have missed hearing. AI has the power to bring ease and comfort, to bridge the gap between the fast pace of today’s world and the quieter needs of our older loved ones.
An Invitation
If you’re curious about how AI might fit into your life, Susie and I are here, figuring it out alongside you. It's never too late to learn something new, to find a new way to connect, and maybe even to laugh along the way. Whether it’s discovering an app that makes your day simpler or just learning a new trick, we invite you to explore with us. Let’s see what joy AI can bring together.
Piera Lanzarotti, London, UK