Age Friendly AI Initiative Engages Local Adults in National Conversation on Artificial Intelligence

The event brought together more than 50 older adults from the local community and underscored the importance of ensuring that older people are included in national discussions on artificial intelligence and its increasing role in everyday life.

The initiative, funded by the Research Ireland Discover Programme and led by Technological University Dublin in partnership with the Research Ireland ADAPT Centre, seeks to address the growing need for AI literacy among older adults. It aims to ensure that older people are supported in understanding, using, and contributing to the development of these technologies.

At its core, Age Friendly AI will facilitate a national dialogue on artificial intelligence with older adults across Ireland. Over a two-year period, the initiative will engage with more than 60,000 older people, gathering their perspectives, concerns, and insights. These contributions will be communicated to key stakeholders involved in AI development and governance, including policymakers, researchers, and technology providers.

The June event provided a structured and inclusive forum in which older adults from the local community could explore how artificial intelligence may influence their lives, irrespective of their level of technological experience. Participants discussed both the opportunities presented by AI and key concerns, including privacy, misinformation, and accessibility. The format ensured that older adults were central to the discussion, reflecting the initiative’s commitment to co-creation and meaningful public engagement.

Insights gathered from the event will inform the development of a national AI literacy programme tailored specifically for older people, with implementation planned from 2026. The initiative is expected to play a significant role in supporting older adults to become informed and active participants in Ireland’s evolving AI landscape.