Older Generations and ChatGPT: What’s the Disconnect?

Forget the headlines about robots taking over. At its core, ChatGPT is a simple tool: you type in a question or request, and it gives you a useful, human-sounding answer.

Think of it like a helpful assistant that’s available 24/7, no appointments, no waiting on hold, no trawling through ads or pop-ups. Just straight answers. And yes, it really can be that easy.

Here are a few ways older adults are already using it:

• Writing birthday cards or messages that sound thoughtful but don’t take an hour to come up with.
• Planning travel itineraries: “3-day trip to the Blue Mountains, easy walking, good cafes” is all it takes.
• Explaining complex topics like superannuation, tax returns or health policies, in plain English.
• Generating ideas for hobbies, speeches, book clubs, or even simple meal plans.

You don’t need to install anything, sign up for a subscription, or learn a new system. Just go to chat.openai.com…… and start typing.

What you won’t find? Jargon. Tech speak. Or any expectation that you’re a “digital native.” It’s built to talk like a person, not a programmer.

Let’s be clear: confusion isn’t an age thing, it’s a first-time thing.

When ChatGPT launched, even people in their 30s and 40s were scratching their heads. “Is it like Google?” “Is it safe?” “What do I even ask it?” The learning curve was real… and for many, still is.

If you’ve ever looked at a screen and thought, “I don’t get it, so I’ll leave it,” you’re in very good company.

A recent report from the Washington Post found that only around 10% of people over 65 have used ChatGPT. Most said they were curious but felt unsure where to start, or worried about doing something “wrong.”

That hesitation makes sense. New tech often feels like it’s been designed for someone else, younger, faster, more fluent. But here’s the thing: once people give it a go, many realise it’s not about being tech-savvy. It’s about being curious, and letting the tool do the hard work.

No tests. No tutorials. Just ask a question and see what happens.

When something feels new and powerful, it’s natural to worry about risk. What if it steals my data? What if I break something? What if it’s a scam?

The good news is: using ChatGPT is low-risk, as long as you follow the same common sense you’d use anywhere online.

Here’s what you need to know:

• It doesn’t know who you are. ChatGPT doesn’t see your email address, banking info, or personal details unless you type them in (which you shouldn’t).
• It doesn’t remember your conversations by default. You can clear your history anytime, and your chats aren’t public.
• It doesn’t send you ads or marketing. No pop-ups, no spam, no upselling.
• There’s nothing to install. You can use it on any browser (like Chrome or Safari) at chat.openai.com

And if you’re still unsure? Try it with someone you trust nearby, a friend, neighbour, family member, or local library tutor. That little bit of guidance can go a long way.

It’s not about throwing caution to the wind… it’s about trying something new with your eyes open, not shut.

You don’t need a grand plan to try ChatGPT. In fact, the best way to start is by doing something small, something that makes your day a little easier or more enjoyable.

Here are a few simple ideas to get you going:

• “Suggest five easy dinners that don’t use pasta.”
• “Turn this message into a friendly birthday card greeting to your neighbour: ‘Happy 65th Sandra.’”
• “Explain cryptocurrency like I’m 12.”
• “Give me three walking trails near Adelaide, under 5km, with parking.”

It’s not a test. There’s no right or wrong way to ask. Just type what you’d say out loud, ChatGPT will understand, and if it doesn’t, you can rephrase it. That’s part of the fun.

And once you get that first helpful answer? That’s when it clicks. The fear drops away. Curiosity kicks in. And suddenly, this “AI thing” starts feeling a bit more like a useful tool, not a sci-fi mystery.

You don’t have to master it. Just start with something that matters to you.

You’ve seen more change than most, from party lines to smartphones, from handwritten letters to instant messaging. And each time, you adapted. Maybe not overnight. Maybe not by choice. But you did.

So if AI feels like the next “too hard basket,” it’s worth remembering: curiosity is ageless. It’s not about keeping up with the latest gadget, it’s about staying informed, engaged and connected in a world that moves fast.

In fact, older adults often bring something to ChatGPT that younger users don’t: sharper questions, clearer intent, and life experience. You know what you’re looking for. That makes for better conversations, and often better answers.

Trying new tech doesn’t mean handing over control. It means deciding what’s useful, and what’s not, on your terms.

So if you’ve been wondering whether ChatGPT is for you – it is. No pressure. No performance. Just permission to explore.