When OpenAI launched ChatGPT, it quickly became the fastest-growing consumer app in history. While younger generations led the charge, older adults are using ChatGPT, too. According to Pew Research, about 25% of adults ages 50–64 have used ChatGPT, along with 10% of adults ages 65+. While those percentages are lower than younger cohorts, they represent large increases — 63% and 87%, respectively — since 2023.
Many seniors are finding creative ways to integrate AI into their daily lives — and that has big implications for senior living communities.
What seniors use ChatGPT for
Seniors are testing ChatGPT and other AI platforms for quick answers, personal recommendations and even creative tasks like meal planning or travel ideas. They may not call themselves “AI users,” but if they’re asking ChatGPT questions about health care or housing, they’re in the ecosystem.
Older adults typically use ChatGPT for:
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- Health and wellness questions: Clarifying symptoms or understanding medical terms. In fact, a Carewell survey found that 1 in 6 seniors trusts advice from AI over that of doctors, and 64% of seniors who have caregivers said that using AI reduces their reliance on them
- Financial planning: Exploring retirement budgets or Social Security basics
- Daily convenience: Writing emails, creating grocery lists or learning new hobbies. Most seniors surveyed said they use AI to assist with daily tasks.
- Decision-making: Researching major life changes, like their senior living options
Why it matters for senior living leaders
If seniors are using AI tools like ChatGPT to research senior living, your online presence needs to be optimized for this new reality. Clear, accurate content helps ensure your community is surfaced favorably when AI tools summarize options for prospective residents.
But that’s only part of the opportunity. Seniors are also experimenting with AI in their personal lives — for learning, entertainment and managing daily tasks. Understanding how they use AI at home can help communities integrate similar tools onsite:
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- Voice-activated AI assistance resident questions and engagement
- Health monitoring
- Concierge-style assistance with appointment scheduling and transportation
- Medication routines, meal planning and daily exercise
In short, it’s about meeting seniors where they are — both online and onsite.
Opportunities for communities
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- Audit your digital content: Ensure your website answers key questions seniors are likely to ask ChatGPT or other AI-driven platforms.
- Test AI search prompts: See what ChatGPT or similar tools say about your community and adjust messaging accordingly.
- Strengthen online reputation: Encourage resident and family reviews, which AI tools may surface in responses.
- Experiment with AI programming: Offer resident workshops on using AI safely or integrate tools into enrichment activities.
- Test AI tools that benefit residents: Think about uses for health monitoring and resident assistance.
The bottom line
Seniors are adopting AI faster than many assume. ChatGPT may never replace human connection, but it’s becoming part of how older adults gather information and make decisions. Senior living leaders who embrace this shift — both in marketing and in community programming — can meet prospects earlier in their journey and create more engaging resident experiences.