Recently, I gave my Auntie something unusual for a woman in her early 70s: Perplexity AI.
She was born in Sri Lanka, now living in Australia, and she’s seen more than her fair share of technological shifts. From rotary phones to smartphones, handwritten letters to WhatsApp, she’s lived through it all. And yet, there she was – curious, open-minded, and willing to give artificial intelligence a try.
I’ll be honest: I’m proud of her.
Because it takes guts to step into something unfamiliar, especially when the world around you keeps insisting that “AI is for the younger generation.”
Why This Matters
We often assume older generations don’t want to (or can’t) adapt to new technology. But that stereotype misses the truth: curiosity doesn’t have an age limit. What stops many people isn’t ability — it’s confidence, and sometimes a lack of someone to show them where to start.
For my Auntie, AI isn’t about replacing her routines – it’s about making them easier, richer, and sometimes just more fun.
How Someone in Their 70s Could Use AI
Here are a few ways I’ve seen AI fit into her life — and how it could help others in later years:
- Health literacy – Medical instructions are often confusing. AI can re-explain them in plain English, breaking down jargon into something easy to follow.
- Recipes & food inspiration – She loves cooking. AI can suggest recipes that merge Sri Lankan flavours with what’s fresh at the local Aussie market.
- Staying connected – Need to write a quick message to family overseas? AI can help draft a warm note, even translate it.
- Travel planning – Whether it’s visiting relatives or a short getaway, AI can quickly suggest itineraries, best travel times, and accessibility tips.
- Learning & curiosity – From history to gardening, it’s like having a patient teacher ready 24/7 to answer questions without judgement.
- Digital confidence – The simple act of using AI makes technology feel less intimidating, which opens the door to trying new apps, devices, and experiences.
Why I’m Proud
My Auntie isn’t just “using AI.” She’s proving something bigger: that technology is for everyone, not just the young.
Every time she asks Perplexity a question, she’s challenging the idea that people in their 70s are set in their ways. She’s showing that curiosity doesn’t fade with age — if anything, it becomes sharper.
And she’s reminding me that one of the greatest gifts you can give someone isn’t the tech itself, but the confidence to try it.
Final Thought
So, can someone in their 70s use AI? Absolutely. Not just for convenience, but for connection, empowerment, and discovery.
And if my Auntie — born in Sri Lanka, living in Australia, navigating cultures, languages, and now algorithms — can take that leap? Then maybe it’s not about age at all.
Maybe it’s about courage.
Over to you: do you know someone in their 70s (or later) who’s embraced AI? Or are you that person yourself? I’d love to hear your story.
