Illustration: Liu Xiangya/GT

China's elderly are increasingly embracing AI, not just for practical tasks but as a way to explore new hobbies and stay connected in a digital world. However, this growing interest must be met with quality education and better guarantee of their interests.

Some elderly people enjoy cooking for themselves, but sometimes they don't know what new dishes to try. At times like this, all they need to do is ask AI, and it will provide a variety of delicious and nutritious recipes with detailed step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow.

If they're planning a trip, AI can also act as a professional travel advisor. It tailors travel plans based on the physical condition and preferences of elderly users. It can also remind them of what essentials to pack, making the trip safer and more comfortable.

Beyond being a helper to the elderly, AI also serves as a channel for their self-realization and helps seniors achieve their lifelong learning goals. Some are using AI to tutor their grandchildren in their homework. Some use AI to create digital paintings. For elderly photography enthusiasts, they are processing images using AI during post-production. AI also supports language learning, offering lessons on pronunciation, grammar, and daily conversation practice, allowing seniors to learn a new language in their spare time.

In February, a netizen from East China's Zhejiang Province posted on the Message Board for Leaders hosted by People's Daily Online, saying, "My father is already retired, but he is very interested in AI and wants to learn. However, the senior university does not offer any technology-related courses. I hope the senior university can offer some technology courses for the elderly, such as AI and 3D printing, to help seniors become familiar with technology, use it, and master it. 

The enthusiasm of the silver-haired generation for learning AI should not be overlooked. According to the 54th Statistical Report on China's Internet Development released by the China Internet Network Information Center, as of June 2024, among the 7.42 million new internet users, the elderly had become a major driving force, with those aged 60 and above accounting for 20.8 percent of the increase. The internet continues to penetrate deeper into middle-aged and elderly demographics. 

"After retiring, the elderly undergo a transition in their social roles, which can often lead to a crisis of value. When they learn new skills such as using AI, it helps to enhance their sense of self-value," Ma Jianwen, a registered counselor at the China Association for Mental Health and director general of the Aijia Institute of Psychology in South China's Guangdong Province, told the Global Times.

However, with some elderly people eager to embrace new technologies, at the same time, they have become targets for some unscrupulous online courses on social platforms. Advertised as "short," "low cost," and "able to help you make money," some AI online courses claim these as selling points, gradually trapping elderly people. 

On Chinese social media platform RedNote, a user posted in December 2024 that her father got scammed by an online AI course for 2,680 yuan ($370). Other netizens joined the discussion under the post, sharing similar experiences involving the elderly in their families.

Besides the high cost, these so-called AI crash courses are not specifically designed for elderly learners. The pace is fast, and the teaching is superficial. Some of the online AI courses do not provide practical professional teaching services as advertised. For example, there is a long introduction to the origin and history of AI, which is mere theoretical knowledge. 

Some young people are ­advising their parents to beware of scams, only to be lectured by their parents. One RedNote user wrote that after trying to talk his father out of a scam, his father responded, "We're in the AI era now. [If you don't actively learn,] you're not being proactive." 

"Some online AI courses aimed at seniors currently available on the market have teaching content and quality that 'do not live up to their claims,'" said Zhao Jingwu, with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, during an interview with China Central Television. 

Zhao suggested that seniors should be cautious about the qualifications of educational institutions and instructors and seek help from their children when necessary.

In March, Guangzhou Senior University in South China's Guangdong Province launched a DeepSeek course for seniors that aimed to help them learn how to use AI for image and video production, reported the Guangzhou Daily. 

The new course has been highly sought after by many "silver-age" students. Since registration opened, all 60 spots were snapped up in less than a minute. And due to the high demand, an additional class was opened, which was also quickly filled. With the target students being seniors aged 50 to 80, the classes are conducted online, with a tuition fee of 350 yuan per person per term.

In addition to offering courses at senior universities, Ma suggested that relevant departments could consider developing intergenerational co-creation projects during which elderly people and their grandchildren can participate in activities involving AI. These projects can not only help children with their learning but also foster communication and interaction between generations through technology.

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. life@globaltimes.com.cn