Retirement in the Age of AI
Illustration by Mohamed Hassan on Unsplash
Artificial intelligence (AI) has quietly integrated into our everyday lives, perhaps more than we realize. While it hasn’t completely taken over the world, it’s certainly transforming it, one innovation at a time. AI has certainly changed my life. It’s helped me think more creatively, access healthcare quickly, and discover tools that make daily tasks easier. But the potential for older adults is even greater. As technology continues to evolve, the ideal retirement is becoming more attainable, one where people can stay at home with virtual assistance, consult doctors from their laptops, and even find new ways to stay creative and earn income.
AI has been around us for years, embedded in devices like voice-activated TV remotes and Amazon Alexa. Now, it’s beginning to offer real, tangible benefits for specific audiences, especially retirees. AI is influencing older generations just as much as it is younger ones, and it's showing promise in revolutionizing retirement, especially with "aging in place."
For decades, remaining independent and staying in their own homes has been a goal for many retirees. With the rise of smart home technology, that is becoming safer and more achievable. AI-powered systems can monitor movement, detect falls, adjust lighting, and remind users to take medication. Devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant can help with everyday tasks, while companies like CarePredict provide AI-enabled wearables that monitor subtle changes in behavior, such as slower movement or irregular heartbeats, that may signal a health issue. These tools don’t just offer convenience, but they can delay or even eliminate the need for assisted living, preserving independence and reducing long-term care costs.
Another major development is telehealth, a game-changer not just for retirees but for everyone. Personally, telehealth has saved me countless hours I would’ve spent in urgent care, replacing those visits with a simple 10-minute phone call and a prescription sent to my pharmacy. While it’s incredibly helpful for someone like me, a busy college student, it’s even more transformative for older adults. AI chatbots are now handling basic diagnostics, reducing wait times, and improving access for those with mobility challenges. Retirees can speak with doctors via Zoom and receive personalized treatment plans, thanks to AI tools like IBM Watson. Wearable devices like the Apple Watch and Fitbit can detect irregular heart rhythms or low oxygen levels, alerting users and healthcare providers before symptoms become severe.
Using technology and AI in retirement isn’t limited to health care. It also opens up new possibilities for creativity, purpose, and social connection. Tools like ChatGPT, Canva, and QuickBooks allow retirees to freelance, consult, start businesses, or simply explore hobbies, all without needing advanced technical skills. This flexibility empowers those who want to stay mentally active or earn extra income. My grandpa, for example, uses ChatGPT to generate math problems to keep his mind sharp, and my grandma uses Canva to design custom birthday cards for her loved ones. Beyond productivity, AI can also help combat loneliness. Tools like the AI companion ElliQ or virtual reality experiences let retirees “travel,” attend social events, or simply have a conversation. While a robot can’t fully replace human interaction, it can provide meaningful companionship, especially for those living alone. Sometimes, it’s as simple as chatting with an AI like ChatGPT when you’re feeling isolated, something I’ve even found helpful myself.
For 20-somethings, retirement may feel light-years away, but the choices we make now, financially, technologically, and health-wise, shape the quality of life we’ll have decades down the line. AI isn’t just helping older adults; it’s also becoming a tool for us to plan smarter, save more efficiently, and build habits that future-proof our retirement. Apps like Cleo and YNAB use AI to analyze spending and offer budgeting advice, while investment platforms like Betterment or Wealthfront use machine learning to tailor retirement portfolios, even for those just starting out with $10.
Learning how to use AI tools, like ChatGPT, Notion AI, or automation platforms like Zapier, can boost productivity and help young professionals stand out in competitive job markets. These skills can also lead to side income opportunities or entrepreneurial ventures, helping to build financial security that pays off in retirement.
Think of AI fluency as a new kind of retirement insurance: the more you know how to use it today, the more options you’ll have to stay independent, creative, and financially stable in your later years. If you're in your 20s, you can easily start using AI to prepare for the future. You can begin by using AI-powered budgeting tools to track and reduce expenses, and start investing with robo-advisors that optimize for retirement goals. Also you can continue to learn how to use AI tools like ChatGPT or Canva to build a side hustle or freelance income, and with stay current on AI trends, especially because the tools you master now could support you later in life.
Of course, these advancements come with important questions, especially for older users. Who has access to these tools? How is personal data used? Can machines ever truly replace human care? These concerns are valid. While younger generations like Gen Z are generally more comfortable with AI, many retirees are understandably hesitant. Still, embracing this technology, at their own pace, can bring long-term benefits, offering more freedom, connection, and even joy during retirement.
Though it may feel unfamiliar or even “taboo” for some older adults, AI isn’t going away. And as future generations move into retirement, technology will only become more integrated into daily life. Embracing it now isn’t just about convenience, it’s about preparing for a better, more connected future for everyone.
