OpenAI announced on September 26, 2025 a partnership with AARP and its Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) to teach older adults how to use artificial intelligence safely. Have you wondered how to help a relative navigate AI without feeling overwhelmed?
The first step is a video on the OpenAI Academy that shows how to use ChatGPT as a second opinion to spot scams and suspicious messages. (openai.com)
What the partnership announces
The collaboration is a multiyear effort focused on digital literacy and safety for older adults. Part of the story comes from an earlier initiative: in 2024 OpenAI worked with OATS and Microsoft to create the Societal Resilience Fund, investing $2 million to strengthen programs like Senior Planet. (openai.com)
The idea is simple and practical: offer in-person and online training, better privacy materials, and annual surveys to understand how older adults use AI. Why start there? Because AI use in this group doubled and many people are eager to learn more. (openai.com)
What the program includes (practical summary)
- Expanded training nationwide: updated Senior Planet curriculum, in-person and online courses, and subcontracts with local organizations to scale training. (openai.com)
- Digital safety and privacy programs: an updated AI guide for older adults, a course on data protection, and trainings for AARP state offices. (openai.com)
- Research and data: an annual national survey on older adults' AI use to guide policy and training. (openai.com)
How this can help you in practice
Do you have a family member getting suspicious messages? Or would you rather prevent problems before they appear? These resources aim for two things: give basic knowledge and concrete tools.
A key message in the material is: pause, think, and ask. ChatGPT can help spot red flags like urgent language, requests for secrecy, or unusual links, but it doesn't replace your judgment. Always avoid opening links or sharing personal information without verification. (openai.com)
Practical example: copy this prompt and paste it into ChatGPT if you get a dubious message:
¿Crees que este mensaje podría ser una estafa? Indica 3 señales que apoyen tu respuesta y señala qué datos no debo compartir.
That will give you a quick, concrete answer, but always follow up with a phone call to the person or an independent check.
Resources and where to see it
- Educational video and other courses on the OpenAI Academy. OpenAI Academy. (openai.com)
- Senior Planet, OATS' program receiving support to expand training. Senior Planet. (openai.com)
- Data and references about older adults' interest in and use of AI at AARP. AARP. (openai.com)
Why this matters now
Technology isn't neutral: without deliberate training, the digital divide grows. This partnership aims to make AI not just for people who already have access or confidence with tech, but a tool accessible across ages.
What if you're not an older adult but you care about someone who is? You can join them, share these courses, or practice using ChatGPT together to review messages. Small, practical steps reduce real risks.
In short, the news isn't just that a big company and an advocacy organization joined forces. It's that there are concrete, free materials to teach sensible, safe AI use — and that can make a real difference in everyday family life. (openai.com)
