Mission Pointers

AI for older people: a gentle beginner's guide

A plain-English guide to AI for older people in the UK: what it is, how to try ChatGPT, Gemini or Copilot safely, and where to get free help.

Mission Pointers · 4 October 2026 · 11 min read

In short

  • AI is software that can understand language and spot patterns. You may already use it in voice assistants, photo apps and predictive text.
  • ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot all have free versions. Use the official website or app, and never share bank details or passwords.
  • AI can be wrong while sounding sure of itself, so check anything important with the NHS, GOV.UK or another official source.
  • Free, friendly help is available from Learn My Way, Age UK, AbilityNet, libraries and Digital Champions.
On this page
  1. What is AI?
  2. Where you might already meet AI
  3. What AI chat tools can help with
  4. How to try one safely, step by step
  5. Golden rules for staying safe
  6. Features that make it easier
  7. Free places to learn with support
  8. Tips for family, carers and community groups
  9. Sources

You've probably heard a lot about artificial intelligence (AI) lately. It's in the news, and friends or grandchildren may talk about it. It's normal to feel unsure about what it is or whether it's for you.

This guide explains AI in plain English. It shows where you may already be using it, what AI chat tools can help with, and how to try one safely, one step at a time. It also lists free places where you can learn with a real person beside you.

It's written for older adults who are new to AI, and for the family members, carers and community groups who help them. You can print it and work through it together.

What is AI?

Age UK describes AI as technology that can appear to "think" in a human-like way. It can understand language, recognise patterns and make decisions. It can also learn from information and improve over time.

AI isn't new. Age UK notes that scientists were working on it in the 1950s. What has changed is that it has become faster and easier to use in everyday life.

AI chat tools can feel like talking to a real person, but they are computer programs. Age UK points out that they don't have emotions or opinions, even though they're designed to seem as if they do.

Using AI is also your choice. Age UK says that, for the most part, using AI remains optional. If you'd rather not use it, you don't have to.

Where you might already meet AI

You may already use AI without realising it. Examples include:

  • Voice assistants, such as Amazon's Alexa or Apple's Siri, which answer when you speak to them.
  • Predictive text. When your phone suggests the next word as you type a message, it's often using AI. Google says its Gboard keyboard uses language models for next-word prediction.
  • Photo apps. Google Photos lets you search your pictures by describing them, such as "drinking tea by the fireplace". Its Ask Photos feature uses Google's Gemini AI.
  • Customer service chats. The chat windows on shops' websites are often AI "chatbots".
  • Recommendations. Services such as BBC iPlayer or Spotify suggest programmes or music you might enjoy.
  • Spam filters, which move junk email out of your inbox.

AI is becoming common. Ofcom's Adults' Media Use and Attitudes report, published in April 2026, found that just over half of UK adults (54%) say they use AI tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot or Gemini. That's up from 31% in the previous year's report.

What AI chat tools can help with

The best-known AI chat tools are ChatGPT (made by OpenAI), Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot. You type or say a question in everyday language, and the tool writes or speaks a reply.

Here are some useful things to try:

  • Explaining a letter in simpler words. Type out the confusing part and ask what it means. Leave out names, addresses and reference numbers.
  • Planning a day out or a trip. Ask for ideas for a gentle walk, a garden to visit or what to pack.
  • Recipe ideas. Tell it what's in your fridge and ask what you could make.
  • Practising a conversation. Rehearse what to say on a tricky phone call, or practise a few phrases in another language before a holiday.
  • Writing help. Ask for help with a birthday message, a thank-you note or a short email.
  • Learning something new. Ask it to explain a hobby, a piece of history or a word you've come across.

Some first questions to try

Please explain what a "direct debit" is in simple words.

I'm 78 and I'd like to start gentle exercise at home. What are some ideas? Please keep the list short.

I have eggs, cheese, tomatoes and bread. What could I make for lunch?

I need to ring my energy supplier about a high bill. Can you help me practise what to say?

Can you say that again more simply, please?

If you don't understand an answer, just say so. You can ask it to use shorter sentences, give fewer options or explain a word.

How to try one safely, step by step

Step 1: Choose one tool to start with

You only need one. All three below have free versions, and all three are for people aged 13 and over.

ToolOfficial websiteDo you need an account?
ChatGPTchatgpt.comNo. You can try it without signing in
Google Geminigemini.google.comSome features work without signing in. The app needs a Google Account
Microsoft Copilotcopilot.microsoft.comYes. Microsoft's terms say you need a Microsoft Account

The free versions have usage limits. Paid plans give you more, but you don't need one to get started.

Step 2: Use the official website or app

  1. Type the website address yourself, exactly as shown in the table.
  2. If you'd rather use an app, get it from your phone's own app store: the App Store on an iPhone or iPad, or the Google Play Store on Android.
  3. Check the app is made by OpenAI, Google or Microsoft before you install it.
  4. Don't follow links in unexpected emails, texts or adverts that offer AI tools.

Step 3: Stay on the free version

You don't need to enter card details to try any of these tools. If you're asked to pay or "upgrade", you can close that message and carry on with the free version.

Step 4: Check your privacy settings

What you type may be seen by the company that makes the tool:

  • ChatGPT: OpenAI may use your conversations to train its AI unless you turn this off. Open Settings, choose Data controls and turn off Improve the model for everyone.
  • Gemini: Google says some conversations are reviewed by people. It asks you not to enter anything confidential that you wouldn't want a reviewer to see.
  • Copilot: Microsoft says people may review your data. It says you shouldn't share anything you don't want Microsoft to review.

Step 5: Ask your first question

  1. Click or tap in the message box.
  2. Type your question in everyday words, as if you were talking to a helpful person.
  3. Press Enter on a keyboard, or tap the send button, to send it.
  4. Read the reply. Ask a follow-up question if you need to, such as "Can you explain that more simply?"

Take your time. You can't break it, and you can start a new chat whenever you like.

Golden rules for staying safe

AI can be wrong

AI tools can give wrong answers that sound completely confident. OpenAI calls this a "hallucination" and says ChatGPT can make up facts, dates and even sources. Microsoft says Copilot "can make mistakes" and shouldn't be used instead of professional advice. Google says Gemini "may produce inaccurate or offensive information".

So treat AI as a helpful starting point, not the final word. Check anything important with an official source:

If it's aboutCheck with
Your health or medicinesThe NHS website for your nation (nhs.uk in England, NHS inform in Scotland, NHS 111 Wales), or your GP or pharmacist
Benefits, pensions, tax or other government servicesGOV.UK, or nidirect in Northern Ireland
A letter from your bank, council or energy supplierThe organisation itself, using a phone number you already know

Be wary of scams that use AI

Criminals use AI too. Age UK warns that AI can make fake articles, photos and videos look real. Scammers can use it to pretend to be a family member or your bank, by phone, text or email.

  • Be suspicious of any message that rushes you, asks you to keep a secret or asks for money.
  • If you're unsure, stop. Contact the person or organisation on a number you already know.
  • Forward scam emails to the National Cyber Security Centre at report@phishing.gov.uk.

Scammers can now copy the voice of someone you love. Our guide to AI voice-cloning scams explains how to spot them and what to do.

Features that make it easier

You don't need to be good at typing to use AI. These features can help:

  • Talk instead of type. On an iPhone, tap the microphone on the keyboard and speak. If you don't see it, go to Settings, then General, then Keyboard, and turn on Enable Dictation. On Android phones with the Gboard keyboard, tap the Microphone at the top of the keyboard.
  • Have a spoken conversation. ChatGPT Voice lets you talk to ChatGPT and hear it reply, and the free version includes some voice use. Google's free plan includes Gemini Live, which also lets you talk to Gemini.
  • Make the text bigger. On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, then Accessibility, then Display & Text Size, then Larger Text, and drag the slider. On Android, open Settings, search for Font size and move the slider.
  • Ask for clearer answers. Ask the AI to "use short sentences" or "give me just three points".

AbilityNet's free My Computer My Way guides explain step by step how to make your device easier to use.

Free places to learn with support

You don't have to learn alone. These trusted organisations offer free help, or can point you to it:

WhereWhat you'll findHow to get started
Learn My WayFree online lessons for beginners from Good Things Foundation, including using your device and staying safe online. Available in English and Welshlearnmyway.com
Good Things FoundationA free AI Gateway to learn what AI is and how it works, and a map of more than 8,000 local Digital Inclusion Hubs across the UKFind support near you
Age UKMany local Age UKs offer computer training in plain English. Ask your local Age UK if there's a charge. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, contact Age Scotland, Age Cymru or Age NIAge UK Advice Line: 0800 678 1602, free, 8am to 7pm every day. Or search for IT training near you
AbilityNetFree help for older people and disabled people of any age. More than 450 DBS-checked volunteers can help at home or by phone0300 180 0028 (calls cost no more than a national rate call) or request help online
Your local libraryFree internet access, and in many areas help sessions or computer coursesAsk at your local library
Digital ChampionsTrained staff or volunteers who help people build digital skills. Councils, charities, housing associations and libraries run themAsk your library, council or local Age UK

In Northern Ireland, Libraries NI offers free computers and wifi to library members, along with computer courses. In Scotland, all 32 public library services take part in a Digital Champions network run by the Scottish Library and Information Council.

Tips for family, carers and community groups

  • Sit alongside, don't take over. Let the person hold the device and do the typing or talking.
  • Write down the official web address for the tool you choose, so it's easy to find again.
  • Start with something they care about, such as a favourite recipe, a hobby or a place they'd love to visit.
  • Go over the golden rules together. Keep a printed copy near the computer or tablet.
  • Respect the choice. Some people will love AI and some won't want to use it. Both are fine.

Mission Pointers offers friendly community sessions on AI and digital confidence, delivered with local organisations. Get in touch if you'd like one for your group.

Sources

Next step

Want to run a friendly introduction to AI for older people in your community?

Explore our community programmes

More guides