Introducing our new podcast discussion series
Welcome to a new era of listening! We all know that podcasts are a goldmine of wisdom, but sometimes the conversation moves too fast or the technical jargon leaves us with more questions than answers. I’m thrilled to introduce a brand-new discussion series designed specifically for our community where we don’t just listen to experts—we engage with them. My vision is to invite our podcast guests into a private community chat group immediately following their interview. This will be your exclusive space to ask for clarification on things that weren’t clear, dive deeper into specific topics, and get direct answers to the questions that matter most to you.
This series is built on active participation, and its success depends entirely on your curiosity and involvement. Before I book our upcoming slate of guests, I need to know if this interactive format appeals to you. Would you value the opportunity to join these live Q&A sessions, or should I stick to the traditional interview format? Please leave a comment to let me know if you’re ready to jump into the conversation—I want to ensure this series is shaped by your interests and your voice.
This isn't a "sit back and watch" kind of series. To make this work, we need active participation. This is a space for the curious—those who aren’t afraid to say "I don't get that yet" or "Tell me more about how this applies to my life."
Note: This is our very first try at this format. While our guest isn’t officially scheduled to be here right this second, it may be possible to get him to jump into the chat if you start posting your questions now. Let’s see how this works!
Several weeks ago, we talked with Dan Wilson about Artificial Intelligence and older adults on our podcast Specifically for Seniors. Dan is the author of Technology Made Gentle: A Senior’s Guide to AI . The podcast is available at our podcast website.
In this episode of the podcast Specifically for Seniors, host Dr. Larry Barsh sits down with technologist and author Dan Wilson to discuss how artificial intelligence can empower older adults. Dan shares that his inspiration for writing his book came after he successfully helped his mother fix her home WiFi from 500 miles away by using ChatGPT to troubleshoot the problem. He explains that for the first time in his twenty-five-year career, technology has become “gentle” by adapting to human needs rather than forcing users to be experts.
To help seniors understand the technology, Dan describes AI as a system that makes decisions through probability rather than the rigid, black-and-white logic of traditional computing. He explains that Large Language Models, such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude, are essentially prediction engines trained on vast amounts of information to provide helpful text and answers. While these tools are highly accessible, Dan emphasizes twelve non-negotiable rules for safety, specifically warning users never to share personal data like Social Security numbers, birthdates, or credit card information with an AI.
The discussion covers practical ways seniors can use AI as a personal assistant, from discovering new classical music composers based on their current favorites to troubleshooting household issues like fixing a curled rug or assembling furniture without a manual. Dan also demonstrates how AI can interpret messy photos to help users sell items online by writing professional Facebook ads for them. One of the most meaningful applications discussed is using AI to preserve life stories; Dan explains how the technology can act as an interviewer, providing structured questions to help seniors document their history for future generations without the burden of manual editing.
This started me thinking about AI in general and would like to hear your thoughts as well.
Let me start off with some of my thoughts and ask a couple of questions:
AI could genuinely help or seriously hurt everyday people, and seniors face unique challenges.
The potential upsides: AI could make healthcare more accessible and affordable - think better diagnostics, telehealth assistants, help navigating complex medical systems. It could reduce costs for services like tax prep or financial planning. For those on fixed incomes, these savings matter.
The real dangers: Job loss hits everyone, but older workers often struggle most to retrain or find new employment. If you’re 55 and your job gets automated, what then? AI companies and investors capture the wealth while workers - especially those near retirement - face insecurity. And seniors unfamiliar with the technology could be left behind or exploited by scams and misinformation.
What actually determines the outcome isn’t the technology - it’s our policy choices. Will we protect Social Security and Medicare as the economy transforms? Ensure AI systems don’t discriminate by age? Make healthcare accessible regardless of employment? Help people transition without destroying retirement plans?
What do you think? Will AI help or harm ordinary people and seniors? What needs to happen to protect those most vulnerable to these changes?
This is where our community really comes alive - where your experiences and insights add depth to the conversation and often teach us things we hadn’t considered. Whatever’s on your mind, jump into the chat and let’s get this discussion going.
Your voice matters here, and we’re genuinely curious to now what you think.
This space isn’t meant to be a monologue. It’s a dialogue — sharp, satirical, and sometimes uncomfortable. Do you agree with the stance? Disagree with the framing? See illusions I’ve missed? Add your voice. Comment, challenge, expand, dismantle. The sharper the exchange, the clearer the vision. Disillusionment isn’t passive; it’s participatory.
Join us on our podcast Specifically for Seniors, where satire meets substance and storytelling sparks civic engagement. Each episode dives into topics like authoritarianism, political spectacle, environmental justice, humor, history and even fly fishing and more—layered with metaphor, wit, and historical insight. We feature compelling guest interviews that challenge, inspire, and empower, especially for senior audiences and civic storytellers. Listen to the audio on all major podcast platforms, watch full video episodes on YouTube, or explore more at our website.
Let’s keep the conversation sharp, smart, and unapologetically bold.