Brian Rezendes envisions his retirement years overflowing with AI technology, algorithms, and APIs, balanced with some well-deserved vacations with his wife. After retiring in April from a retail position in rural North Dakota, the 64-year-old former pool business owner imagined his newfound freedom would grant him relaxation, travel, and activity. What he didn’t foresee was diving deeply into discussions with chatbots, designing websites, and creating YouTube channels. Although he had always had a keen interest in technology, it wasn't until a few years ago that he began to explore its intricacies, becoming particularly engrossed in AI. These days, he devotes most of his time to app development—until real life beckons.
“My wife does get a bit envious when I spend too much time on the computer,” he admits.
The landscape of retirement is rapidly transforming into a digital domain. In recent discussions, 15 retirees indicated that both they and their peers find themselves glued to screens—perhaps excessively so. Time that could have been spent organizing their homes often goes to learning the latest AI tools, with some tech-savvy baby boomers remarking that they aim to “stay current.” For those who have relocated abroad, technology reigns supreme in their beachfront expat locations. Traditional retirement pursuits, such as watercolor painting, have been replaced by AI education, and launching AI-driven businesses takes precedence over leisurely golf outings. For some seniors, ChatGPT has even become a substitute for traditional nursing assistance.
Dee Humphrey, a 73-year-old resident of Schenectady, New York, is one such individual. She has incorporated a companion robot named ElliQ into her life for three years and is currently experiencing withdrawals as she awaits the arrival of a newer version.
While the digital turn in retirement raises concerns about screen addiction, many beneficiaries of this shift see it as a positive development. In Austin, for instance, Edward Perry, 72, used AI to navigate life after a terminal cancer diagnosis, leveraging it to enhance his quality of life and deepen family connections.
“Despite my increasing aches and pains, these technologies allow me to do more,” Rezendes reflects.
On the flip side, many retirees are cognizant of the dangers associated with excessive tech reliance. While they embrace the conveniences of AI, there’s a growing awareness that such dependencies can diminish autonomy and lead to misinformation. Several commented that while their later years should be a time of relaxation, they struggle to detach from their devices.
As Gen Z became the first generation raised with the internet, baby boomers are now navigating the unique experience of retiring in a predominantly digital age.
An Unexpected Reality
Overall, screen time for retirees is on the rise. Surveys indicate that adults aged 65 and older have nearly doubled their YouTube viewership on television from 2023 to 2025, now averaging over four hours of daily screen time. According to Brittne Kakulla, a senior research advisor for AARP Research, smartphone ownership among those 50 and older surged from 55% in 2016 to 90% in 2025, with interest in AI usage nearly doubling from 18% to 30% in just one year. Many older individuals also expressed curiosity about experimenting with AI tools.
Most older tech enthusiasts I interviewed were astonished by how technology has become woven into their retirement lives. Jan Friedlander, 81, once used online databases in her real estate career, but her fascination with technology only ignited after retirement. While dealing with health challenges, she found AI invaluable for researching treatment options, purchasing clothing, and planning trips, eventually growing confident enough to teach her peers about AI.
“I’ve always been curious about new innovations,” Friedlander shares.
She collaborates with her friend Pat Smith, 73, to host AI classes in Denver tailored for those aged 50 and older. With a background in consulting and pharmaceuticals, Smith has witnessed a strong interest in their courses. Sharing personal experiences, she mentions a time when she submitted her lab results to ChatGPT after experiencing an antibiotic reaction, which led her to alert her doctor. While she appreciates the advantages of tech, she acknowledges the diminishing availability of human customer service and the impersonal nature of online care. To balance this, she actively monitors her tech use, maintains a consistent exercise routine, and engages in creating mosaics.
“I see friends losing mobility and moving into assisted living, and I’m aware that could be my future,” Smith notes. “I hope to enjoy some more time doing what I love in these years.”
Technology in the Workplace
As tech draws many retirees toward new fascinations, others are finding themselves working later in life, which often necessitates the acquisition of new tech skills. In my exploration of the 80 Over 80 series, I spoke with numerous people in their 80s, many of whom were unable to retire and were now in roles that required AI proficiency. For example, at 72, Marcia Sweet runs a technology support business from her fully automated home in Bradenton, Florida. Her decision to keep working is financially driven, facilitating her long-term care needs, and she hopes AI will optimize her business operations.
“I feel like a child playing with a new toy when it comes to technology—there’s an addictive thrill,” Sweet admits.
Other older professionals have used technology to transition into new paths. Laura Noren, 61, once a registered nurse, turned to IT training at a Michigan college after becoming weary of her previous career. The steep learning curve was compounded by working alongside technology-savvy teenagers. She later complemented her training with online courses on coding and data management.
“I always envisioned retiring by 60 or 62, enjoying life without work, possibly moving into a condo, and traveling frequently,” Noren laments. However, unexpected circumstances forced her to reassess her plans.
Although the skills she acquired do not directly align with her job as an Amazon Flex driver—providing her flexibility to assist her memory-impaired 84-year-old mother—they have proven beneficial for teaching her mother to navigate phone contacts and avoid scams. Noren still harbors hopes for a more traditional retirement while anticipating that technology will play a pivotal role in her future.
Many individuals returning to education later in life are adopting tech solutions for comfort and security. Mark Bayer, 63, thought he’d never have to endure another Zoom meeting after retiring from his career in community banking at 60. Yet he found himself teaching English online and re-enrolling in college for exposure to fresh ideas from younger peers. Initially baffled by his classmates’ reliance on ChatGPT for brainstorming, he eventually recognized it as an improvement over his own creative processes.
Acknowledging the technology-dependent landscape, Bayer admits, “Ignoring AI essentially signals that I’m done seeking knowledge, which is limiting.”
He also notes the challenges of detaching from technology. If he receives a call while mowing, he tends to answer, just like his wife, who often scrolls through social media without realizing the time passing.
Embracing Automation
Emerging high-tech solutions are increasingly aiding older Americans in maintaining health and safety in their homes and assisted living facilities. According to Chia-Lin Simmons, CEO of LogicMark, a company that specializes in medical alert systems, caregiving technology is evolving into a necessity—capable of anticipating falls and early detecting Alzheimer’s. AI is being developed to observe behavioral patterns and health metrics, although it often struggles with effectively triaging calls, leading to isolation for seniors who might benefit the most from companionship.
For some boomers, this futuristic landscape is exhilarating. Michelle Murphy, 64, is pursuing an MBA focused on AI, viewing her 60s as an opportunity to shift careers—as retirement doesn’t appeal to her. While she remains cautious about relying heavily on technology due to privacy issues, she welcomes innovations like robotic healthcare aids, looking forward to an easier life.
“I fully support any automation that can ease my daily tasks—whether it’s mowing the lawn or handling heavy items,” Murphy states.
The demand for better robotic care solutions is poised for growth. Investment in age-related technology has surged, especially in devices that enhance caregiving, such as smart home innovations, companion robots, and motion detectors. AARP forecasts that this market could reach a value of $120 billion by 2030, with the intention of lightening the load for younger caregivers.
“The dynamics of family caregiving, particularly in elder care, remain poorly understood, despite familiarity with childcare,” notes Diane Ty, managing director at the Milken Institute Future of Aging. “This drives many caregivers into the ground.”
There is hope among various stakeholders that AI and age-related technology can mitigate cognitive decline. However, research indicates that AI assistants might inadvertently lead to reduced cognitive engagement, posing a paradox for users seeking to optimize their mental acuity.
America's aging population is increasingly turning to technology in unexpected ways. For instance, Frank Engelman, 82, is developing apps, running a YouTube channel, and writing a Substack focused on tech education. Luis Bautista, also 82, employs AI to craft a book and launch a business he aspires to pitch to Y Combinator. Similarly, Phyllis Scalettar, 80, established a consultancy based on her AI expertise, and Karen Shapiro, 80, utilizes AI for various tasks, from travel planning to financial management, believing that technology can enhance the quality of life as she ages.
Loneliness among older Americans remains a growing concern, with AARP reporting that 40% felt lonely last year, up from 35% in 2018. While technology might bear some responsibility for this increase, many seniors also find that digital tools enable them to maximize their golden years and enhance their well-being.
Marvin Honig, 88, exemplifies this trend by engaging in AI courses, managing financial accounts for former clients through advanced tech, and actively participating in community events, often facilitated by his Tesla's autonomous driving feature. His journey reflects the growing prevalence of technology among retirees, where digital literacy enhances both personal fulfillment and social engagement.
