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.

For those interested in a hands-on guide, Dan’s book is designed with a large-print format that lies flat to facilitate learning through practical exercises. You can find the book on https://www.amazon.com/How-Seniors-Learn-AI-Everyday/dp/B0G2J3YN9G/ref=sr_1_1?crid=37B9DU4XT7U03&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.0NxX6LeEvMExV5NJ3JigUw.bjBddZy-_OghvFNKiAcMlhRS0_1r0KIcAGCQXUNbQuA&dib_tag=se&keywords=how+seniors+learn+ai+dan+wilson&qid=1766246862&sprefix=%2Caps%2C164&sr=8-1 : How Seniors Learn AI: Meet Your Everyday Helper for Answers, Tasks, Health and Home Fixes

Website: https://www.howseniorslearnai.com

In this episode of Specifically for Seniors, Dr. Larry Barsh welcomes David Cravit and Larry Wolf, co-authors of Super Aging: Getting Older without Getting Old and the Super Aging Workbook. Together they explore how aging can be reframed as a stage of opportunity rather than decline. Drawing on decades of experience in advertising, branding, and consumer trends, they describe how the concept of “super aging” challenges stereotypes and offers a positive, purposeful approach to later life. Cravit explains that his earlier work focused on how baby boomers resisted aging the way their parents did, while Wolf emphasizes the importance of branding aging as something vibrant and fulfilling. They contrast “default aging,” which assumes passivity and decline, with “super aging,” which embraces growth, activity, and accomplishment well into one’s eighties, nineties, and beyond.

Central to their philosophy are the Seven A’s of Super Aging: attitude, awareness, activity, accomplishment, attachment, autonomy, and avoidance. Attitude is the foundation, since optimism and resilience have been shown to reduce stress and inflammation, leading to longer, healthier lives. Awareness means staying informed about new developments in health, longevity, and technology. Activity involves both physical and mental exercise, from simple daily movement to challenging the brain with new skills. Accomplishment stresses the importance of purpose and “unretirement,” encouraging older adults to pursue new careers, volunteer work, or creative projects. Attachment highlights the value of relationships and community, while autonomy focuses on maintaining independence through health, technology, and financial planning. Avoidance reminds seniors to guard against scams and resist ageism, which remains pervasive in healthcare, consumer culture, and everyday interactions.

Throughout the conversation, Cravit and Wolf illustrate how small lifestyle changes, such as “exercise snacks” or food swaps, can make a big difference. They share stories of individuals who set long-term goals well into their later years, including a woman who enrolled in college at ninety-seven and graduated at one hundred and one. They emphasize that super aging is not about denying the realities of health challenges, but about actively managing wellness, protecting brain health, and continuing to engage with life.

The workbook they created provides quizzes, checklists, and exercises that help readers define goals, assess attitudes, and put these ideas into practice.The episode also addresses ageism in subtle forms, such as patronizing language or stereotypical holiday gift lists, and calls for seniors to claim dignity and individuality rather than being treated as passive or helpless. Technology is discussed as both a challenge and an opportunity, with podcasts, YouTube, and digital platforms offering new ways for older adults to connect and learn.

Ultimately, Cravit and Wolf argue that aging should be branded not as decline but as super living, a time to thrive, grow, and contribute. Their message is clear: with the right attitude and awareness, seniors can embrace autonomy, purpose, and joy, proving that getting older does not mean getting old.

Resources

Super Aging: Getting Older without Getting Old (https://www.amazon.com/SuperAging-Workbook-David-Cravit/dp/1964721210/)Super Aging Workbook (interactive guide with quizzes and exercises)

SuperAgingNews.com – curated articles on longevity, health, and aging trends (https://www.superagingnews.com)

Welcome to Specifically for Seniors! Today we’re delighted to introduce Tony McMullen, affectionately known as “Tony the Democrat.” His story is one of those rare grassroots adventures that begins small and blossoms into something extraordinary. \

Back in March of 2017, Tony invited just five friends over to handwrite postcards reminding voters about an upcoming election. Five friends, five postcards each—that was it. Yet within a month, that modest gathering had sparked a nationwide movement of 1,200 volunteers who together wrote more than 51,000 postcards.

Fast forward to today, and Postcards to Voters has grown into a vibrant community of over 162,000 volunteers across all 50 states, who have collectively sent more than 22 million handwritten postcards to support critical elections.

What makes this effort so special is its personal touch. These aren’t form letters or computer printouts. Every single postcard is handwritten, often decorated, and mailed by volunteers who want to make a real difference. And it works. Candidates have won races by margins as slim as 95 votes thanks to postcard outreach.

Beyond the victories, Tony emphasizes that the friendships, connections, and sense of purpose that volunteers discover along the way have been the most beautiful unintended gift of all.

The impact has been remarkable across hundreds of races. Karen Gaddis in Oklahoma won by just 95 votes. Phil Miller in Iowa saw his campaign office windows covered with postcards from volunteers nationwide. Kevin Cavanaugh in New Hampshire won by fewer than a thousand votes. In recent cycles, Postcards to Voters has supported successful recent statewide campaigns in Georgia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, with nearly all supported candidates prevailing. Even in tough red districts where victories were elusive, the postcards built foundations for future campaigns and inspired local activists.

Getting involved is simple and flexible. Prospective volunteers email Join@tonythedemocrat.org, submit a photo of a sample postcard to show legibility, and once approved can request addresses anytime through Abby the Address Bot. The genius of the program is its three-day commitment system: volunteers only take as many addresses as they can complete within three days, whether that’s five postcards or fifty. There are no quotas, no pressure, and volunteers can request more addresses immediately after finishing or take breaks between campaigns. Postcards are designed to look like personal mail—neutral or friendly in style, without campaign logos—so recipients are more likely to read them rather than dismiss them as political junk.

Tony reminds us that every campaign is a success because the true goal is strengthening the habit of voting among Democrats, not just winning individual races. The organization is entirely volunteer-run, with no salaries or office space, relying on modest donations to cover technology costs. With around 300 campaigns requesting help each November alone, there is always need for more hands. Even writing just five postcards a month makes a meaningful contribution to this grassroots movement that has become one of the most effective tools for voter outreach nationwide.

Learn more and sign up at Postcardstovoters.org to join this inspiring community of volunteers making democracy work one handwritten postcard at a time.