Millions of older Britons could be missing out on the everyday benefits of artificial intelligence because fears of online scams are stopping them from embracing the technology, experts have warned.
New research suggests that while awareness of AI tools such as ChatGPT is widespread among over-65s, confidence has failed to keep pace. With scam attempts becoming increasingly sophisticated, many older adults are choosing to avoid AI altogether, even though those already using it say it has made everyday tasks easier and more convenient.
The findings come as research commissioned by Currys revealed that more than two-thirds of people aged over 65 do not feel confident using AI, while 94% admit they are worried about being targeted by scammers.
Scam Fears Are Costing Older Adults
Those concerns are far from unfounded. Around one in ten older adults say they have lost money to a scam within the past five years, with victims losing an average of £1,595 each. More than half also report receiving suspected scam emails, text messages or phone calls at least once a week, highlighting the growing threat facing older consumers.
Experts say this fear is creating an unintended digital divide, leaving millions reluctant to use technology that could otherwise help simplify everyday life.
Many older people are already aware of AI but remain unsure where to begin. However, the research suggests confidence could improve significantly with the right guidance. More than half of respondents said they would feel comfortable using AI if it were explained clearly and without technical jargon.
How AI Is Already Helping Older People
Among those already using AI, 61% said it has made day-to-day life easier. Popular uses include planning holidays, finding recipe inspiration, solving technology problems, drafting emails, learning new skills, budgeting and helping organise daily tasks.
Experts believe these practical applications demonstrate that AI can become a useful everyday tool rather than something to fear, particularly as more public and financial services move online.
Celebrity chef Dame Prue Leith is supporting a new campaign encouraging older adults to build confidence using AI safely through free training sessions. Reflecting on her own experience, she admitted she was initially hesitant to embrace the technology.
'AI arrived without a manual, so I avoided it. I was worried I'd get confused or scammed. But once somebody explained it properly, it suddenly felt far less frightening and incredibly useful,' she said.
Dame Prue revealed she has even used AI to review recipes for her latest book, asking Claude whether her instructions would make sense to inexperienced bakers.
'I'm glad to say it mostly agreed. I think many older people are curious about AI but need somebody to show them where to start without making them feel foolish.'
Free AI Training Aims To Build Confidence
The initiative, launched by Currys in partnership with charity Independent Age, aims to help older people understand both the opportunities and the risks associated with AI through free in-store confidence sessions. The first pilot programme will take place at The Carers Centre Tower Hamlets, supported through Independent Age funding.
Catrin Hale, Social Impact and Digital Inclusion Lead at Currys, believes confidence—not capability—is the biggest obstacle.
'There's a myth that older people don't want to engage with AI. The reality is many are scared of making mistakes or being targeted by scammers.
'The danger is that millions get left behind because they can't use AI, not because nobody has given them the confidence to try. We can't wait to welcome older people in-store to inspire the use of AI.'
Experts Say Education Is the Best Defence
Independent Age also believes education is the key to helping older adults benefit from emerging technology safely. Joanna Elson CBE, Chief Executive of Independent Age, said: 'Many older people living on a low income are looking for practical ways to manage rising costs and make their money go further.
'While there's growing interest in how AI can help with everyday tasks such as planning meals, budgeting or identifying eligibility for financial entitlements, there are also understandable concerns about risks such as inaccurate information and scams.'
She added that providing practical advice could help more people benefit from AI while maintaining their independence.
Experts also encourage older users to stay safe by using trusted AI platforms, avoiding sharing sensitive personal or financial information with chatbots, independently verifying important advice and remaining cautious of messages claiming to come from banks or official organisations.
Rather than avoiding AI altogether, specialists say learning how to use it safely is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of scams while ensuring older generations are not left behind as artificial intelligence becomes an increasingly important part of everyday life.
