OpenAI launches Older Adults AI Skills Jam to teach ChatGPT use

TL;DR

OpenAI announced the Older Adults AI Skills Jam, a free in‑person learning series that equips seniors with practical ChatGPT skills and online‑safety knowledge, marking a concrete step toward inclusive AI adoption.

Program Overview

OpenAI Academy, together with Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP, is launching the Older Adults AI Skills Jam. The initiative provides free, in‑person workshops across ten U.S. communities, teaching older adults how to use ChatGPT confidently and safely. The Jam is part of a multi‑year partnership aimed at building practical AI skills for seniors through OpenAI’s flagship Senior Planet program.

Growth of Senior ChatGPT Use

OpenAI’s internal data indicates a rising adoption of ChatGPT among adults aged 55+. In the United States, the proportion of messages from this age group increased from 6 % to nearly 10 % within a year, reflecting growing reliance on AI for everyday tasks such as trip planning, bill comprehension, hobby exploration, and staying connected with family.

Safety‑Focused Curriculum

A core component of the workshop is online‑safety education. Participants learn to identify common scam indicators—urgent language, secrecy, suspicious links—and apply a simple three‑step rule: pause, think, and ask. The curriculum emphasizes using ChatGPT as an additional layer of scrutiny, mirroring the tens of millions of weekly queries where users seek AI assistance in evaluating potentially fraudulent messages, emails, and websites. This training aligns with OpenAI’s broader anti‑fraud initiatives.

Community Partnerships

The AI Skills Jam will be hosted in partnership with local organizations that support older adults. The ten locations are:

  • Senior Planet, Denver, CO
  • Senior Planet, Miami, FL
  • Senior Planet, San Antonio, TX
  • Senior Planet, Montgomery County, MD
  • Senior Planet, Queens, NY
  • The Mirowitz Center, St. Louis, MO
  • Senior Community Services, Twin Cities, MN
  • Nashville Public Library & FiftyForward, Nashville, TN
  • Fresno EOC, Fresno, CA
  • LEARN Idaho, Boise, ID

These collaborations ensure the program reaches diverse senior communities and leverages existing support networks.

Continuity with OpenAI Academy Initiatives

The Older Adults AI Skills Jam extends OpenAI Academy’s broader mission to democratize AI literacy. It builds on prior events targeting nonprofits, small businesses, and K‑12 educators, demonstrating a consistent strategy of practical, audience‑specific AI education.

Outlook and Impact

OpenAI expressed gratitude to OATS, local partners, and participants, noting that feedback from these workshops will inform future learning resources for seniors. By equipping older adults with reliable AI tools and safety practices, the program aims to broaden the societal benefits of generative AI and ensure that the technology serves users of all ages.

This post summarizes OpenAI’s official announcement dated September 16 2026.

Sources