Urgent: Age-Friendly AI Launches Postcard Campaign for Seniors’ Voices

UPDATE: Age-Friendly AI has just launched an urgent postcard campaign aimed at gathering the thoughts of older adults on artificial intelligence. This initiative, spearheaded by TU Dublin and the Research Ireland Adapt Centre, coincides with International Literacy Day on September 8, 2025, and is set to empower seniors across Ireland to voice their opinions on the evolving digital landscape.

The campaign will see specially designed display boxes and freepost postcards placed in public libraries nationwide, inviting library visitors to share their hopes, concerns, and ideas for creating more age-friendly AI. Additionally, contributions can be submitted online through the ‘share your thoughts’ platform on the Age-Friendly AI website.

Why this matters NOW: As technology rapidly evolves, the voices of older adults are often overlooked. This campaign not only encourages participation but also aims to compile these insights into a publicly accessible database. This initiative is crucial as it will inform the development of ethical and inclusive AI solutions in Ireland, ensuring that the concerns of older generations are addressed in technological advancements.

Dr. Emma Clarke, from the Adapt Centre and the Age-Friendly AI initiative, stated,

“Understanding and participating in the digital world should be accessible to everyone.”

She emphasized that the campaign’s timing on International Literacy Day highlights the necessity for digital literacy as a vital skill in today’s society. Libraries, regarded as trusted community hubs, are pivotal in facilitating these conversations.

The campaign shifts the focus from merely providing training to actively listening to older adults’ experiences, making their insights central to future technology designs. Dara McIntyre, the Skills for Life Coordinator at the Local Government Management Agency, affirmed the importance of libraries in fostering skills and knowledge.

“Supporting the Age-Friendly AI campaign gives older adults the chance to share their views on technology in a trusted and welcoming space,”

he added, emphasizing the empowerment of seniors through digital literacy.

The postcards will pose three critical questions, allowing participants to express their thoughts anonymously. All contributions will be handled in full compliance with GDPR regulations, ensuring privacy and security.

This freepost campaign will run in libraries across Ireland until the end of 2025. It is part of the Adapt Centre’s #DiscussAI program, which has already engaged over 80,000 people in discussions about artificial intelligence.

What’s next? As the campaign unfolds, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the responses collected, aiming to integrate valuable insights into the design and implementation of future AI technologies. The urgency of this initiative is clear—ensuring that older adults are not only heard but play an active role in shaping the future of technology.

Join the conversation and ensure your voice is part of this vital initiative!