AI and Older Workers - Implications and Strategies for Preparing Older Adults for AI in the Workplace

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Bintang

This brief explains how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping workplace conditions for older workers and what digital, AI, and information literacy skills are required for effective on-the-job performance. It outlines opportunities and challenges AI introduces for adults age 50 and older, emphasizing barriers such as age bias and limited digital capabilities. Drawing on a literature review plus interviews and focus groups with 20 participants across 19 organizations, it proposes strategies for education and training providers, employers, and policymakers.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages21

Reading Time53 min

AccessFree to download

Key Terms and Research Background

Defining artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI

Defining digital literacy, AI literacy, and information literacy

Research questions

Research limitations

Challenges and Opportunities

Workforce aging and older workers’ participation

AI and Older Workers Implications and Strategies for Preparing Older Adults for AI in the Workplace Amanda Briggs, Barbara Butrica, and Hailey D’Elia January 2026 This brief describes how artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the workplace for older workers; the digital, AI, and information literacy skills and training older workers will need to be successful on the job; and the opportunities and challenges AI creates for older adults. We offer strategies and considerations for education and training providers, employers, and policymakers to support the resilience of older workers and job seekers age 50 and older amid this changing landscape and highlight the unique assets of older workers and the opportunities new technology can offer them. In recent years, the progression and sophistication of AI has led education and training providers and employers to consider the evolution of workplace roles and what it means to be job-ready (Kimbrough and Carpanelli 2023; Shook and Daugherty 2025). Much of the public discourse and research has focused on task augmentation, or how specific aspects of jobs will change due to automation, and job displacement—involuntary job loss due to technological change (Ellingrud et al. 2023; Milanez 2023). Fears about task augmentation and automation span a wide range of industries and work experience levels, from entry-level customer service roles to analysts in the financial sector, to advanced machinists.1 This brief summarizes research on the implications of AI for adults age 50 and older, who contribute significantly to the workforce but face age bias and digital skills barriers that pose challenges to meaningful integration of this technology (Perron 2025a).2, 3 A shorter companion brief focuses on the strategies education and training providers, employers, and policymakers can take to address these challenges and prepare older adults for AI in the workplace (Briggs and D’Elia 2026) . While this research focuses on implications for older workers and training providers who are working with older adults, our findings are applicable to workers more broadly, as task augmentation and automation become a reality across sectors and work experience levels. More information is needed about how to prepare workers and job seekers so that they can benefit from this increasingly powerful technology—regardless of age, industry, or role. To inform our understanding of how AI is affecting the workforce generally, and older workers specifically, we conducted a literature review and held interviews and focus groups with 20 individuals across 19 organizations. Respondents included education and training providers, researchers, and business and industry experts.4 Box 1 provides more information on the scope of our research. BOX 1 Key Terms and Research Background ◼ Defining artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI: In this brief and in our interviews with experts, we define AI as any technology or machine that can perform complex tasks that are typically associated with human intelligence.5 Examples of artificial intelligence include, but are not limited to, generative AI chatbots like ChatGPT, language translation tools like Google Translate, and voice-activated personal assistants such as Amazon’s Alexa. We take a broader view than just generative AI—AI models that can generate new content—but note where an insight from an interview or the literature refers to generative AI specifically. ◼ Defining digital literacy, AI literacy, and information literacy: Digital literacy refers to the ability to use technologies to navigate, problem-solve, and communicate with digital tools.6 AI literacy refers to the ability to understand, interpret, and use AI systems and tools safely and ethically.7 Information literacy refers to the ability to locate, evaluate, and use information ethically.8 ◼ Our research focused on the following questions: 1. How is AI changing the workplace? 2. What

FAQs

How does AI change the workplace for older workers?

The brief describes AI as increasingly embedded in workplace roles and task performance, which affects what skills are needed to remain effective and job-ready.

What skills and training do older workers need to succeed with AI?

It highlights digital literacy, AI literacy, and information literacy, focusing on safe and ethical use of AI systems and tools.

What research approach does the brief use?

It combines a literature review with interviews and focus groups involving 20 individuals across 19 organizations, including education and training providers and business and industry experts.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Bintang