Friendly getting-started guide
Designed for Baby Boomers (and anyone else) who want to explore frontier AI without the jargon. Start with one question, head straight to the official apps, and learn how to stay smart online.
Practical focus
How AI fits into everyday life — from planning travel to organizing family stories — plus how to keep scammers at bay. Bring one question to the app; you'll leave with a draft you can use.
Jot down one task you wish were easier — a letter, a recipe, a budget, or a family update. Use the small steps below, then refine the result together with a friend.
Try saying:
"I'm planning a neighborhood meet-up for adults 60+. Suggest a friendly agenda, one icebreaker, and a follow-up email."
Baby Boomer AI quick-start
Treat this as a steady footing: plain definitions, real uses, and conversation starters the whole family can rally around.
It's pattern-spotting software, not a secret robot. Think of teaching a grandchild to sort laundry — AI just does it with words, photos, and data.
Stick to the official apps from the major labs to avoid confusion.
Use AI to remove friction from thinking, not to replace judgement.
Guardrails, not alarms — remind listeners they already know this drill.
Start with meaning instead of mechanics so the habit sticks.
Curiosity bridges generations far better than expertise.
Key frontier models
Skip resellers and log in directly with the trusted providers below. Each link opens in a new tab.
Friendly with conversation, great for planning, letters, and summarizing long notes.
Calm writing partner. Excellent with long documents and thoughtful tone.
Playful assistant with real-time knowledge pulled from X. Great for breaking news or cultural trends.
Tied into Google services. Handy if you already live in Gmail, Docs, or Calendar.
Open-source family that powers many trustworthy apps. Transparent and improving quickly.
Works inside Edge and Windows. Ideal for quick answers, slide decks, and spreadsheets.
Start in ten minutes
Open the model of your choice and describe your task in two sentences. The more personal, the better.
Request "Give me two options" so you can compare styles. It's easier to edit than start from scratch.
Tell the model which parts sound right. It will refine the rest and learn your tone over time.
Copy the response into email, Word, or Notes. Keep a "Wins" folder so you can reuse favorite prompts later.
Stay safe & steady
Never share Social Security, full birth dates, or banking info. AI tools don't need them to help you write.
Official apps never ask you to pay via gift card or wire transfer. When in doubt, close the tab and type the URL yourself.
Treat results like a draft. Double-check with doctors, financial planners, or official documents before acting.
If a reply feels off, sign out and back in. Fresh sessions forget the odd answer and calm the tone.
Ways AI can help this week
Draft legacy letters, caption photo albums, or summarize voice memos for grandkids.
Build packing lists, compare RV routes, or shape a healthier grocery plan with one prompt.
Ask for plain-English explainers on new policies, medical terms, or local tech events.
Draft newsletters, write board updates, or create scripts for short volunteer videos.