Older people across Ireland invited to have their say on the future of AI

08 September 2026

Renewed national call seeks views from older adults in every county to inform research and policy

Age-Friendly AI, a national AI literacy initiative led by TU Dublin and the Research Ireland ADAPT Centre for AI-Driven Digital Content Technology, today renewed its call for older adults nationwide to share their thoughts, concerns and ideas on Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The call coincides with the upcoming 60th anniversary of UNESCO’s International Literacy Day on 8 September 2026. The Age-Friendly AI “AI Opinions” campaign is a core element of Age-Friendly AI’s commitment to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to develop critical AI literacy skills, empowering them to understand, discuss and shape how AI affects their daily lives.

As Ireland considers how AI should be developed, regulated and used, it is important that research and policy are informed by the experiences and perspectives of people of all ages. Older adults across Ireland are invited to share their opinions online through a short, anonymous form on the Age-Friendly AI website: https://agefriendlyai.ie/share-your-thoughts/.

The project team is keen to gather more submissions from regional areas and counties across the country to build a truly nationwide database of public views.

“The Age-Friendly AI team, supported by leading age-advocacy organisations, is renewing its call for older people across every county in Ireland to have their say,” said Laura Grehan, Head of Education, Engagement and Societal Impact at ADAPT, Dublin City University. “Whether they are enthusiastic about AI, concerned about it, curious about it, or don’t use it at all, we want to hear from them. Their views can provide important evidence for research and help inform the policies and practices that will shape how AI is developed and used.”

The campaign asks three straightforward questions:

  • What are your hopes for AI?
  • What are your biggest concerns about AI?
  • What ideas do you have for making AI more age-friendly?

Age-Friendly AI forms part of the ADAPT Centre’s ‘#DiscussAI’ national conversation on AI programme (established in 2021), which has engaged over 85,000 people across Ireland in shared learning and reflection on technology’s role in society.

All contributions are anonymous and will be treated confidentially. The views shared will help researchers, developers and policymakers understand what older people want and need from AI, and support the development of technology that is fair, inclusive and works for everyone.