Dollars That Make Sense (DTMS) – 3RD Edition

An October 2023 article, citing a Foresight 50+ survey by AARP and NORC at the University of Chicago, revealed that adults over age 50 were uncomfortable with using artificial intelligence in a number of tasks (NORC, 2023). These findings only confirm what we’ve always known to be the case with the new and “unfamiliar” of anything, it breeds fear. Our community senior citizens are amongst our most marginalized and forgotten groups when it comes to educating the population on the rapid and forever evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence. Helping corporate executives, and community members alike navigate the terrain, is AI advisory and education expert, Teresa Louis.

Tremont & Grand has had the pleasure of employing Teresa’s expertise on a variety of initiatives, and given her background in artificial intelligence, and commitment to making the most complex of ideas more palatable for learners of all ages, we’ve come to affectionately know her as “Aunt Iris” (Ai). Aunt Iris, represents an AI persona Teresa created in her recent op-ed piece, explaining AI habits when it comes to writing and large language model (LLM) applications. Continuing to educate those in spaces beyond executive board rooms, Teresa recently visited the VASHON-MAURY SENIOR CENTER in Washington, to provide some well-received AI education.

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The seniors turned out to be one of the most engaged groups she’s ever taught about AI. Their primary concerns mirrored those of other demographics, such as job loss and social influence. Additionally, Teresa discussed data and algorithmic AI biases and errors with the group. The session took a lighter turn as she played a series of interesting videos that illustrated the positive potential of AI:

1. How AI Could Change the Future of Medicine by Time – This video led to a discussion about AI’s extensive and potentially transformative impact on healthcare.

2. da Vinci Robot Stitches a Grape Back Together – A video about precision robotic technology that grabbed their attention.

3. Google's Project Astra – A clear favorite! This video demonstrated how AI can solve everyday problems. Google’s Astra earned a standing ovation and enthusiastic cheers of "yay!" from the Vashon Center’s seniors upon successfully locating a user’s glasses.

It’s no secret, educating your audience is the key to quelling the anxiety that often comes with new technology. Dollars That Make Sense is not just about efficient tech spend and adoption, but also about giving back, in a way that continues to carve out deeper paths of understanding and connection within our communities.

Teresa Louis is just one of our many partners championing and traversing the bold steps of social responsibility. In what other areas do you think we need more education as we peer further into the future of artificial intelligence? Aunt Iris would love to know!

-Stan | Founder, Tremont & Grand

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