Maybe you’ve heard the grandchildren talk about ChatGPT, or noticed that every news story now mentions AI, and thought: I’d like to understand this, but where do I start?

You don’t need to pay anyone to learn. There are free, patient, beginner-friendly places to learn about AI (artificial intelligence) in every country our readers live in. Some are classes at a library or community center. Some are live online classes you join from your kitchen table. Some are simply a phone number you can call.

This guide lists the best free options in the US, UK, Canada and Australia, what each one is like and who it suits. You’ll also find a short guide for family helpers, three practice tasks to try today, and the warning signs of a “course” that’s really a sales pitch.

Where can senior citizens learn about AI?

Senior citizens can learn about AI for free through senior tech programs such as Senior Planet from AARP, public libraries, senior centers, nonprofits such as Age UK, Connected Canadians and Be Connected, and free online courses such as Elements of AI.

Most people learn best with a mix of three things:

  1. A class with a real teacher, in person or live online, where you can ask questions.
  2. A trusted helper, such as a family member, a volunteer or a tech helpline.
  3. Practice on your own, a few minutes at a time, with low-stakes tasks.

You don’t need a new computer. The smartphone or tablet you already use is enough for most beginner classes.

Where you live Good free places to start
US Senior Planet from AARP, your library, Cyber-Seniors
UK Age UK, Good Things Foundation’s AI Gateway, u3a
Canada Connected Canadians, Cyber-Seniors, your library
Australia Be Connected, Tech Savvy Seniors, U3A, your library
Anywhere Elements of AI (online, self-paced)

Plain talk: AI chatbot

An AI chatbot (also called an AI assistant) is an app or website you talk to in everyday words. You type or say a question and it answers in full sentences. ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot and Claude are well-known examples, and each has a free version.

Free AI classes for seniors in the US

Senior Planet from AARP

Senior Planet is a tech-training program for older adults run by OATS from AARP, a nonprofit. It teaches free live classes on Zoom every week, and it runs in-person classes at its own centers (New York City, Plattsburgh in New York, Denver and Miami) and at more than 400 licensed partner sites.

AI is now a regular topic. In September 2025, AARP, OATS and OpenAI (the company behind ChatGPT) announced an expanded in-person and online AI curriculum through Senior Planet, with lessons on privacy and on spotting scams.

  • Format: live online classes, in-person classes, and a free tech hotline at 888-713-3495
  • Cost: free, and you don’t need to be an AARP member
  • Best for: complete beginners who like a friendly teacher and small steps
  • Link: Senior Planet from AARP

AARP also lists free online events, including tech help sessions, on its AARP Events page. Recent sessions have included an “AI for Older Adults: Getting Started” class led by a Senior Planet trainer.

Your public library

The library is often the easiest place to start. Many libraries run free beginner tech classes and one-on-one help, and more are adding AI workshops. In New York City, for example, the Brooklyn, New York and Queens public libraries are expanding free AI learning for the public with support from a Google grant announced in 2026.

Ask at the front desk: “Do you have any beginner classes on AI or ChatGPT?” If they don’t, ask whether a librarian can book a one-on-one session.

Cyber-Seniors

Cyber-Seniors is a nonprofit that pairs adults 60 and older with trained young volunteers for free one-on-one tech help, and it runs free webinars. Recent webinars have covered AI topics such as comparing ChatGPT and Perplexity. It serves both the US and Canada. Call toll-free on 1-844-217-3057.

Senior centers and community colleges

Many senior centers and community colleges run free or low-cost tech classes, and some now include AI. Call and ask what’s on this season. These classes are a good way to learn alongside people your own age.

Free AI help in the UK

  • Age UK. Many local Age UKs run digital skills sessions, one-to-one or in groups, in person or remotely, often led by trained volunteers called Digital Champions. Age UK’s website also has a plain-English guide, Understanding AI. Call the free Advice Line on 0800 678 1602 (8am to 7pm, every day) to find help near you.
  • Good Things Foundation’s AI Gateway. A free set of short, interactive lessons for beginners, launched in September 2025, with no paywall. Sections cover an introduction to AI, generative AI, using AI and a knowledge check. Start at AI Gateway.
  • Digital Unite. Free, simple guides to AI and ChatGPT, including one on ChatGPT’s limitations.
  • AbilityNet. A tech helpline (0300 180 0028), free digital skills training in some cities for people 65 and older and disabled adults, and a recorded free webinar, Introduction to AI for older people.
  • u3a. Local u3a groups are learning for fun, with no exams, and many have tech or AI groups. Each u3a sets its own small membership fee. Find one at u3a.org.uk.
  • The government’s AI Skills Hub. Since January 2026, every adult in the UK can take free AI courses aimed at work skills, some taking under 20 minutes, through the AI Skills Hub. It suits people who still work or volunteer.

Your local library is worth a call too. Many UK libraries host free digital help sessions.

Free AI help in Canada

  • Connected Canadians. A national nonprofit offering free one-on-one tech training, workshops and online help articles for older adults. Call 1-877-304-5813 or visit Connected Canadians.
  • Cyber-Seniors. Based in Toronto, with free volunteer help and webinars (see above).
  • Public libraries. Toronto Public Library’s Learn AI program offers free classes such as “What is Artificial Intelligence?”, study groups in person and online, and hands-on sessions. Other library systems run similar programs, so ask at your branch.

Free AI help in Australia

  • Be Connected. A free Australian Government program from the eSafety Commissioner, with online courses and in-person help through community organizations. It has a plain-English What is AI? article, and it’s the best place to build basic phone and internet skills first.
  • Tech Savvy Seniors (NSW). Free or low-cost classes at libraries and community colleges, and some colleges now run an AI session for people over 60.
  • TAFE NSW. A free, short online Introduction to Artificial Intelligence course that anyone in Australia can take.
  • U3A and libraries. Several U3As and state and local libraries now run AI classes.

For the full list, with costs and eligibility, see our guide Is there a free AI course in Australia?

Free online AI courses anyone can take

These work in any country. They suit people who are comfortable reading on a screen and like to go at their own pace.

  • Elements of AI. Created by the University of Helsinki and MinnaLearn, Elements of AI explains what AI is with no math or programming. It’s free, self-paced, and the certificate for the Introduction to AI course is free too.
  • OpenAI Academy. A free learning site from the maker of ChatGPT, with videos and live events, including sessions Senior Planet has run for older adults. Keep in mind it naturally focuses on ChatGPT.
  • Coursera’s “AI for Everyone.” A well-known beginner course from DeepLearning.AI. Be aware that Coursera has replaced its old free “audit” option with a free preview: you can take the first module of most courses at no cost, but the full course and certificate are paid. Financial aid is available.
  • Google AI Essentials. A work-focused course on Coursera. It’s a paid subscription after a free trial, so it isn’t needed for a beginner.

Learning from family: a short guide for the helper

If you’re the son, daughter or grandchild doing the teaching, these steps make it easier for both of you.

  1. Start with their goal, not the tool. “Would you like help writing letters, planning trips or finding recipes?” A real reason makes it stick.
  2. Let them hold the device. Guide with words, not by taking over. It’s slower today and faster forever.
  3. Set up one assistant together. Download the official app, sign in and put it on the home screen. Our guide Is ChatGPT safe and free? helps you choose.
  4. Show one task, then let them repeat it twice. Then write the steps on paper in their words.
  5. Agree on the safety rules. No passwords, bank or card numbers, or ID numbers in any AI app. Check health, money and legal answers with a professional.
  6. Keep it short and follow up. Twenty minutes is plenty. You can help a parent with their iPhone remotely for quick questions later.

Not sure how to describe AI in the first place? See how to explain AI to an older person.

Learning by doing: your first 3 practice tasks

Classes help, but practice is where it clicks. Open any free AI assistant and try these three tasks. Type the words, or tap the microphone and say them.

Task 1: Ask about something you’re curious about. Pick a topic you already know a little about, so you can judge the answer.

Type or say this

“I’m a beginner. In plain words and short sentences, explain why leaves change color in the fall. Then ask me if I’d like to know more.”

Task 2: Get help with a piece of writing. AI is very good at first drafts. You stay the editor.

Type or say this

“Help me write a short, friendly thank-you note to my neighbor, who watered my plants while I was away. Keep it warm and under 80 words.”

Task 3: Ask it to be your teacher. This turns the assistant into a patient tutor.

Type or say this

“I’m 74 and new to AI. Teach me how to use you, one small step at a time. Give me one simple exercise, then wait for me to try it.”

When you’re ready for more, try our 25 practical ideas for what seniors can use AI for.

How to spot a bad AI course

Some “AI courses” are really sales funnels, and a few are scams. In July 2025, the Federal Trade Commission won a permanent ban against the operator of a scheme that falsely promised people they could earn money running online stores with “AI-powered” software.

Watch for these warning signs:

  • Promises of income. “Make money with AI from home” is a sales pitch, not a class.
  • A free webinar that turns into a hard sell for an expensive program or “mentorship”.
  • Pressure tactics, such as countdown timers or “only three places left”.
  • Requests for card or bank details to “hold your spot” in a free class.
  • Requests to install software or give someone remote access to your computer.
  • No real organization behind it: no address, no phone number, and reviews that look copied.

Safety tip

A free class at a library, Senior Planet, Age UK or Be Connected won’t ask for your card details. If a “free” course does, stop and check with someone you trust. If you’ve already paid, call your bank and see where to report a scam.

Where to go from here

Pick one option from this guide and book it this week: a library class, a Senior Planet session or a call to a helpline. Then try the three practice tasks above. Small, regular steps beat one big lesson.

If you’d like a calm, large-print guide to keep beside you, our book AI for Seniors, Plainly Explained is coming soon. It walks through setting up an AI assistant safely and asking good questions. Meanwhile, the Scam-Stopper Kit (free when you join our email letter) includes 25 easy prompts to print, and our FAQ answers common questions.