If you’re curious about ChatGPT but a little wary, you’re in sensible company. Around half of adults over 50 say they think AI is unsafe, according to AARP, and Pew Research found that only a small share of people over 65 feel very confident using chatbots. Yet more older adults try AI every year, for writing help, recipes, travel plans and making sense of confusing letters.

Here are honest answers to the questions people ask most.

Plain talk: AI assistant (chatbot)

An AI assistant is a program you can “chat” with by typing or talking. You ask in everyday words, and it writes an answer. ChatGPT (by OpenAI), Gemini (by Google), Copilot (by Microsoft), Claude (by Anthropic) and Meta AI are the best-known ones.

Is ChatGPT free?

Yes. There’s a free version you can use on a phone, tablet or computer. You’ll need to create an account with an email address, or sign in with an Apple or Google account.

  • Free version: enough for everyday questions, writing help and conversation, with some daily limits.
  • Paid plans: give you more use and extra features. The popular Plus plan is about $20 a month in the US. Prices change and differ by country.
  • Ads: OpenAI now shows ads in its free and lowest-cost versions in many countries. Ads are labeled. Treat them like any advert: never enter payment details because an ad or a chat tells you to.

Start with the free version. You can always decide later.

Is ChatGPT safe?

It’s reasonably safe if you follow three rules.

Rule 1: Install the real app

Fake copycat apps exist, and some charge hidden fees. In the App Store or Google Play, check that the developer is OpenAI before you tap Get or Install. For Gemini, the developer is Google LLC; for Copilot, Microsoft Corporation; for Claude, Anthropic.

Rule 2: Never type anything private

Treat the chat like a conversation with a helpful stranger. Never type or say:

  • passwords, PINs or the one-time codes sent to your phone
  • bank, credit card or account numbers
  • Social Security, Medicare, National Insurance or tax file numbers
  • your full date of birth together with your address

If you want help with a letter or bill, cover or leave out the personal details first.

Try this

Want ChatGPT to stop using your chats to train future AI? In the app, tap your name or picture, open Settings, then Data controls, and turn off Improve the model for everyone. You can also start a Temporary chat, which isn’t saved to your history.

Rule 3: Double-check anything important

AI assistants can be confidently wrong. They sometimes make up facts that sound convincing. Use them to help you prepare and understand, then check anything important:

  • Health: use AI to write down questions for your doctor, then ask your doctor or pharmacist.
  • Money and legal matters: use AI to explain the wording, then check with your bank, accountant or lawyer.
  • Facts and dates: confirm on an official website.

Safety tip

Scammers use AI too, and they love the word “AI”. Be wary of “AI trading bots” that promise big investment returns, fake celebrity videos promoting products, and anyone who contacts you out of the blue about your “AI account”.

What can AI actually help with?

Good first things to try:

  • “Help me write a short, warm thank-you note to my neighbor for watering my plants.”
  • “Explain this medical word in simple terms: hypertension.”
  • “I have chicken, rice, carrots and an onion. Give me an easy dinner recipe for two, in large simple steps.”
  • “I’m visiting my daughter in Denver in March for 5 days. Give me a simple packing list.”

Type or say this

“I’m new to using AI. Please explain things simply, one step at a time, and ask me questions if you need more information.”

Which AI assistant should I choose?

For everyday use, the big free assistants are more alike than different. Our advice: pick one and learn it well. If your family already uses one, choose that, so they can help you.

Our book AI for Seniors, Plainly Explained walks you through choosing and setting up an assistant, your first conversation, and the easy TALK method for getting great answers.