A Gentle 5-Step Plan to Start Using AI (At Your Own Pace)

If you’re wondering, “Where do I even begin?”, here’s a simple, step-by-step path to get going.

Step 1: Choose one device you’re familiar with

• Smartphone
• Tablet
• Laptop or desktop computer

You don’t need a brand-new device. Use what you already have and feel most confident using.

Step 2: Start with one tool

Examples:

• The voice assistant on your phone (Siri on iPhone, Google Assistant on Android)
• An AI chatbot like ChatGPT, Claude, Google Gemini or Microsoft Copilot.

Focus on one tool for a few weeks. Explore gently—no pressure to be an expert.

Step 3: Pick one small problem AI could help with

Ask yourself:

“What’s one thing that regularly frustrates me or drains my energy?”

Some ideas:

• Forgetting appointments → use AI reminders
• Struggling with wording → use AI to draft messages
• Feeling overwhelmed by long letters → use AI to simplify them

Start with something that matters to you, not what others think you “should” learn.

Step 4: Practice asking questions in everyday language

You don’t need fancy phrases. Try:

• “Explain…”
• “Help me write…”
• “Give me three ideas for…”
• “What are some ways to… for someone my age?”

If the answer isn’t quite right, say:

• “Make that simpler.”
• “Try again but shorter.”
• “Those exercises are too hard, give me easier ones.”

You are allowed to correct and guide the AI. That’s part of learning.

Step 5: Reflect on how it feels

After a week or two, ask yourself:

• “What became easier?”
• “Did I feel more confident about anything?”
• “What would I like to try next?”

Notice small wins, like:

• “I didn’t forget my tablets this week.”
• “I sent that email without worrying for an hour.”
• “I understood that confusing letter the first time.”

These are meaningful victories.

You Are Not Behind. You’re Just Starting from Here.

If you’ve ever thought:

• “Everyone else understands this stuff except me.”
• “I’m too old to start.”
• “I missed the boat on technology.”

I want you to hear this clearly:

You have not missed the boat. The boat now comes to you.

AI is built to meet you where you are:

• With your life experience
• With your questions
• With your pace

You don’t need to catch up with everything you “missed.”

You just need to take the next small step that serves your life.

A Gentle Call to Action: Your First AI Step Today

Before you leave this page, choose one small action:

• Think of one area of your life that feels heavy or confusing (reminders, letters, messages, planning).
• Decide one way AI could support you there.
• Make a promise to yourself:
  “In the next 24–48 hours, I’ll try using AI for this one thing.”

If you’re visiting Eudaimon Tech regularly, you’ll find more simple guides, step-by-step prompts, and gentle support designed especially with older adults in mind.

You are absolutely not “too old,” “too late,” or “too far behind.”

You are right on time to begin using AI in a way that respects your pace, honours your wisdom, and quietly lightens your everyday life.