The short answer: The best free AI classes for seniors right now are Senior Planet from AARP's live online classes, Boise State University's self-paced AI for Seniors course, and Cyber-Seniors' free webinars. For a class in person, start with your public library or call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 to find your local Area Agency on Aging. Below is each option, who it suits, and how to find one near you.
You're not the only one who'd like a teacher. In the University of Michigan's National Poll on Healthy Aging, 81% of adults 50 and older said they want to learn more about the risks of AI, and 58% want to learn more about its benefits.
A good class gives you both, with someone you can ask when a screen doesn't match the instructions. Here's where to find one.
Quick picks
- You want a live teacher, from home: Senior Planet from AARP
- You want to go at your own pace: Boise State's AI for Seniors
- You want to understand how AI works under the hood: Elements of AI
- You want short, one-hour sessions: Cyber-Seniors webinars
- You want a class in a room with other people: your library or Area Agency on Aging (see "How to find an AI class near you")
Free online courses you take at your own pace
AI for Seniors, from Boise State University
- Cost: Free. Boise State describes it as free for seniors anywhere.
- Format: Online, self-paced.
- What it covers: AI chatbots, voice assistants for reminders, brain-training apps, and staying safe and private online.
- Best for: Anyone who wants a course made for older adults, at their own speed.
- Good to know: You'll create a free account on Boise State's course site to enroll.
Elements of AI, from the University of Helsinki
- Cost: Free.
- Format: Online, self-paced.
- What it covers: What AI is, what it can and can't do, and how it's changing daily life. No complicated math or programming.
- Best for: Curious readers who want to know how AI works, not just how to use it.
- Good to know: Some exercises take real thought. The course estimates 4 to 8 hours per part.
AI for education, from Khan Academy
- Cost: Free.
- Format: Online videos, self-paced.
- What it covers: The first unit explains what AI is, how it works, and the questions it raises.
- Best for: Retired teachers, and grandparents who help with homework.
- Good to know: Later units are written for classroom teachers, so most people can stop after the first one.
AI Skills & Learning, from LearnFree
- Cost: Free.
- Format: Online articles and short challenges, self-paced.
- What it covers: Using AI tools at work, from writing better questions to preparing for a review.
- Best for: Readers who are still working, consulting or volunteering.
- Good to know: GCFGlobal.org now redirects to LearnFree. This section leans toward work tasks more than everyday life.
Free live classes online, with a real teacher
Senior Planet from AARP
- Cost: Free.
- Format: Live online classes, plus a free downloadable AI guidebook and quizzes.
- What it covers: Everyday uses of AI, how to spot it, and what it can't do yet. When we checked, upcoming classes included "Intro to AI."
- Best for: Beginners who want to ask a person questions as they go.
- Good to know: Senior Planet also runs a free tech hotline at 888-713-3495.
Cyber-Seniors
- Cost: Free.
- Format: Live one-hour webinars online, plus free one-on-one calls with a tech mentor.
- What it covers: A new topic each session. AI sessions in October 2026 included "The Ethics of AI" and "What are AI Influencers?"
- Best for: People who like short sessions, or want one-on-one help with their own device.
- Good to know: Their toll-free number is 1-844-217-3057.
How to find an AI class near you
We can't list every town, so here's how to find what's near you. These four places are where most in-person classes happen.
1. Senior Planet centers and partner sites
Senior Planet from AARP runs centers in Denver, Miami and Plattsburgh, New York, with programs in New York City, San Antonio and Montgomery County, Maryland. Its classes are also taught at more than 750 libraries and senior centers.
2. Your public library
Many libraries offer tech classes or one-on-one help where you bring your own phone or tablet. Call the main desk or check the library's events calendar for "technology," "digital skills" or "AI."
3. Your Area Agency on Aging
There are more than 600 Area Agencies on Aging in the US, according to USAging. They know what classes run at local senior centers, community centers and libraries. Find yours through the Eldercare Locator: call or text 1-800-677-1116, or search online by ZIP code.
4. Your community college
Many community colleges run noncredit classes for adults in the community, often including computer and technology basics. Look for "continuing education" or "community education" on the college's website, and search the class list for "AI."
What to say when you call
You don't need to know the right terms. Try this:
"Do you offer any classes on using AI, like ChatGPT? If not, do you have tech help where I can bring my own phone and ask questions?"
If the answer is no, ask, "Who else nearby might?" Librarians and Area Agency staff usually know.
Paid options worth knowing about
These cost money. We list them so you know what you're looking at, not because you need them.
Google AI Essentials, on Coursera
- Cost: $49 a month in the US and Canada, after a 7-day free trial (checked October 5, 2026 on Google's page).
- Format: Online, self-paced. Under 5 hours, in 5 modules.
- Best for: People still working who want a certificate from Google.
- Good to know: If you only want to try it, set a reminder to cancel before the trial ends.
Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes (OLLI)
- Cost: OLLIs charge a membership fee, and the amount varies by campus (URI OLLI).
- Format: In-person and online classes for adults 50 and older, run through universities.
- Best for: People who want a semester of classes with peers, on AI and much more.
- Good to know: There are 123 OLLIs at universities across the country, according to the Osher National Resource Center. Course lists vary by campus.
How to get the most out of a class
- Bring the device you'll actually use. Charged, with your passwords written down at home, not in your bag.
- Bring one real task. A letter you didn't understand or an email you've been putting off. You'll remember what you used.
- Ask the teacher to slow down. Good teachers want you to.
- Practice within a day or two. That's where it sticks.
For the practice part, our plain-English guide to AI for seniors has ten everyday things to ask an AI, with sample questions you can copy, plus how to start free and the safety habits worth keeping.
Once you've learned the basics, you may want a private place to practice. That's why I built Ask Safely. You can start as a guest, with no account and no email, and guest chats clear after 8 hours. It's powered by Anthropic's Claude, and your chats are never used to train AI.
FAQ
Are there any free AI courses available for seniors?
Yes. Boise State University offers a free, self-paced AI for Seniors course online. Senior Planet from AARP runs free live online AI classes. Cyber-Seniors offers free one-hour AI webinars. Elements of AI, from the University of Helsinki, is a free online course on how AI works.
Does AARP offer free AI classes?
Yes, through Senior Planet from AARP. It runs free live online AI classes, and free in-person technology classes at its centers. It also has a free tech hotline at 888-713-3495.
How do I find AI classes for seniors near me?
Start with your public library and your local Area Agency on Aging. Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116, or search by ZIP code at eldercare.acl.gov. Senior Planet also has a map of libraries and senior centers that teach its classes.
What should I learn first in an AI class?
Learn how to ask a question in your own words, how to ask a follow-up, and what never to share, like Social Security, Medicare, bank and card numbers or passwords. Then practice on one real task, like explaining a letter.
Do I need a computer to take an online AI class?
Not always. Many online classes work on a tablet or laptop, and some on a phone. A bigger screen makes it easier to follow along. Check the class page for what you'll need before you sign up.
Are paid AI courses worth it for seniors?
For most people, a free class covers what you need to get started. Paid courses like Google AI Essentials are aimed at people who want a certificate for work. If you try a paid course with a free trial, set a reminder to cancel before it ends.
Your next step
Pick one class from this list and put it on your calendar this week. Bring one real question with you.