Actress Sue Johnston has unveiled a very different kind of AI, as research reveals the top topics people still ask older generations for advice on, from romance to DIY.
Appearing in a spoof product launch video, the Brookside actress stepped into the role of a tech visionary, presenting an "AI" as the next possible big breakthrough set to transform lives. But the tongue-in-cheek reveal soon became clear: this AI product wasn't artificial intelligence at all.
Instead, it’s ‘Age Intelligence’, a celebration of the wisdom, perspective, humour and hard-earned life experience that comes with getting older. Working with Maltesers as part of the brand's 90th anniversary celebrations, Sue, 82, invites the public to put Age Intelligence to the test by sending in questions they would normally ask a digital chatbot.
What people ask older generations
A selection of the best entries will be answered by Sue and content creator Grime Gran later this autumn. Sue said: "AI is very handy for quick answers, but it can’t tell you what a real person would say, remind you to take a cardigan, or confirm that you’re definitely not overreacting (you probably are)."
She added: "Real wisdom comes from living through life’s ups and downs – and from the people who’ve been there with you, armed with a story, an opinion and a cup of tea they insist you have before making any decisions. For many of us, that wisdom comes from the women in our lives – our mums, sisters, friends and the generations before us."
The research found more than seven in 10 Brits believe AI will never replace advice from their elders. A study of 2,000 adults found while 21% use these tools for help several times a week, 92% believe some forms of wisdom can only be gained through lived experience.
Trust in human advice
In fact, 71% feel AI advice will never replace genuine human connection, with mums (39%), female friends (20%) and sisters (12%) ranked among the most trusted sources of advice. It also emerged those polled go to their elders for romantic advice (19%), how to change a tyre (16%) and career change tips (13%).
Older generations are also valued for their practical know-how, including weeding the garden (16%), bleeding a radiator (18%) and removing stains from clothes (25%). The research, which was carried out by OnePoll, also found 55% of those who believe AI will never replace advice from older generations think this because they offer real-life experience which technology will never be able to replicate.
Almost half (48%) feel advice from older people is more authentic, while 43% believe they are better able to understand the nuances and emotions behind a situation. The same amount (48%) value the personal stories and life lessons they can share.
Wisdom and partnership
Among the most valued pearls of wisdom were "save for a rainy day" (40%) and "treat others as you would like to be treated" (38%). However, 64% of AI users admitted they have sought help from a chatbot when they could instead have spoken to a real person.
Despite this, trust remains a challenge when it comes to more personal topics, with a mere 18% relying on AI-generated advice for parenting and 17% having confidence in its advice on romantic relationships. By comparison, 77% trust advice from real people on parenting, while 73% would rely on the guidance they receive from those they confide in about their love life.
Claire Norgate from Maltesers, which is also celebrating Maltesers’ long-standing partnership with Comic Relief that has raised more than £8.5 million supporting organisations working with women and girls, added: "AI is brilliant at giving us quick answers. But there are some things it simply can’t replicate – the stories, perspective, humour and connection that come from real-life experience."
She concluded: "As we celebrate our 90th birthday, Age Intelligence felt like the perfect way to celebrate the people we turn to for advice, a laugh or a much-needed reality check. Whether it’s your mum, sister, friend or someone from a generation before you, sometimes the best advice comes from simply having a conversation."
