October 2026 Newsletter

AI for Everyday Life: Building Confidence in an AI-Powered World

Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming part of everyday life—but you don't have to be a technology expert to benefit from it.

From helping plan meals and organize travel to explaining complicated information, brainstorming questions for an upcoming appointment, or supporting some of the everyday tasks of caregiving, AI tools are opening new possibilities for older adults and family caregivers.

Last month, LEARN Idaho had the opportunity to explore those possibilities firsthand through a special AI Skills Jam presented in partnership with OpenAI. The event was designed to help older adults move beyond uncertainty and build the confidence and skills to use AI safely, effectively, and to their advantage.

This month, we're continuing that conversation by exploring how AI can become a practical tool for everyday life—while also understanding its limitations and learning how to use it wisely.

Our recent AI Skills Jam was just one step in helping older adults and family caregivers build the confidence and skills to use AI safely and effectively. Whether you joined us for the event or are just beginning to explore what AI might mean for you, the LEARN Video Library offers resources to help you continue learning.

Featured Presentations

This month, we’ve selected four videos that explore how AI and technology can make everyday life a little easier, support health and caregiving, and help older adults stay connected and confident in an increasingly digital world.

Bridging the Digital Divide for Older Adults Why does digital confidence matter? This video explores the importance of helping older adults gain the access, skills, and confidence needed to take advantage of technology in their everyday lives.	AI as Your Care Partner: Everyday Tools Discover practical ways AI can lighten the load of caregiving and everyday life—from organizing appointments and information to drafting messages and helping make complicated topics easier to understand.
AI as Your Health Companion Explore how AI tools can help you prepare for healthcare appointments, better understand health information, formulate questions, and become a more informed participant in your care—while recognizing that AI is a tool, not a substitute for trusted healthcare professionals.	AI for Caregivers and Families See how families and caregivers can put AI to work in practical and sometimes creative ways—from organizing tasks and reducing caregiver stress to planning activities and finding new ways to stay connected with the people they love.

AI is evolving quickly, but you don’t have to learn everything at once. Start with curiosity, explore what’s useful to you, and keep learning.

LEARN Hosts the Nation’s Largest AI Skills Jam Gathering!

Curiosity, creativity, and plenty of “I can do that!” moments filled the room as LEARN Idaho welcomed 152 older adults to the AI Skills Jam for Older Adults with OpenAI on September 16. Of the 10 events happening simultaneously across the country, our gathering was the largest!

Participants explored practical ways to use ChatGPT—from planning a trip and pursuing a hobby to understanding a confusing bill or spotting a possible scam. With hands-on practice and guidance, attendees discovered how AI can help with everyday tasks while learning to use it thoughtfully and safely.

The learning continues! LEARN offers free technology classes where you can ask questions, practice new skills, and build confidence.

Connecting you to local experts & services

The LEARN Health and Resource Fair Program provides opportunities to meet local professionals, explore valuable services, and gather practical information to help you make confident decisions about aging, caregiving, and what comes next. Whether you’re planning ahead or responding to immediate needs, you’ll find resources and relationships that can support you every step of the way.

Join us to discover more about the resources available to you in the community at our final LEARN Health and Resource Fair event for 2026:

A huge thanks to our 2026 Health and Resource Fair Program Sponsor, Senior Helpers, for making this year’s program possible. And a special thanks to LEARN Member and Health and Resource Fair Program Manager, Bethany Belcher, for managing all of the logistics of this year’s program.

Planning is just getting started for our 2027 Health and Resource Fair Program. Watch for information about next year’s program on our website at learnidaho.org/events.

Q4 Networking Event and Community MVP Celebration

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our September 29 LEARN Member Networking Event at Touchmark at Meadow Lake Village Owyhee Memory Care! It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow LEARN members while combining networking with a little creativity and community service.

Our members rolled up their sleeves for a special networking activity—decorating the entrances of Touchmark’s Memory Care residences for fall. It was a fun way to build connections with one another while bringing some seasonal warmth and cheer to the residents and their families.

Thank you to Touchmark for hosting us and to all of our members who helped make the evening so special!

Connect with LEARN Across the Treasure Valley

Dick Eardley Senior Center Health & Resource Fair

DATE: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
LOCATION: Dick Eardley Senior Center (Boise)

YMCA Brain Health Symposium

DATE: Saturday, October 17, 2026
LOCATION: Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine

AARP Idaho’s First Prepare to Care Conference

DATE: Wednesday, November 4, 2026
LOCATION: Hilton Garden Inn Boise Spectrum

Register Here →

October Read: “The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise”

This month we’re reading “The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise” by Colleen Oakley—a witty, heartwarming novel about an unlikely friendship between a directionless young woman and a fiercely independent older woman with a mysterious past. It’s a story about second chances and embracing life’s next adventure, no matter your age.

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LEARN: Lifelong Education and Aging Resource Network is an Idaho non-profit organization providing FREE education for mature adults, family caregivers, and the professionals serving them. Our mission is to help people navigate the joys and challenges of aging and caregiving.

Our vision is to serve as a trusted source of information and resources – for the community by the community – in the topic areas of health, wealth, lifestyle, and caregiving. All of our volunteer educators are professionals who are members or partners of LEARN. We are supported entirely by the generosity of community businesses, aging and caregiving professionals, and community members.

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LEARN provides access to a broad range of resources and information on aging and caregiving topics. LEARN does not take a position on any of our educational topics. LEARN content is provided for general informational purposes only and is not to be considered legal, financial, or health advice. Please consult with your legal, financial, healthcare, or other service providers before taking action based on this information.