Sue Johnston has unveiled a very different kind of AI, as she challenges how the nation is increasingly turning to technology for life advice.
Appearing in a spoof product launch video, the actress stepped into the role of a tech visionary, presenting “AI” as the next big breakthrough set to transform lives.
But the tongue-in-cheek reveal soon became clear: this AI 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, is now inviting the public to put Age Intelligence to the test by submitting questions they would normally ask an AI chatbot.
A selection of the best entries will be answered by Sue and content creator and fellow octogenarian 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).
“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.
“And there’s something special about female connection and sisterhood: the honesty, the humour and those ‘I’ve been there’ moments, usually followed by ‘I told you so’ and occasionally a very well-timed raised eyebrow.”
It comes after 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 per cent use these tools for help several times a week, 92 per cent believe some forms of wisdom can only be gained through lived experience.
In fact, 71 per cent feel AI advice will never replace genuine human connection, with mums (39 per cent), female friends (20 per cent) and sisters (12 per cent) ranked among the most trusted sources of advice.
It also emerged those polled go to older people for tips on how to make a relationship last (19 per cent), change a tyre (16 per cent) and navigate a career change (13 per cent).
Older generations are also valued for their practical know-how, including weeding the garden (16 per cent), bleeding a radiator (18 per cent) and removing stains from clothes (25 per cent).
The research, which was carried out by OnePoll, also found 55 per cent of those who believe AI will never replace advice from older generations think this because they offer real-life experience which technology cannot replicate.
Almost half (48 per cent) feel advice from older people is more authentic, while 43 per cent believe they are better able to understand the nuances and emotions behind a situation.
And 48 per cent value the personal stories and life lessons they can share.
Among the most valued pearls of wisdom cited by all respondents were “save for a rainy day” (40 per cent) and “treat others as you would like to be treated” (38 per cent).
However, 64 per cent of AI users admitted they have sought help from an AI 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 just 18 per cent relying on AI-generated advice for parenting and 17 per cent having confidence in its advice on romantic relationships.
By comparison, 77 per cent trust advice from real people on parenting, while 73 per cent 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.
“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.”
TOP 25 THINGS WE ASK OLDER PEOPLE FOR ADVICE ON:
1. How to cook a family recipe
2. How to make an important life decision
3. How to stay healthy as you get older
4. How to deal with disappointment or setbacks
5. How to grow fruit and vegetables
6. How to raise children
7. How to carry out basic DIY repairs
8. How to remove a stain from clothes
9. How to budget and manage money
10. How to handle a disagreement with a friend
11. How to choose a reliable tradesperson
12. How to make a relationship last
13. How to cope with stress and anxiety
14. How to maintain a long-term relationship
15. How to bleed a radiator
16. What the best Victoria sponge recipes are
17. How to look after a car
18. How to buy a house
19. How to unblock a sink
20. How to build confidence
21. How to weed the garden
22. How to achieve a good work-life balance
23. How to change a tyre
24. How to get rid of unwanted guests without being rude
25. How to navigate a career change