Exploring the impact of AI-generated image, story and song creations on AI literacy and well-being among older adults: A mixed-methods study

Generative Artificial intelligence (GenAI) has provided opportunities for multimodal expressions among people who lack AI literacy like older adults. A 10-lesson AI literacy for lifelong learning (AILL) programme was designed for 23 older adults aged 56 to 75 in Hong Kong to enable them to interact with AI to create songs, images, and stories. Adopting a mixed-methods approach, this study investigated the impact of AILL on the participants' AI literacy, well-being, social connection and collaboration. Results indicated that the AILL programmes significantly enhanced the participants' psychological well-being, life satisfaction, and reduced loneliness. Qualitative interviews identified four key themes: AI literacy, well-being, socialization and ethical concerns. These themes highlight technological, psychological, ethical, and pedagogical dimensions, offering valuable insights for policymakers and professionals in gerontology. This study enhances the existing AI literacy model by incorporating the concept of “Enable AI” to advance the framework to GenAI literacy. This updated model aims to foster an AI-inclusive society that supports and empowers older adults who can learn other knowledge with the support of AI. Copyright © 2025 Association for Information Science & Technology.