Embracing Technology: Discovering AI at 50

I've had one of those moments.

You know the ones, where you pause and think, How did I get here?

There I was, a 50-year-old mum, wife, and career woman, managing work, family, and everything in between—and yet, here I am, using artificial intelligence (AI) every single day.

Never in a million years did I think I’d be so reliant on something that once sounded like science fiction.

But the truth is, AI is no longer something reserved for tech geniuses or futuristic films.

It’s part of daily life, quietly weaving its way into how we shop, cook, work, and even relax.

If you’re like me—curious, a bit sceptical at times, but always willing to learn—you’ve probably realised there’s no escaping it.

And honestly, why would we want to?

My AI Journey: From “What’s That?” to “How Can I Use This?”

I’ve always been fairly good with computers and technology.

Over the years, I’ve seen us move from clunky desktop monitors to sleek laptops, and now smartphones that can do practically everything.

Remember the days of dial-up internet?

Waiting for that horrendous beeping noise to stop just so you could check your email?

Feels like a lifetime ago now.

Fast forward to today, and AI has become the next big leap.

At first, I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure how I’d fit into this world of algorithms and machine learning.

I mean, machine learning? Sounds intimidating, doesn’t it?

But once I stopped worrying about the jargon and started focusing on how it could actually help me, it all started to click.

Take something as simple as my daily routine. I use AI to:

•Plan meals and shopping lists with apps that suggest recipes based on what’s already in the fridge. No more staring blankly at a half-empty cupboard!

•Set reminders for everything from work deadlines to watering the plants. Let’s be honest, without them, the houseplants wouldn’t stand a chance.

•Navigate traffic with sat-navs that update routes in real-time.

(Honestly, how did we survive with just printed maps?)

These little things might not sound groundbreaking, but they make life smoother—like having an extra pair of hands when you’re juggling a dozen tasks at once.

AI at Work: A Game-Changer

Being a National Sales Manager means I’m constantly on the go—emails flying in, meetings to attend, presentations to prepare. AI has become my unofficial assistant.

For starters, there’s the beauty of scheduling. AI-powered tools like calendar assistants make it so much easier to coordinate meetings across different time zones. No more guessing if 3 pm here is 4 pm in Paris (or is it?).

And then there’s the content creation side. Writing proposals, preparing presentations—it’s a lot to juggle.

AI tools help me refine my wording, spot errors I might have missed, or even suggest ideas I hadn’t thought of.

It’s like having a second pair of eyes without needing to nudge a colleague every five minutes.

And believe me, when you’re up against a deadline, that’s a lifesaver.

But it’s not just about making life easier; it’s about working smarter.

AI helps me analyse sales data, spot trends, and even predict what clients might need before they ask.

It’s like having a crystal ball for business—except it’s grounded in actual data, not guesswork.

And when you’re in sales, being one step ahead can make all the difference.

Of course, there are moments of frustration—like when the software glitches or the WiFi decides to take the day off—but on the whole, AI has become an essential part of how I work.

AI at Home: From Mundane to Magical

Outside of work, AI has found its way into so many corners of my life that I barely notice it anymore.

Streaming services like Netflix or Spotify, for example—how they somehow know I’m in the mood for a cosy crime drama or an 80s playlist. It’s like they’re reading my mind.

And then there are the smart gadgets. I haven’t gone full “smart home” yet (I still like to feel somewhat in control!), but little things like a voice-activated speaker have made life so much easier.

Need a timer for the roast? Just ask. Want to know if it’s going to rain before you hang out the washing? It’s sorted.

Even when it comes to fitness—an area I’ve been focusing on more lately—AI plays its part.

My fitness watch tracks everything from my steps to my sleep patterns, giving me a nudge when I’ve been sitting too long or reminding me to drink water.

It’s like having a slightly nagging but well-meaning friend on my wrist!

The Learning Curve

Now, I won’t pretend it’s all been smooth sailing.

There have been times when I’ve sat staring at a screen, wondering why on earth something isn’t working.

And don’t get me started on some of the more technical AI tools—it can feel like trying to learn a new language at times.

But what I’ve learned is this: you don’t have to understand every single detail to benefit from AI.

Start small. Pick one or two tools that genuinely make your life easier and build from there.

For me, it began with simple things like voice assistants and AI-powered email filters.

Once I got comfortable, I moved on to more advanced tools.

It’s a bit like learning to cook. You don’t start with a soufflé—you start with something simple, like boiling an egg.

And before you know it, you’re whipping up a three-course meal without breaking a sweat.

The Emotional Side of AI

One thing that’s surprised me is the emotional side of using AI. It’s not just about convenience—it’s about feeling more in control, especially as life gets busier.

There’s something comforting about knowing that the little things are taken care of, freeing up mental space for what really matters.

Whether it’s spending time with family, focusing on a work project, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a book, AI helps create room for the things that bring joy.

That said, I’m also mindful of the balance.

It’s easy to rely too heavily on technology and lose touch with the human side of life.

So, I make a point to step away from screens when I can—whether it’s going for a walk or having a proper chat over dinner (no phones allowed!).

Why Embrace AI at 50?

Some might say, “Isn’t AI for younger people?” But I’d argue it’s for anyone willing to give it a go.

In fact, being a bit older often gives you a different perspective.

You’ve got the experience to know what works for you and the confidence to try new things without worrying about looking silly.

For me, learning about AI has been a way to stay curious, keep growing, and make life that little bit easier.

It’s not about being perfect or understanding every little detail—it’s about finding what works for you and using it to enhance your life.

Looking Ahead

As AI continues to evolve, I’m excited to see what’s next.

Will it help us solve bigger problems, like climate change or healthcare challenges?

Will it make life even more seamless?

Or will it throw us a few curveballs along the way?

Probably a bit of everything.

What I do know is this: embracing AI doesn’t mean giving up control.

It means finding ways to work smarter, live better, and keep learning—no matter your age.

So, if you’re sitting there wondering whether to give AI a go, my advice is simple: just start.

Try one tool, see how it fits, and go from there. You might just surprise yourself.

Claire x