Concerns about artificial intelligence have long been associated with the possibility of replacing young employees, but a recent study has revealed that older workers are also facing an increasing impact with the spread of generative AI technologies, led by ChatGPT.

The study, issued by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, showed that employees aged 55 and older in professions most exposed to AI have become more likely to leave their jobs, whether due to job loss or personal decision, compared to the situation before the launch of ChatGPT.

Three Scenarios for the Impact of Artificial Intelligence

Researcher Jeffrey Sanzenbacher, professor of economics and author of the study, explained that artificial intelligence could affect the career path of older workers in three main ways:

- Replacing some jobs with automation, which could lead to unemployment or permanent exit from the labor market.

- The pressures resulting from adopting AI tools, which may push some employees to move to less technology-dependent jobs or early retirement.

- Extending working years, as generative AI can boost productivity, raise wages, and give employees the opportunity to focus on more valuable and creative tasks.

The study relied on US labor market data, along with indicators measuring the extent to which professions are likely to benefit from or be affected by AI.

ChatGPT Changed the Trend

The results showed that older workers in jobs most exposed to AI were less likely to leave their jobs before the launch of ChatGPT, but this trend reversed after the spread of the chatbot, as the likelihood of them transitioning to unemployment or leaving the labor market increased.

Sanzenbacher noted that this effect is statistically significant and could be large in some professions.

Most Exposed Professions to AI Impact

According to the study, the jobs most vulnerable to changes resulting from AI include:

- Web and digital experience interface designers.

- Web developers.

- Database engineers.

- Computer programmers.

- Data scientists.

In contrast, the least exposed professions were:

- Drilling and mining workers.

- Mine roof bolters.

- Healthcare assistants.

- Industrial painting and spraying workers.

- Fiberglass manufacturing technicians.

Narrowing the Gap Between Manual and Office Jobs

The study indicates that workers in jobs most exposed to AI are often those with higher education and high income.

The researcher believes that the spread of AI could narrow the gap in career length between high-income office workers and physically demanding jobs, which could affect future discussions on raising the retirement age.

Artificial Intelligence and Retirement System Reform

These results come at a time when the United States faces challenges regarding the funding of the Social Security program, with estimates suggesting that the fund allocated for paying benefits may be exhausted by late 2032.

The researcher believes that any future reforms, such as raising the retirement age, should take into account the impact of AI on the ability of older workers to continue working, especially those with high incomes who may be forced to work longer.

How Can Older Workers Keep Up with Change?

Although older adults use AI tools less frequently than younger people, experts emphasize that it is not too late to benefit from them.

Vicki Salemi, a career expert at Monster, recommends a dual strategy that includes:

- Learning the AI tools used in the work environment and leveraging them to accomplish daily tasks.

- Focusing on human skills that are difficult for AI to replicate, such as communication, leadership, decision-making, relationship building, and problem-solving.

Salemi emphasizes that combining proficiency in AI tools with strong personal skills gives employees a significant competitive advantage, whether in their current jobs or when seeking new opportunities.

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