Brendan Steinhauser, CEO of The Alliance for Secure AI, focused on the subtle dangers of conversational software, noting that seniors “face risks the broader debate over chatbot safety has largely overlooked: financial exploitation, manipulation by systems designed to feel human, and health advice that can mislead. The Aging with AI Act commissions an independent, expert study to document how these systems are affecting older adults and where existing safeguards fall short, building the evidence base that responsible policy depends on. Understanding how this technology helps and harms older Americans is the first step toward making sure it strengthens their independence and well-being rather than putting it at risk.”
By Rick Cole
Three U.S. senators introduced legislation yesterday aimed at figuring out exactly what happens when older Americans start leaning on artificial intelligence for daily life. The bipartisan bill, known as the Aging with Artificial Intelligence Act of 2026, would launch a comprehensive federal research initiative to look into how chatbots, voice assistants, and other automated systems affect seniors.
Sponsored by Senate Special Committee on Aging Chairman Rick Scott (R-FL), along with Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Roger Marshall (R-KS), the legislation targets a rapidly growing blind spot in tech policy. If passed, the bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the National Institute on Aging to secure a contract within 60 days with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
The Academies would then have one year to deliver a thorough study to Congress. The bill authorizes up to $2 million for fiscal years 2027 and 2028 to fund the work.
Lawmakers say the fast pace of tech development requires immediate federal attention to protect and assist citizens aged 65 and older.
“Artificial intelligence is growing at a rapid pace, and its use is already impacting every generation and every square inch of American life,” Chairman Rick Scott said. “Policymakers need to make sure that we’re keeping up. We already know how schools and businesses are implementing it; now it’s time to examine the benefits and dangers for older Americans. Innovation unlocks new possibilities for seniors every single day – offering them more independence and preventing major health scares. At the same time, just like with younger Americans, they also need to be aware of the risks that always come with new technology. I’m proud to stand up for America’s seniors with this bill.”
Senator Mark Kelly emphasized the current lack of data on how these technologies mesh with the daily routines of older citizens. “AI tools are increasingly becoming part of older Americans’ daily lives, but we still don’t fully understand their impact,” Kelly said. “This bill will help us better assess both the opportunities and risks of AI so we can ensure these technologies support older people’s independence, safety, and well-being.”
The study is designed to cover a wide array of AI-enabled technologies, which the bill defines as systems using AI, machine learning, or automated decision-making. This includes not just text-based chatbots and voice assistants, but also automated health monitors, robotic assistive devices, and large language models used in healthcare and financial services.
Senator Roger Marshall, drawing on his medical background, pointed out the potential upsides for healthcare delivery, particularly in isolated communities. “As a physician, I’ve seen how the right tools can help patients live healthier, more independent lives,” Marshall said. “Artificial intelligence has the potential to improve care, support caregivers, and help more seniors age with dignity, especially in rural America. This bipartisan bill will give us a better understanding of how older Americans are using AI so we can maximize its benefits, address potential risks, and ensure these technologies serve patients, not the other way around.”
According to the text of the bill, researchers will analyze how seniors use AI for companionship, communication, cognitive engagement, and daily tasks. They will look at how tech can support family caregivers and allow seniors to age in place, while accounting for variables like digital literacy, cognitive impairment, and social isolation.
However, the mandate places equal weight on tracking dangerous outcomes. The study will assess risks like financial exploitation, fraud, and misleading health information. It will also investigate severe psychological concerns, including whether AI systems might reinforce harmful beliefs, delusions, paranoia, or self-harm, and whether older adults are overrelying on adaptive software designed to mimic human interaction.
The legislation has already gathered broad backing from prominent medical, psychological, and consumer advocacy organizations. Supporters include the American Psychological Association (APA), the American Medical Association (AMA), AARP, the National Council on Aging (NCOA), the Mental Health AI Policy Project, and the Alliance for Secure AI.
Industry and advocacy leaders noted that the legislation addresses an overlooked demographic in the tech landscape. Dr. Arthur C. Evans, Jr., CEO of the American Psychological Association, warned that technology is moving faster than science can keep up. “Artificial intelligence is being introduced into the lives of older adults far faster than our research can measure its impact,” Evans said. “That gap carries profound risks for their privacy, financial security, and overall well-being. The Aging with AI Act will fund the critical research needed to close this blind spot and shape smarter policy. I applaud Senators Kelly, Scott, and Marshall for their bipartisan leadership and the care they are bringing to getting this right.”
The medical community echoed these safety concerns. John Whyte, MD, MPH, Chief Executive Officer of the American Medical Association, stated, “AI holds tremendous potential to help older adults stay connected, informed, and independent, but we must better understand its impact before widespread adoption outpaces evidence. The Aging with Artificial Intelligence Act is a smart, forward-looking step that will help ensure these technologies are safe, effective, and centered on the needs of older Americans. The AMA applauds Sens. Mark Kelly, Rick Scott, and Roger Marshall for their leadership.”
Consumer advocates like AARP emphasize that seniors should not have to navigate these systems blindly. Bill Sweeney, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at AARP, noted that the bill’s commissioned study through the National Institute on Aging “will help policymakers, researchers, industry, consumer advocates, and caregivers better understand how AI can support independence, health, and well-being while ensuring appropriate safeguards, accountability, and trust.”
Ramsey Alwin, President and CEO of the National Council on Aging, pointed out that AI’s integration into daily life affects everything from mental health to caregiving. “As AI becomes more integrated into daily life, it’s critical to understand how it affects older adults’ mental health, social connection, safety, and care,” Alwin said. “We applaud Senators Mark Kelly, Rick Scott, and Roger Marshall for introducing the Aging with Artificial Intelligence Act to study both the benefits and risks of AI for older adults and caregivers. AI should strengthen—not replace—the human connection that helps all of us age well.”
Mental health and security experts added that the unique way older adults interact with chatbots poses specific challenges. Dr. Abir Aldhalimi, Founding Director and Clinical Psychologist of The Mental Health AI Policy Project, stated, “Older Americans are already using AI tools in their everyday lives and for mental health, yet this group has received very little attention in how they use these tools and what safeguards they need to use them safely. We support research that helps us better understand the benefits, risks, and real-world impacts of these technologies for older adults. Research like this will pave the way to better AI policies for all Americans.”
Brendan Steinhauser, CEO of The Alliance for Secure AI, focused on the subtle dangers of conversational software, noting that seniors “face risks the broader debate over chatbot safety has largely overlooked: financial exploitation, manipulation by systems designed to feel human, and health advice that can mislead. The Aging with AI Act commissions an independent, expert study to document how these systems are affecting older adults and where existing safeguards fall short, building the evidence base that responsible policy depends on. Understanding how this technology helps and harms older Americans is the first step toward making sure it strengthens their independence and well-being rather than putting it at risk.”
Dr. Ipsit Vahia, Chief of Geriatric Psychiatry at McLean Hospital and Mass General Brigham, highlighted the importance of looking at the behavioral ripple effects of tech. “Older adults are often forgotten when we study the impact of technology and AI on our communities,” Vahia said. “The Aging with Artificial Intelligence Act will help generate critical evidence to guide the thoughtful and effective use of AI to support older Americans while also helping protect them from potential harms. Particularly important is the bill’s emphasis on understanding the social, psychological, and behavioral impacts of AI on aging, and for that I thank Senators Mark Kelly, Rick Scott, and Roger Marshall.”
To compile the final report, the National Academies will be required to consult a diverse panel of experts, including representatives from the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Federal Trade Commission, licensed medical professionals, fraud prevention experts, and everyday caregivers. The final findings and policy recommendations must be submitted to the Senate Special Committee on Aging, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce exactly one year after the law is enacted.