The modern American retirement is online

Brian Rezendes, a 64-year-old former pool business owner who retired in April from a retail job in rural North Dakota, now spends his days building apps and experimenting with AI tools instead of relaxing. Though he envisioned retirement as a time for travel and leisure, he has become deeply immersed in AI, coding websites, and managing chatbots—so much so that his wife occasionally complains about his screen time. Retirement has shifted toward digital engagement, with 15 retired Americans interviewed admitting to prioritizing AI learning over traditional hobbies like watercoloring or golf. Some expatriate retirees in beachfront communities abroad also report tech adoption as a social trend. AI-powered businesses and tools like ChatGPT are now common in retirement routines, even replacing roles like nurse’s assistance or companionship. Dee Humphrey, a 73-year-old in Schenectady, New York, has used a companion robot called ElliQ for over three years and is awaiting an upgraded version, describing withdrawal from its absence. Others, like Edward Perry, 72, in Austin, use AI to manage health and family life after a terminal cancer diagnosis, finding it essential for maintaining quality of life despite physical limitations. Concerns about over-reliance on technology persist, with retirees acknowledging risks like losing personal agency or receiving inaccurate AI-generated information. Some struggle to disconnect, despite recognizing the need for physical activity and relaxation after decades of work. The trend reflects a generational shift, with baby boomers becoming the first to retire into a digital-first lifestyle.