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Why Lifelong Learning Includes AI
And How to Get Started
Cara Gray
May 07, 2025
In partnership with
Dear Friends -
Over the past several months, I’ve been including ChatGPT prompts in many editions of this newsletter—tools to help you reflect, write, plan, and reimagine your Third Act.
But recently, a few of you let me in on a secret:
“I’ve never actually used ChatGPT. I love the prompts… but I don’t know where to start.”
That was my cue to rewind.
If you’ve been curious about AI but felt like you missed the boat—or were too embarrassed to ask how it works—this edition is for you.
A recent Wall Street Journal article captured this perfectly:
“If you have a friend, child or co-worker who won’t shut up about ChatGPT or some other generative-AI chatbot, but you’ve been too embarrassed to ask where to start, this is for you. The buzzy, mysterious tech is transforming every aspect of our lives, from high-school English to pharmaceutical discovery… At the very least, by using these tools, you’ll understand how generative AI is changing our world. And you might discover some productivity hacks for your own life in the process.”
That’s exactly the spirit I want to bring to you today.
You don’t need to become a tech expert. But you can learn how to use these tools in ways that save time, spark creativity, support your goals—and remind you that it’s never too late to start learning something new.
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🚀 Why AI Belongs in Your Third Act
AI isn’t just for techies or teenagers. It’s for you.
It’s for people asking deeper questions, designing their next chapter, or simply trying to make life a little easier.
Lifelong learning is one of the most important contributors to mental sharpness, creativity, and emotional well-being as we age. And engaging with new technologies like AI is a powerful way to flex that muscle.
Whether you're curious about learning, planning, organizing, creating—or just simplifying your digital life—AI can help.
🔧 Getting Started with AI: 4 Tools to Explore
Think of these tools as helpful assistants—each with their own personality and strengths. You don’t need to be “techy.” You just need to be curious.
🧠 1. ChatGPT (by OpenAI)
Best for: creative help, idea generation, and day-to-day productivity
How to try it:
Visit chat.openai.com
Sign up for a free account
Type something simple to start:
“Give me 5 new hobbies to explore in retirement.”
“Help me plan a healthy meal with what’s in my fridge.”
“Turn this email into a thank-you note.”
🔗 Video tutorial: ChatGPT for Beginners
🔍 2. Perplexity
Best for: asking questions and getting accurate, sourced answers
How to try it:
Go to www.perplexity.ai
Ask anything—like a super-powered Google:
“What’s the Mediterranean Diet in simple terms?”
“Summarize the latest news on Social Security changes.”
You’ll get quick answers and links to where the information came from.
💬 3. Claude (by Anthropic)
Best for: thoughtful writing help, document review, and conversation
How to try it:
Visit claude.ai
Create a free account
Try asking:
“Rewrite this paragraph in a more positive tone.”
“Help me journal about my goals for the next year.”
Claude feels a bit like a calm, wise writing partner—great for reflective work.
🌐 4. Gemini (by Google)
Best for: real-time answers and working with Gmail, Docs, and more
How to try it:
Visit gemini.google.com
Sign in with your Google account
Try things like:
“What’s on my calendar this week?”
“Draft a blog post about staying active in retirement.”
“How can I start meditating?”
Gemini is perfect if you already live in the Google universeThis week, I invite you to pause and take stock. Not just of your calendar or your to-do list, but of your life’s direction.
🎧 Want to Keep Learning?
Here are a few beginner-friendly podcasts and videos:
BONUS ✨: If you are not a beginner, let me introduce you to Sabrina Ramonov, who I follow for all things AI on TikTok! She offers a lot of free courses and tips to use AI on her website: https://www.sabrina.dev/p/free
🪞Final Thought
This isn’t about becoming an AI expert.
It’s about staying curious, engaged, and empowered.
You’ve already rewritten the rules for what this stage of life can look like—why not use the smartest tools available to help you do it? AND—more prompts are coming in future newsletters!
Here’s to being bold beginners, again and again.
With you on the path,
Cara Gray
Third Act Consultant, CPRC, CEPA™️
P.S. If you want to start planning your third act, set up a time on my calendar for a chat: Schedule a Chat with Cara