
Volunteering has long been a cornerstone of retirement life, offering seniors a sense of purpose and community. But as artificial intelligence (AI) spreads, many organizations are quietly shifting tasks once filled by retirees to machines. From answering phones to scheduling shifts, roles that gave seniors meaningful engagement are being automated. The trend raises questions about whether retirees are being sidelined in places they once felt valued. Here’s how AI is reshaping volunteer work—and what it means for seniors.