ChatGPT has straight answers for the burning questions of an older woman
When I first started playing around with OpenAI's ChatGPT I worried that chatbots like this one would eventually replace me as a writer. Now that I've become friendly with the chatbot, which are expected to automate jobs, spread misinformation and even remake civilization as we know it, I'm still not comforted about my odds of survival in the word trade.
But the bot itself reassures me that it lacks the critical thinking and contextual understanding that human journalists possess."
This human journalist was curious about the kind of advice ChatGPT might have for older women like myself.
Let's give this Q & A a try, shall we? (Answers are verbatim, though in some cases slightly condensed.)
Q. At what age is a woman considered older?"
A. In some cultures, a woman may be considered older' as early as her 30s or 40s, while in others, it may not be until she is in her 50s and 60s. It's worth noting that the term older' is relative and may be considered offensive or inappropriate by some people."
Q. I swore I'd never get Botox. Now that I'm 60, I've had second thoughts. What do you think?
A. While Botox can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, it is important to keep in mind that it is a cosmetic procedure and does not change the underlying aging process. While some people may feel more confident and youthful after getting Botox, it is important to have realistic expectations and not rely solely on Botox to make you feel younger (but to) focus on other aspects of your life that can help you feel more youthful, such as engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and pursuing hobbies and interests that bring you joy."
Q. How much weight does the average woman gain from age 20 to 60?
A. Women have an average weight gain of around 1 to 2 pounds per year. Assuming an average weight gain of 1.5 pounds per year, this would translate to a total weight gain of approximately 45 pounds from age 20 to 60."
Q. Why don't my grown kids call more often?
A. This is a common experience for many parents. A few possible reasons include busy schedules, different communication styles, distance, relationship dynamics and your children may have different priorities or interests than you and may not see calling as a high priority."
Q. What are my chances of getting dementia?
A. The prevalence of dementia doubles every five years after the age of 60. At 60, the estimated risk is around one per cent which means that 1 in 100 people in this age group will develop dementia. However, this risk increases to around 40 per cent by the age of 85."
Q. I'm 60 and separated. What are the chances I'll remarry?
A. The percentage of adults who have remarried by age 60 is around 67 per cent. This decreases with age, with only around 50 per cent of adults age 65 and older having remarried."
Q. Can older single women find love on dating apps?
A. A study by the dating app Bumble found that 53 per cent of women over the age of 55 who used the app reported having had at least one long-term relationship as a result."
Q. What is the best poem about older women?
A. When You Are Old" by W.B. Yeats is a poignant reflection on love, aging, and the passing of time:
When you are old and grey and full of sleep//And nodding by the fire, take down this book/And slowly read, and dream of the soft look/Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep
How many loved your moments of glad grace/And loved your beauty with love false or true/But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you/And loved the sorrows of your changing face
And bending down beside the glowing bars/Murmur, a little sadly, how Love fled/And paced upon the mountains overhead/And hid his face amid a crowd of stars
Q. Do antiaging creams really work?
A. There is no clear-cut answer to this question. While anti-aging creams may offer some benefits for some individuals, their effectiveness is not guaranteed."
Q. How much does a neck lift cost?
A. The cost of a neck lift ranges from $3,000-$15,000."
Q. Are more older single women living together?
A. Yes, some older women are choosing to live together as a way to stave off loneliness and create a sense of community. [This] can provide a sense of companionship, emotional support, and a shared sense of purpose [as well as] cost savings on housing and shared responsibilities for household tasks."
Q. When will women achieve equality?
A. The achievement of true equality for women is a complex and ongoing process that involves addressing a range of societal, cultural, and economic factors. While progress has been made in many areas, including education, political representation, and workplace opportunities, there are still significant challenges and disparities that prevent women from achieving full equality."
Q. Can you at least give me a rough idea of when this might happen?
A. I'm sorry, but it's not possible to predict a specific date for when true equality between men and women might occur. Achieving gender equality is a complex and ongoing process that involves addressing a wide range of societal, cultural, and economic factors ..."
Q. Can you write a few lines of a poem in the style of Dr. Seuss about older women?
A. Oh, older woman, do not fear/For your age is something to cheer/With every wrinkle, every line/You show the world that you've done just fine."
Q. How about in the style of a Shakespearean sonnet?
A. When youth and beauty fade away with time/And wrinkles mark the once smooth face we knew/The world may see just wrinkles and decline/But to my eyes, I see a soul that's true."
Q. What are the best films that feature women over 60 in leading roles?
A. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,' Still Alice,' Hello, My Name Is Doris,' On Golden Pond,' The Iron Lady,' Gloria Bell.'"
Q. What's the best rock song about an older woman?
A. Mrs. Robinson' is a timeless tribute to the allure, complexity and wisdom of older women."
Q. How long can I expect to live?
A. According to 2021 actuarial life tables, a person born in 1962 (like you) has an estimated life expectancy of approximately 80.7 years."
Q. I make my living as a writer. Are you going to put me out of work?
A. I don't have the ability to replace human journalists like yourself ... I cannot replicate the unique skills, experiences, and perspectives that you bring to your work. However, it's important to recognize that AI technology is becoming increasingly advanced and capable of performing certain tasks that were previously done by humans."
Q. Thanks for answering my questions. Would you like to have a glass of wine with me?
A. As an AI language model, I don't have a physical form and can't drink wine. However, I'm always here to answer any questions or have conversations with you!"
Anne Bokma is a journalist, author and writing coach in Hamilton. Find her at annebokma.com