AI is Giving Us All More Time - How Will Choose to Use Yours?

TED’s motto is “Ideas change everything.” 

As someone who’s been writing and speaking about the future of retirement for over a decade, I had no shortage of ideas to bring to my TEDx talk. But when my TED coach (BTW they require the speakers to get coaching) challenged me to focus on just one big idea, it became clear what that idea had to be: Time. 

We are entering an era where artificial intelligence (AI) will quietly—and then dramatically—transform nearly every aspect of our lives. In the short term, it will help us get more done, reduce stress, and save time. In the longer term, I believe it will revolutionize medicine, giving many of us not just more years—but more healthy, meaningful years. 

In this sense, many of us may become winners of the “time lottery.” AI could give us more free time in our days and more healthy years in our lives. 

But are we ready for that? 

I recently had the opportunity to deliver a TEDx talk. In my session, I invited viewers—especially those of us 50 and beyond—to rethink what we do with time. If we are gifted more of it, how do we make it count? 

AI is evolving fast and there are real risks and we absolutely must be mindful of them. But I believe it’s just as important to consider the positive potential—and to begin imagining a life where more time means deeper purpose, greater contribution, and a redefined retirement. 

In addition to identifying this potential time surplus that we may experience in our lifetime, one of my additional underlying intentions behind my talk was to gently challenge people to think more deeply about what they truly want from this later next stage of life.  

We often think that “more time” automatically means more fulfillment, but as many discover this is not always the case—especially when so many are already feeling a lack of purpose or engagement in retirement. 

But there are so many valuable ways that we can use this extra time we will have that would not only benefit us but also potentials those around us. Here are just a few examples; 

• Mentor the Next Generation 
  Pass on life experience through formal or informal mentorship. 

• Learn with Purpose 
  Pursue new skills or knowledge that align with your passions. 

• Create Something Personal 
  Write, paint, record—express ideas long held back. 

• Volunteer with Impact 
  Support causes where your background makes a real difference. 

• Deepen Family Connections 
  Be more present for grandchildren or aging loved ones. 

• Explore Inner Life 
  Use time for mindfulness, meditation, or personal growth. 

• Live Experientially 
  Take micro-adventures, explore new places, test new lifestyles. 

These are just a few ideas. One thing that we are now learning is that the future is truly evolving and it’s up to each of us how we will embrace, use and ultimately enjoy this potential time we now have. 

So, what do you plan to do with your extra time? 

Here's my TEDx Talk;