20 ChatGPT Prompts for Beginners Over 50

Artificial Intelligence chatbots like ChatGPT are powerful tools, but they are only as good as the instructions you give them. Figuring out *how* to ask for what you want is the most important skill to learn. This is often called "prompting". If you're not sure what ChatGPT actually is yet, our guide to what AI is is a good place to start.

A good prompt is clear, specific, and gives the AI all the context it needs. Here are 20 prompts for everyday situations. You can copy them directly, but the best results usually come from adapting them to your own needs. Try a few and see what works for you.

Everyday Communications

1. Write a formal letter

Please draft a formal letter to my local council's planning department. I need to object to the planning application [reference number]. My main reasons for objecting are the increase in traffic, the loss of green space, and the strain on local services. Please adopt a polite but firm tone.

Why it works: This prompt gives the recipient, the topic, the main arguments, and the desired tone, so the AI has a clear structure to follow.

2. Chase up a delivery

Write a polite email to [customer service email address]. My order number is [order number], placed on [date]. It was supposed to arrive by [date] but I have not received it. Please ask them for an update on its location.

Why it works: It includes all the specific details needed for the company to identify the order, making the email effective.

3. Write a thank you note

Please write a short, warm thank you note to my friend Sarah. I want to thank her for the lovely birthday lunch last Tuesday. Mention that I particularly enjoyed the conversation about her garden.

Why it works: Personal details make the note sound genuine and thoughtful.

Health and Wellness

4. Get recipe ideas

I have chicken breasts, broccoli, and a can of chopped tomatoes in my fridge. Can you suggest three simple, healthy dinner recipes I could make with these ingredients? Please provide the full ingredient list and step-by-step instructions for each.

Why it works: Listing what you already have leads to practical suggestions and less food waste.

5. Create a gentle exercise plan

I want to start doing some gentle exercise at home. I am in my 60s and have some stiffness in my knees. Can you suggest a 15-minute routine of simple stretches and movements I could do three times a week? Focus on improving mobility and balance.

Why it works: It states the goal, duration, frequency, and physical limitations, ensuring the suggestions are safe and appropriate. (Always consult a doctor before starting a new exercise regime).

Travel and Hobbies

6. Plan a day trip

I'm planning a day trip to the Cotswolds by car. Can you suggest a relaxed itinerary? I'd like to visit one or two picturesque villages, have a nice pub lunch, and maybe do a short, easy walk. Please suggest a route starting from Oxford.

Why it works: The location, transport, activities, and starting point are all there, so the result is a logical, usable plan rather than a vague list of suggestions.

7. Write a packing list

Create a packing list for a 7-day holiday to the coast of Cornwall in September. Include clothing for variable weather, walking shoes, and any essential documents or medications I shouldn't forget.

Why it works: The destination, duration, and time of year mean you get a specific list rather than a generic one.

8. Learn about a topic

Explain the history of the Roman conquest of Britain as if you were a museum guide talking to a group of interested adults. Keep it engaging and focus on the main events and personalities.

Why it works: The "act as a..." instruction helps the AI adopt a specific, easy-to-understand style.

Home and Garden

9. Get gardening advice

What are five low-maintenance flowering plants that would be suitable for a sunny patio in the UK? I'm looking for plants that provide colour for a long period over the summer.

Why it works: This is specific about the location (sunny patio), region (UK), and desired characteristics (low-maintenance, long flowering season).

10. Summarise a document

[Paste the text of a long email or article here]

Please summarise the main points of the text above in three bullet points.

Why it works: This is a huge time-saver for understanding the gist of long, complicated documents.

More Prompt Ideas

11. Gift Ideas: "Suggest five birthday gift ideas for my 12-year-old grandson. He is interested in science and building things. My budget is around £30." (See our full guide to using AI for gift ideas for more prompts like this.)
12. Explain Technology: "What is 'the cloud' in simple, non-technical terms? Use an analogy to help me understand."
13. Film Recommendations: "I enjoyed the films 'The King's Speech' and 'Downton Abbey'. Can you recommend three other films I might like that are available on Netflix?" (Our guide to AI TV recommendations has more prompts for this.)
14. Brainstorming: "I'm retiring next year. Can you help me brainstorm a list of 20 potential new hobbies or activities to explore?"
15. Book Club Questions: "Generate a list of ten discussion questions for a book club reading 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen."
16. Complaint Letter: "Draft a firm but polite letter of complaint to a hotel. The room was not clean and the service at breakfast was very slow. Mention that I stayed on [date]."
17. Speech Writing: "Help me write a short, warm speech for my daughter's wedding. I want to welcome the groom to our family and share a happy memory from her childhood."
18. Pet Advice: "What are the main things to consider when adopting a rescue dog for the first time?"
19. Poem Writing: "Write a short, simple poem about the changing seasons in an English country garden."
20. Solving a Dispute: "My neighbour and I disagree about the boundary between our gardens. Can you give me some advice on the first steps to take to resolve this amicably?"

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