The purpose of this preliminary study seeks to explore senior learners’ current understanding of AI and their perceptions and motivation of its role in language learning and lifelong education. This study focuses on gathering baseline data through the two structured questionnaire: QAIUM and AIM, and a semi-structured interview (Yurt & Kasarci, 2024; Li, 2025). The 15 participants are around retirement age, ranging from 60 to 76. By the end of this research, educators can have a deeper understanding of how these senior learners view AI in education. Furthermore, this research helps investigate the motives and the openness or the potential concerns senior learners may have towards the use of technology. Their answers were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed by using thematic analysis. Findings reveal the combination of learners’ curiosity for exploration and hesitation for investment of their time and effort. Some participants express their doubt derive from unfamiliarity to the use of AI. The insight generated from this preliminary study will provide a foundation considering the learners’ positive feedback and potential restraint for the design of the subsequent research.