That is what is "retarded", if we're to use such a word. Can we stop using AGI and current day LLM's in the same sentence? Current LLM will not lead to AGI, not even close.
Governments of the whole world should be clamping down on algorithmic manipulation rather than putting everything as always on the user. But hey, nothing will be done re the algos because the political parties also use them to their advantage.
While marketing is a BIG factor in MS' software success, claiming that is also why eldery seniors prefer it is just plain wrong and regarded. I dont know any 80+ year old who knows what Excel or Powerpoint even are unless they used it in their last job. Your family's case is nuanced and irrelevant in broader discussions.