As they do each year since 2016, AARP surveys the 50+ about tech. AARP’s new Tech Trends and the 50+ offers a sharp reminder about what’s changed in tech ownership over the past decade. We have moved from desktop computers and simple cell phones, email and browsing to today. The report reflects what we can see all around us – 90% of the 50+ have smartphones, texting is their lead communication method, and 90% use social media. Unfortunately, the report continues to frame the older adult as age 50+. With a life expectancy at 65 extending into the 80s and beyond, this 35+ year span called ‘older adult’ might as well be replaced with ‘everybody.’ Maybe next year, the report will begin to examine in detail, as the Link-age Connect 2025 survey does, In January, 2026, the baby boomers start to turn 80 -- 10,000 per day for the next 20 years.
Smart TVs are heading to 100% ownership. As with smartphones, there’s nothing else to buy. And with smartphones, consider the importance of texting as the leading communication method, not to mention the tools available for real-time communication with family. Tablets also have crossed the 50% adoption threshold, notably among those aged 70-79. This makes sense, as the smartphone’s form factor is nearly intolerable for viewing movies, family pictures or scenery from travel.
Is the pervasiveness of tech helpful or daunting? The optimistic summary notes that 66% agree. Make that agreement ‘sort of’. Especially doubtful, the ‘ability of tech to help me age in my home’ – only 15% strongly agree. And still doubtful about tech helping enable a healthy life – no age group has crossed 50% on this question -- though 46% of those aged 80+ have begun to consider the possibility. Meanwhile, only 48% of those aged 80+ believe they have the digital skills necessary to take advantage of being online and 66% of those aged 80+ think tech was not designed with them in mind. Should it be?
Is design improving? Or does awareness of improvements lag? Another way to phrase that – are the oldest even considered in tech design? Maybe for some aspects under the legally mandated accessibility umbrella. Perhaps if older adults were introduced to the accessibility features of their devices, like assistive access on the iPhone or other useful features, they would feel differently. Whose role is to sharpen tech skills of the 80+? AARP Foundation videos? OATS Senior Planet training classes? GetSetup free classes?
As for the use of AI, AARP revealed growing awareness, but little knowledge. Particularly intriguing, the survey showed that awareness and even usage is growing but distrust in the information provided is still high, as well as worry about AI-enabled scams and the potential for growing dependency. As the report concludes – the rising interest in AI ‘underscores a demand for tech that offers convenience, peace of mind, and control.’ With that last attribute, how can it be demonstrated to any user of any age that they are in control?
