In January, AARP released “2024 Tech Trends and Adults 50+,” its annual report that outlines the latest research on shifting and emerging trends in tech adoption and use among older adults. To help support the groundbreaking efforts of startups and other participants in the AgeTech Collaborative™, here are some highlights regarding the types of devices older adults own and what kinds of digital services they use.
You can see the second part in this series, focusing on wellness and social engagement, here.
Device Ownership Among the 50-Plus Tech Consumer
There has been a noticeable shift in technology adoption and use among older adults. In the past, the number of adults aged 50-plus adopting technology has lagged behind those who are aged 18–49. Now, in most categories, ownership has reached parity between the two age groups. Smart home technology, however, has yet to make significant inroads among the older population.
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Older adults own an average of seven tech devices, with a significant increase in ownership of smartphones (89%, up from 77%), smart TVs (75%, up from 64%) and wearables (34%, up from 17%) compared to 2022, and nearly all older adults own at least one tech device.
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Most older adults use their devices daily, especially smartphones (98%), wearables (79%), laptop and desktop computers (about 60%) and tablets (57%).
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Between one-third and one-half of older adults are either using or are interested in smart home devices — but it depends on the technology. Security devices and Wi-Fi extenders are the most popular, and devices that control lighting, appliances and utilities are among the least popular.
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Another one-third to one-half of adults aged 50-plus are not interested in smart home devices, with 20% saying they are not needed, 13% saying they are too expensive, about 12% saying they prefer traditional methods or don’t trust the new solutions, and 5% saying the new solutions are too complicated.
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Among those who are interested in smart home tech, the most popular are cameras that identify who is at the front door (60% currently using or interested in using) and alarms that alert users when a door or window has been opened or closed unexpectedly (38%).
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Two-thirds of 50-plus consumers have hesitations when considering a tech purchase, citing design or ease of use (24%), benefit (23%), cost (23%) and privacy (21%) as the top roadblocks.
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While most people aged 50-plus say that it’s important for old and new tech to work together seamlessly, only half say that the tech in their homes does so consistently.
Digital Services and How They Are Accessed
AARP’s research shows that whether through an app or a website, nearly all adults have access to a wide variety of digital services that allow them to streamline everyday tasks and save time and money. But the breakdown of those services, and how they are accessed, reveals some interesting trends.
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Around 70% or more of older adults use basic digital services for browsing the internet, communicating, using social media and shopping. But less than half use technology for other activities, such as playing games, engaging medical resources or supporting personal hobbies.
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Older adults are most likely to use a website, rather than an app, to access many of the most commonly used digital services such as internet browsing and shopping. However, less common activities — such as playing games, listening to music and viewing photos — are more likely to be accessed via an app.
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Of those older adults who do use technology to access caregiving, medical and educational resources, most are likely to use a website, not an app.
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Streaming entertainment apps are the most likely to be the services older adults will pay for (71% of those who use such apps), followed by smart home tech, music and books. Games represent the lowest percentage of apps users are willing to pay for (11% of those who play games via an app).
You can find more details and insights in the full report.
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