Women in all age groups 50 and older had higher daily smart phone usage rates than men.
Smartphones are most commonly used to gather information on the fly, and to connect socially through text, email, websites or apps, users reported. More than half also said that they use their smartphones to send or receive instant messages or email, get directions or traffic information, visit websites or surf the internet, get news and other information, access a social networking site and download or purchase an app, AARP found.
While younger adults have abandoned tablets, older adults are adopting tablets at an increasing rate. In fact, more than half (52%) of adults ages 50 and older own a table, the AARP found.
Once adopted, usage of smartphones, wearables, tablets, home assistants/smart speakers and smart home technology is high with most owners using their technology daily. But while older adults are highly engaged with their devices, many are not using the technology to its full potential, the AARP said.
While adults ages 50 and older are using smartphones and tablets to maintain social connections, find information and for entertainment, only a few are using their device to automate their home or conduct transactions. That’s a telling finding for advisors and the financial services industry, who will need to be mindful of this demographic’s learning curve when it comes to virtual activities.
Demand for health and wellness technology to enhance provider care is also increasing among older adults, AARP found. With 76% of adults age 50 and older indicating a desire to age in place, voice activated tools such as home assistants and home health-care technology (emergency or virtual care) are relevant potential purchases for them. When offered a choice, over half (53%) of consumers said they would prefer to have their health-care needs managed by a mix of medical professionals and health care technology, AARP found.