BY JARREN RINGLE
Do you wonder how your use of tech compares to your peers? Do you want to know how your peers use technology? Do you think you’re missing the “tech boat”? I’m not suggesting it’s a “keeping up with the Jones” kind of thing. But still, you may be curious.
AARP recently published a report showing the tech trends of adults 50 and older. Here’s the bottom line as stated in the AARP report: “The 50-plus audience is now at parity with 18-49 regarding ownership of most of the primary tech devices. Nearly all adults 50-plus now own at least one tech device.”
So, let’s look a little deeper at the findings. The survey broke down what adults aged 50 plus own:
- 89% smartphone (Apple or Android)
- 75% smart TV (try to buy a new TV that isn’t “smart”)
- 58% tablet (like an iPad, Amazon Kindle, etc.)
- 34% wearables (such as an Apple or Android watch, Fitbit, Garman, Bluetooth earbuds, etc.)
- 33% home assistant (like Amazon Echo, Google Home, Siri, etc.)
- 23% smart home devices (smart thermostat, lightbulb, plug, doorbell, etc.)
What digital services are the 50-plus survey respondents using tech devices for?
- 81% internet browsing
- 80% communication
- 78% retail/shopping
- 74% weather, maps, or navigation
- 72% social media
- 71% photos
- 62% finance or banking
I am pleased to see older folks are taking advantage of many of the things technology can offer. I know tech is an important tool for me in my daily life. I also know many older adults feel they lack the skills to fully use the technology they own. That statistic was also shown in the survey.
“One in three older adults do not feel they have the digital literacy skills necessary to take advantage of being online. As age increases, more older adults doubt their digital literacy skills.”
-AARP
I’ll close with the following from the AARP report, “Most 50-plus prefer someone they know to show them how to use technology.” 71% of respondents said they prefer to have a friend or family member show them how to use the technology they own. You also have the option to sign up for a 1:1 with me at SourcePoint to discuss your issues, concerns, questions, etc. Check for available appointments and register online HERE.
As the Brits say… let’s give it a go!
Jarren Ringle is a member of SourcePoint and a volunteer instructor. SourcePointers come to Jarren for tutelage on their tablets, laptops, and the most popular of all devices – cell phones. He teaches various technology classes throughout the year including one-on-one sessions and group classes. Jarren also volunteers at the Delaware County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. With many years of project management experience in various technology fields, he enjoys helping others with technology.