Last month we visited about how important it is to maximize our movement and physical activity to prolong our healthy, productive and active years as we age. These days, senior citizens are using the internet more than ever before … but just how are we and our neighbors using the internet to assist us in living more active, productive and enjoyable lives?
In this column we will look at how senior citizens are using “screens” and what we are doing online.
According to the Pew Research Center, a 2024 study revealed that 90% of adults age 65+ are online, and even more (98%) of those ages 50-64 are online. I believe our local statistics may trend lower for folks in our community, likely due to the slower availability of broadband access and lack of awareness and education about technology. The fact remains, however, that you’ll find many of your senior neighbors on their tablets, smartphones or home computers.
AARP research indicates that more than 91% of older Americans own a smartphone.
Interestingly, the research shows that Android smartphones are more popular than Apple devices among those of us older than 50. According to the AARP, most online seniors own an average of seven tech devices (counting smart televisions.)
In that AARP research, seniors were asked what activities they had conducted online in the past three months via a website or a mobile app. So how are we using our digital access? Most of us are browsing the internet, communicating with others or shopping.
You’ll find most of us taking advantage of the conveniences of maps and navigation as well as checking on the weather (current and forecasted.)
Surprisingly, social media is sixth in popularity and use according to this research.
Finally, the list of most popular apps rounds out with many of us using the internet to see and save photos or other digital images.
Fewer than 70% of seniors admitted to using finance and banking services online, accessing music, reading news and magazines, games or calendars. Only 45% used the internet to video chat. 35% used the internet while travelling or for medical services, 34% used it for personal hobbies and 32% sought information about product reviews or information while online. Rounding out the research, 30% of seniors used the internet to view sports.
According to AARP, the most popular app we use online is YouTube, with 88% of those age 55 and older using it on a weekly basis.
Nearly half of seniors spend more than an hour on social media every day. In addition to YouTube, Facebook remains the most popular with 59-72% of seniors using the platform.
I was surprised at the frequency of other social media use among my fellow seniors. For instance, the research indicated that Instagram is increasing each year with 33% reporting they use the app, and one in five older adults use WhatsApp, Pinterest and LinkedIn as well.
Thank you again for the opportunity to share with you how other seniors are using their online access. As always, if you have feedback or suggestions as to a future topic for the “On Aging Wisely” column, please just contact me at amykeithmcdonald@gmail. com.