How do older adults use technology? Insights for Staying Connected and Independent

Oct 27, 2025 3 min read •

senior care Healthy Aging Technology

According to AARP, older Americans are increasingly embracing technology, with many purchasing new devices annually. Understanding how do older adults use technology reveals a sophisticated landscape of digital engagement that supports everything from social connections to health management and daily independence.

Quick Summary

Older adults utilize a wide range of technologies, including smartphones, social media, telehealth, and smart home devices, to enhance their daily lives. They prioritize tech that enables social connection with family and friends, assists with health and wellness monitoring, and promotes safety and independence for aging in place.

Key Points

Social Connection: Technology helps older adults combat isolation by enabling regular contact with loved ones through video calls and social media.
Health Management: Seniors use wearables, telehealth, and medication apps to actively monitor and manage their health and wellness from home.
Safety and Independence: Smart home devices, medical alert systems, and GPS trackers enhance safety and promote independent living for those aging in place.
Engagement and Learning: Digital platforms offer rich resources for entertainment, hobbies, and lifelong learning, keeping the mind sharp.
Addressing Barriers: Efforts are focused on creating more user-friendly designs and providing tech support to help older adults overcome hurdles like complexity and privacy concerns.

The Expanding Digital World for Seniors

For many, the idea of older adults and technology conjures up images of frustration, but this stereotype is rapidly becoming outdated. Today's seniors, particularly those in the 50-plus demographic, are increasingly fluent and confident with technology, using it not just for leisure but as a critical tool for managing health, staying safe, and maintaining social connections. This shift is not merely a trend but a fundamental change in how older adults engage with the world.

Tech for Keeping Socially Connected

One of the most profound impacts of technology on older adults is its ability to combat social isolation and loneliness. Social connection is vital for mental health and well-being, and digital tools provide easy, consistent ways to stay in touch with family and friends, especially those who live far away. For example, video calling platforms like Zoom, FaceTime, and WhatsApp are popular for seeing and interacting with loved ones in real-time. Social media sites, particularly Facebook and YouTube, are also widely used among older adults to follow family updates, engage with communities, and share their own experiences.

Technology for Health and Wellness

Managing one’s health is a primary concern for many older adults. Technology offers a growing number of solutions that empower seniors to take an active role in their health and wellness journey. These include:

Telehealth Services: Remote consultations with doctors via video have become increasingly common, reducing the need for travel, especially for those with mobility issues.
Wearable Devices: Smartwatches and fitness trackers monitor physical activity, heart rate, sleep patterns, and other vital signs, with some even offering fall detection capabilities.
Medication Management: Automated pill dispensers with alerts and medication reminder apps help ensure seniors take the right dose at the right time, minimizing the risk of errors.
Health Tracking Apps: These can assist with managing chronic conditions by tracking blood pressure, glucose levels, and other health data, which can then be shared with healthcare providers.

Tools for Safety and Independent Living

For older adults who wish to age in place, technology provides a critical support system that enhances safety and independence. Smart home devices and assistive technologies are key to this, creating a safer and more convenient living environment. Features include voice-activated assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant that can control lighting, set reminders, and make calls with simple voice commands. Medical alert systems, including wearable pendants and fall detection devices, offer 24/7 access to help in emergencies. Video doorbells and smart locks add an extra layer of security, allowing seniors to see and communicate with visitors from their smartphone or tablet.

Entertainment and Lifelong Learning

Beyond practical applications, technology offers a vast array of entertainment and educational opportunities for seniors. Streaming services like Netflix and Hulu provide access to a wide range of movies and shows, while e-readers like Kindle allow for adjustable font sizes and backlighting, making reading easier on aging eyes. Online courses and tutorials are readily available, enabling older adults to explore new hobbies or continue their education from home. Brain-training apps and games, such as Lumosity, also offer engaging challenges to help maintain cognitive sharpness.

A Look at Tech for Seniors: Modern vs. Traditional


Feature	Modern Technology	Traditional Alternative
Communication	Video calls (Zoom), instant messaging (WhatsApp), social media (Facebook)	Landline phone, handwritten letters
Entertainment	Streaming services (Netflix), e-readers (Kindle), YouTube	Cable TV, physical books, radio
Health Monitoring	Wearable fitness trackers (Fitbit), medication reminder apps	Writing reminders on a calendar, manual health logs
Safety & Convenience	Smart home assistants (Alexa), medical alert systems with fall detection	Asking a neighbor for help, leaving lights on
Information	Instant online search, news apps	Newspaper, encyclopedia

Overcoming Barriers and Looking Ahead

While technology adoption is rising, challenges remain. Issues like physical limitations (reduced dexterity, vision changes), the complexity of user interfaces, and concerns about privacy and scams can be barriers for some older adults. However, designers are increasingly focusing on user-friendly technology, and various community-based programs offer tech support and training. The key is providing accessible resources and patient, hands-on assistance. As technology continues to evolve, with advancements in AI and more specialized AgeTech, the focus will be on creating integrated, seamless solutions that truly meet the diverse needs of the older population, further bridging the digital divide.

Learn more about AgeTech trends and challenges from AARP's research reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Older adults use technology for communication through various means, including video call apps like FaceTime and Zoom, messaging apps such as WhatsApp, and social media platforms like Facebook to connect with family and friends.

The main benefits include improved social connection to combat loneliness, enhanced health management through monitoring devices and telehealth, increased independence via smart home and safety tools, and access to entertainment and learning opportunities.

Popular devices include smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, e-readers, and wearable fitness trackers. Voice-activated smart speakers are also increasingly used for hands-free convenience.

Common challenges include physical limitations like vision or dexterity issues, a lack of familiarity with complex interfaces, concerns about privacy and online scams, and the cost of new devices or services.

For health management, older adults use tech for telemedicine appointments, wearable devices to track vital signs, and apps or smart dispensers for medication reminders, helping them stay on top of their care.

Yes, interest in technologies like AI is growing among older adults. Many are curious about its potential benefits, though some remain hesitant due to concerns about privacy and reliability.

Families can help by providing patient, hands-on assistance, focusing on one-on-one training, simplifying device settings (e.g., larger fonts), and helping to set up helpful apps that match the senior's interests and needs.

AgeTech refers to technology designed to help people age well. Older adults use these devices, such as connected medical alert systems, hearing aids with Bluetooth, and simplified tablets, to enhance their independence and quality of life.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.