Health and wellness searches
Health-related queries are among the most frequent for older adults, who often use the internet to manage chronic conditions and stay informed. A 2025 AARP survey found that 72% of adults over 50 had searched for health topics in the previous three months. Seniors primarily search for educational information to understand conditions, treatment options, and disease symptoms. Telehealth services and online pharmacy access are also gaining traction.
- Chronic condition management: Information on specific diseases like arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes.
- Medication research: Looking up information on prescription drugs and potential side effects.
- Lifestyle advice: Searches for nutrition, exercise, and sleep guidance are common.
- Mental health: Information on stress management and maintaining cognitive health is growing in popularity.
- Digital health tools: Queries about devices like health sensors, e-prescriptions, and online appointment booking.
Financial planning and security
With retirement on the horizon or already underway, financial stability is a significant concern for many older adults, driving searches related to retirement planning, estate management, and investing. The rise of online scams also makes digital security a key topic.
- Retirement planning: Topics include understanding Social Security benefits, early retirement rules, and managing withdrawals from savings.
- Estate planning: Guidance on wills, trusts, and revisiting estate documents after major life changes.
- Scam awareness: Searches related to avoiding scams, including romance scams, tech support fraud, and government impersonation schemes.
- Finding financial advisors: Looking for trusted, fee-only financial planners with expertise in elder care and retirement.
Social connection and entertainment
The internet is a vital tool for seniors to combat social isolation and find entertainment. Social media and video platforms are particularly popular.
- Social media: Many older adults, especially those between 65 and 74, use platforms like Facebook and YouTube to connect with friends and family.
- Video streaming: Seniors enjoy streaming movies, TV shows, and documentaries on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
- Online communities: Searching for online forums, groups, and virtual book clubs to connect with like-minded people.
Travel and hobbies
Retirement often opens up more free time for travel and new hobbies, and seniors use search engines for research and inspiration.
- Travel planning: Researching accessible destinations, cruise options, and travel deals.
- Educational resources: Looking up online courses, tutorials, and how-to videos for new skills or interests.
- Hobby-related searches: From gardening tips to birdwatching identification, the internet fuels a wide range of interests.
Comparison Table: Senior Technology Adoption by Age Group
Understanding the nuanced differences between younger and older seniors reveals distinct patterns in technology adoption and usage.
| Feature | Younger Seniors (approx. 65-74) | Older Seniors (approx. 75+) |
|---|---|---|
| Internet Usage Rate | High; comparable to the general population. | Lower; a smaller but growing percentage use the internet. |
| Home Broadband | High; around two-thirds have a broadband connection. | Lower; adoption is significantly less prevalent. |
| Smartphone Ownership | High; ownership rates are approaching younger age groups. | Considerably lower; decreases significantly after age 75. |
| Health Searches | More likely to use multiple online sources for health information. | More reliant on family assistance for online health information. |
| Digital Health Tools | More open to and familiar with a broader range of digital health tools, like online appointments. | Less likely to have used advanced digital health tools. |
| Social Media Use | More likely to be active on social media sites. | Less likely to use social media. |
Conclusion
What are seniors searching for online is a reflection of their evolving priorities and capabilities in the digital age. From managing their health and financial futures to connecting with loved ones and exploring new hobbies, older adults are increasingly embracing the internet as a tool to improve their quality of life. While a digital divide persists based on factors like age, income, and education, technology adoption and digital literacy continue to trend upward within this demographic. Companies and service providers can meet the needs of this market by focusing on ease of use, security, and providing relevant, trustworthy information. Educational initiatives, like those promoted by organizations such as AARP, are also instrumental in bridging the gap and empowering older adults online. Their searches point toward a desire for independence, security, social connection, and lifelong learning.
Based on data from a 2025 AARP study on technology trends among older adults
