What do older people use their phones for? Connecting, Learning, and Staying Safe

Oct 28, 2025 4 min read •

Aging Technology

According to a 2022 survey, nearly 73% of individuals aged 65 and older in the U.S. used the internet, a massive jump from just 14% in 2000. So, what do older people use their phones for? The answer goes far beyond simple communication, encompassing everything from social connection and health management to safety and entertainment.

Quick Summary

Older adults primarily use their smartphones for communication with friends and family, accessing health and wellness information, and for safety and convenience features. Entertainment, such as games and streaming, and lifelong learning opportunities are also key uses.

Key Points

Enhanced Communication: Older adults use phones for video calls, texting, and social media to stay connected with family and friends, reducing social isolation.
Improved Safety and Security: Smartphones provide safety through emergency SOS features, GPS tracking, and fall detection, offering peace of mind.
Better Health Management: Telemedicine appointments, medication reminder apps, and health tracking tools empower seniors to manage their well-being from home.
Access to Convenience: Services for ride-sharing, online banking, and grocery delivery enhance independence for those with mobility challenges.
Cognitive Stimulation and Learning: Brain games, streaming media, and educational apps help keep older adults mentally sharp and engaged in lifelong learning.
Entertainment Options: Phones provide easy access to a variety of entertainment, including streaming movies, listening to music, and reading e-books or audiobooks.

Communication and Social Connection

One of the most significant benefits of smartphone use for older adults is enhanced social connectivity. Phones serve as a vital tool for combating loneliness and isolation, particularly for those with limited mobility or who live far from family.

Staying in Touch with Family and Friends

Video Calls: Grandparents are connecting with grandchildren through FaceTime, Zoom, and WhatsApp, enabling face-to-face interactions despite geographical distance.
Texting and Messaging: Simple text messages and voice messages on platforms like WhatsApp make casual communication easy and convenient.
Social Media: Facebook is a popular platform for older adults, allowing them to stay updated on family news and reconnect with old friends.

Health and Wellness Management

Smartphones are empowering older adults to take a more active role in managing their health, providing access to essential information and tools right from their pockets.

Remote Care and Monitoring

Telemedicine: The rise of telehealth services allows seniors to have virtual doctor's consultations from home, saving time and travel.
Medication Reminders: Apps like Medisafe can send daily reminders to ensure medications are taken on schedule, reducing the risk of missed doses.
Health Tracking Apps: Built-in health features on smartphones and connected wearable devices track physical activity, steps, and heart rate, helping seniors stay healthy and monitor key metrics.

Safety and Independence

For many, a smartphone provides a crucial sense of security and independence, offering peace of mind for both seniors and their families.

Emergency Features

SOS Buttons: Many smartphones include built-in Emergency SOS features that can contact emergency services or a designated family member with a single button press.
GPS Location Sharing: Apps like Life360 allow family members to track a senior's location, which is particularly beneficial for those with memory issues.
Fall Detection: Modern smartwatches can detect falls and automatically alert emergency contacts, though this feature often integrates with the user's smartphone.

Navigation and Transportation

GPS Navigation: Google Maps and Waze offer voice-guided navigation, making it easier for seniors to find their way around unfamiliar areas.
Ride-Sharing Services: For those who no longer drive, apps like Uber and Lyft offer a convenient way to arrange transportation for appointments or social visits.

Entertainment and Lifelong Learning

Smartphones offer a wealth of entertainment and educational resources, keeping minds active and engaged.

Brain Games and Puzzles

Cognitive Stimulation: Games like Words With Friends, Sudoku, and Lumosity provide mental exercise and help sharpen cognitive functions like memory and problem-solving.
Learning New Skills: Educational apps like Duolingo offer a fun and accessible way for older adults to learn a new language or explore a new hobby.

Media and Reading

Streaming Services: Apps for Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube provide access to a huge library of movies, shows, and educational content.
E-books and Audiobooks: The Kindle or Audible apps allow seniors to access a library of books with customizable text sizes, while the Libby app offers free digital library access.

A Comparison of Older Adult vs. Younger Adult Smartphone Usage

To understand older people's phone usage better, it helps to compare it with that of younger adults.


Feature	Older Adult Usage	Younger Adult Usage	Difference
Primary Goal	Staying connected, health management, safety	Entertainment, social networking, instant gratification	Focus shifts from practical life management to more recreational uses
Most Used Apps	Facebook, Google Maps, banking apps, health apps	Social media (e.g., TikTok, Instagram), entertainment, gaming	Older users prioritize practical tools, while younger users focus on social and entertainment platforms
Daily Screen Time	Significantly less, averaging around 3-4 hours daily	Much higher, often exceeding 6 hours daily for Gen Z	Older users are less reliant on constant device interaction compared to younger generations
Attitude to Tech	Positive, but with significant concerns about privacy and complexity	Generally high trust and comfort level, with less privacy concern	Older users are more cautious and concerned with security, often requiring more support

Conclusion: More Than Just a Communication Tool

Older people use their phones for a wide and sophisticated range of activities that significantly enhance their quality of life. From providing essential safety features and enabling remote healthcare access to offering crucial social connections and mental stimulation, smartphones are powerful tools for empowerment. While the learning curve can be steep for some, the numerous benefits make overcoming initial resistance worthwhile. The increasing adoption of technology by this demographic shows that, with the right support and accessible features, older adults can master modern devices and enjoy a more independent, connected, and informed life.

For more detailed information on helping older adults with technology, including training tips and accessibility features, you can explore resources like the AARPTek tutorials.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common use of a phone among older adults is communication, including making calls, sending text messages, and using social media platforms like Facebook to stay in touch with family and friends.

Yes, many older people play games on their smartphones. Games like Words With Friends, Sudoku, and other brain-training apps like Lumosity are popular for keeping their minds active and entertained.

Smartphones help seniors with health by providing access to telemedicine, medication reminder apps, and health-tracking features. They can also connect to wearable devices to monitor activity and vital signs.

Older adults most frequently use apps for communication (Facebook, WhatsApp), navigation (Google Maps), online banking, and health management (Medisafe). E-reader apps and streaming services are also common.

Key challenges for seniors include physical limitations like poor vision or dexterity, fear of technology or making mistakes, and concerns about internet privacy and safety. Complex interfaces and frequent updates can also be confusing.

Phones enhance independence by offering access to services like ride-sharing (Uber, Lyft) and grocery delivery (Instacart). They also provide convenient ways to manage banking, bill payments, and medical appointments, all from home.

While older adults spend less time on their phones compared to younger generations, some studies suggest that excessive social media engagement could lead to negative mental health effects, though overall usage tends to be more moderate.

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.