AARP Tech Trends and Older Adults: Digital Literacy Skills Critical to Tech Usage
AARP has recently released their annual survey: “2024 Tech Trends and Adults 50+” with some interesting findings on how tech and digital literacy continues to play a critical role in improving the lives and health outcomes of older adults and how census data and trends show that this population can’t be ignored when it comes to aging in place, caregiving, healthcare and other aspects of life.
According to the U.S. Census, starting in 2030, older Americans will make up 21% of the population. By 2060, 1 out of 4 Americans will be older than 65, compared to 1 out of 5 Americans who will be younger than 18.
In the report, AARP concludes, "The findings call for a more inclusive approach to product design, support, and education to cater to an increasingly tech-savvy older consumer."
While there has been an increase in ownership of smart phones, tablets and home assistants, particularly among those 60+, about one-third of older adults express low comfort levels and hesitancy about technology.
According to the survey:
“Though the 50-plus are comfortable with what they use and know, they have a wait-and-see approach toward new tech.
Only two-thirds (66%) of those 50-plus express comfort with their digital literacy skills; and comfort diminishes with age.
64% of 50-plus adults do not feel technology today is designed with their age in mind.”
AARP 2024 Tech Trends Adults 50+
On health and wellness, the survey found:
“Technology has the potential to play a significant role encouraging wellness and healthy aging.
Half of adults 50-plus recognize that technology can enable a healthy life.
Seven in 10 (69%) of this audience have one or more chronic health issue(s), but few are using technology to manage.
Most of the 50-plus have experienced a significant life event such as a new chronic health diagnosis or a major health status change in the past two years. When life events happen, the 50-plus are using some digital services to help them, but there are many underused services available where tech could help make life easier and save time or money.”
These findings reinforce what we have been seeing at Candoo Tech, where we work with thousands of older adults to help them get comfortable using technology to improve their lives. We have seen the power of providing training and support using non-technical language and patience to set up and explain how to use technology to access healthcare, food, transportation and connect with family and friends. In sometimes as little time as 30 minutes, older adults realize that they “candoo” it!
If you are interested in learning more about Candoo Tech’s digital literacy training and support programs for older adults through health plans, hospital systems, senior living communities or others, email partners@candootech.com.