Most Americans have embraced technology in their daily lives and those over 50 are no exception.
Want to know what the grandkids are doing?
Different devices for different purposes
Smartphones help people be social while they are on the go.
Over half of smartphone owners use a social app weekly.
Just how adults use technology varies by age.
Respondents report using tablets more for entertainment and computers for practical tasks.
When it comes to wearable technology (smartwatches, fitness trackers, etc.)
and home assistants, just a small percentage of the 50+ market are on board.
Younger adults are more likely to own a wearable than those over 70.
Four in ten (41%) are not very or not at all confident in their privacy.
Those over 70 are more skeptical their information is private online than those aged 60-69, the survey finds.
Most older adults do not completely trust companies to keep their data secure.
And changing passwords every few months?
Just 45 percent of adults 50 and over take that security precaution.
Few older adults have used virtual reality, and many are unfamiliar with augmented reality.
Most respondents had heard of virtual reality devices but few have tried them.
Respondents needed to be age 50 or older to complete the survey.
Completion rate was 59.9% and resulted in a total sample of 1,520.
For more information contact G. Oscar Anderson atGAnderson@aarp.org.
Technology Helps Older Adults Age in Place
Age tech is defined as technology to help people age in place.
Despite its usefulness, however, older adults have been slow to adopt it.
