Seniors Have Become Increasingly Tech-Savvy
The Internet Isn’t Just for Kids Anymore
Internet acronyms LOL and ROTFL have jumped the generation gap. Today, more and more seniors have become tech-savvy to enjoy social networking and surfing the web. In fact, seniors are the fastest growing adopters of social media.
As of May 2013, 43 percent of those aged 35 or older used a social networking site, compared to just 26 percent of seniors in 2010. When you look at wider Internet use, the statistics are even more impressive: 59 percent of seniors across all income brackets are online, and that number rises sharply as income increases. Pew Research Center also reports the following statistics.
Senior Technology Stats
- 59% of seniors go online
- 46% of seniors online use a social networking site like Facebook
- 47% of seniors have a cell phone
- 90% of seniors with household income of $75,000 or more go online
- 39% of seniors with household income of less than $30,000 go online
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Once seniors go online, it becomes a regular part of their lives
- 71% go online every day
- 82% go online at least weekly
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Top motivators for seniors to go online:
- 75% - Easier to communicate with family and friends
- 58% - Shopping
- 53% - Health Information
As the internet plays an increasingly central role in connecting Americans to news and information, government services, health resources, and opportunities for social support, it’s important that we remember the great number of seniors online and meet their specific online needs.
Alternatives for Seniors is a print and online directory that specifically caters to the housing and personal care concerns of senior citizens and their families. If you’re seeking a senior residence for yourself or a loved one, visit alternativesforseniors.com. There you’ll locate great resources for finding the right senior apartment, independent-living, assisted-living, or other continuing-care community.
BLOG Date: Thursday, July 10, 2014
Writer: Ryan Allen