Over 65 --- do you "mobile" are you "digital"???

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For folks that are over 65, what is your view on their propensity to adopt:

  1. Native mobile apps
  2. Voice devices (Alexa, etc)
  3. Smart watch (Apple watch, etc)
  4. Fitness devices (Fitbit, Garmin, etc)


General observations or data are welcome ...

Mobile Devices
Fitness
Digital Transformation
Bruce Buttles
65 months ago

3 answers

3

Well, since 60 is the new 40, most people over 65 have been able to embrace new technology especially when it comes to phones, computers, laptops, and iPads. There will always be those who fight technology - I for one, have had to adapt to playing music from my iPad to teach yoga, pilates, and other classes.

With that said, I have not seen too many people over 65 using voice devices, smart watches or other fitness devices. I teach fitness classes at a retirement community and have yet to see anyone walk into class with any of these devices. And that includes cell phones.

Those are my general observations and I hope you find them helpful!
Sherry

Sherry Granader
65 months ago
Great feedback - thank you! Just to clarify your last comment, are you saying that in the retirement community that you teach at folk DO have or do NOT have "smart phones"? - Bruce 65 months ago
So far, I have not seen anyone in the retirement community with a phone - at least not when they come to class. - Sherry 65 months ago
great thx! - Bruce 65 months ago
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As the current age bands advance fewer people will lack experience with those devices mentioned. Meaning that as the 60 years old band becomes the 70 year old band, etc. they bring with them their experiences, both good and bad. Speaking as someone who is in the later stages of my 60's I have all of the technologies mentioned and use apps for home automation, security, medical records and appointments, as well as Alexa integrated apps on the phone and in the home.

ALL of my friends in my age bracket who are mostly retired, and quite a number of ones about to enter the age bracket, are using the technologies routinely and depend upon them. I do not know a single person with a non-smart phone. They do not use the "help me I have fallen" devices or flip phones.

My cardiac rehab exercise class of people with heart surgeries and acute medical conditions rely upon the devices.
My local gym consists of many bands of aging individuals, but the trend is for most to have at least one or two of the technologies within their reach and use for music, news, audio books, for use during exercise periods.

Our rural summer home in farming communities where the population is aging, also utilizes the latest technologies. Only those community members who are in their 90's have smartphones but perhaps do not use the other technologies.

Within the next ten years I believe you will not find an age bracket that does not utilize the current and emerging technologies for self-monitoring devices, emergency location devices, and all manner of integrated multifunction devices for communications and for use in their daily activities.

Sandy Waters
65 months ago
Hi Sandy - in the retirement community where I teach fitness classes, most of the residents are in their early 80s and 90s - and I am thrilled that they want to stay strong and fit. And I agree with you as technology has become a part of our lives, the next ten years will prove their use on a daily basis. - Sherry 65 months ago
Thanks you Sandy and Sherry - great insights! - Bruce 65 months ago
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I think this question is becoming moot? If so-it is a good thing!

David Marcinko
54 months ago

Have some input?