How Many Seniors Have Smartphones? Key Statistics and Trends
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As of 2024, 89% of adults aged 50 and older own a cell phone, up from 77% in 2022. This shift highlights how older adults are embracing technology, with many using their devices daily for communication, health tracking, and entertainment.
Key Insights
89% of adults aged 50 and older own a cell phone.
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On average, adults aged 50+ own 7 tech devices.
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45% of adults 65+ use social media, making them the least active demographic, though their presence has quadrupled since 2010.
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57% of seniors use digital calendars to track fitness routines.
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75% of older adults going through a career change rely on digital finance and banking services.
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Technology Ownership and Usage in Older Adults
There has been a remarkable shift in how older adults are adopting technology. In the past, adults aged 50 and older were behind their younger counterparts in embracing new tech.
Today, however, the gap has narrowed; in most categories, tech ownership is nearly equal between the two age groups. According to AARP, 69% of adults aged 50+ made a tech purchase in 2024.
On average, adults aged 50 and older now own seven tech devices. Smartphone ownership has surged, with 89% of older adults now having one cell phone, a significant increase from 77% in 2022.
Smart TVs have also gained popularity, with 75% of seniors owning one, up from 64% the previous year. Wearable technology, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, has more than doubled, rising from 17% to 34% in just one year.
According to research conducted by Pew Research Center, adults 65 and older are the least likely to use social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. In the most recent survey, only 45% reported using social media, compared to 84% of adults aged 18-29 and 81% of those aged 30-49.
However, social media adoption among seniors has quadrupled since 2010, while usage among younger adults has remained steady.
Usage Patterns
- 98% of seniors with mobile phones use them every day
- 79% of seniors use wearables daily
- 60% of older adults use laptops and desktops regularly
- 57% of older adults use tablets daily
Interest in Smart Home Devices
Interest in smart home devices is growing, though it’s still not universal. Between one-third and one-half of older adults are either using or are interested in using smart home technology. Security devices, like cameras and Wi-Fi extenders, are the most popular, while smart lighting, appliances, and utilities are still less enticing.
However, there’s still a significant portion of seniors who are not interested in smart home devices.
- About 20% of older people feel smart home devices are unnecessary
- 13% say the devices are too expensive
- 12% of U.S. adults prefer traditional methods or feel distrustful of new technology
- 5% find them too complicated
Among those who are interested, security cameras that identify visitors at the door are the most popular, with 60% either using or planning to use them. Alarms that alert users when a door or window opens unexpectedly come in second, with 38% of seniors showing interest.
Hesitations About Tech Purchases
Despite the growing adoption, two-thirds of seniors have hesitations when considering a new tech purchase. The main concerns include:
Growing Confidence in Technology for Health Among Older Adults
As the population continues to age, technology will play an increasingly important role in supporting older adults. Starting in 2030, when all boomers will be over 65 and millennials begin turning 50, older Americans will make up 21% of the population. By 2060, 1 in 4 Americans will be over 65, compared to 1 in 5 who are under 18.
This demographic shift will require changes in how we approach aging, caregiving, healthcare, and everyday life. One of the key insights from recent studies is that half of older adults already recognize the value technology brings to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Looking at the data, we see a noticeable increase in the number of older adults who believe digital technology can support a healthier life. In 2023, 48% of adults aged 50 and older agreed, up from 42% in 2022.
The sentiment is even stronger among those 70 and older, reflecting a growing trust in technology’s role in senior living and wellness.
As boomers enter their 70s, many are choosing to use cell phones for health tracking, while healthcare providers increasingly integrate digital tools to enhance patient care.
Digital Services Helping Older Adults Navigate Life Events
As life events unfold, older adults are turning to digital services to help them navigate these changes. Whether dealing with a chronic diagnosis, starting a new fitness routine, or going through a career change, many adults aged 50 and above are utilizing online resources to make these transitions easier.
Chronic Diagnosis
For older adults managing chronic health conditions, medical services such as Life Alert are the most commonly used digital tools, with half of the respondents relying on them. Health and fitness tracking apps follow closely behind, supporting 23% of seniors. Telemedicine is also a growing resource, helping 15% of older adults, while mental health services are used by 9%.
New Fitness Routine
When it comes to starting a new fitness routine, seniors frequently turn to digital calendars to track their progress, with 57% incorporating them into their daily lives. Medical services, including health monitoring, play a significant role for 47% of seniors, while reviews from fitness apps or services help 44%.
Personal hobbies also make up 45% of seniors’ online routines, providing balance and engagement. While telemedicine is still used by some, fitness classes and other digital fitness solutions are less frequently utilized.
Career Change
Adults going through a career change are leveraging smartphone technology and digital tools in various ways. As internet users adapt to new opportunities, financial and banking services remain the most sought after, with 75% of respondents relying on them.
Video chat platforms help professionals stay connected with loved ones and colleagues, while social networking plays a key role in career transitions. Productivity and business tools, along with podcasts and educational resources, are widely used to gain new skills and explore job opportunities in an increasingly digital job market.
Bottom Line
Smartphone usage among older adults has surged, with 89% of adults aged 50+ now owning a smartphone. This demographic is increasingly tech-savvy, owning an average of seven devices, including smart TVs and digital calendars for fitness tracking and health.
Many seniors also use technology for financial management, with 75% relying on banking tools during career transitions. Messaging apps and communication tools are essential, reflecting a shift in how seniors stay connected with their family members. As technology becomes a daily necessity, older adults are embracing digital services for health, entertainment, and security, reshaping how this demographic interacts with the modern world.
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Sources
- AARP. 2024 Tech Trends: Adults 50-Plus. AARP Research. Published 2024. Evaluated March 21, 2025.
Link Here - Ogilbee, Mark. Insights from AARP’s 2024 Tech Trends Report (Part 1). AgeTech Collaborative. Published July 11, 2024. Evaluated March 21, 2025.
Link Here - Pew Research Center. Share of Those 65 and Older Who Are Tech Users Has Grown in the Past Decade. Pew Research Center. Published Jan. 13, 2022. Evaluated March 21, 2025.
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