New technology is capturing the attention of adults age 50-plus, potentially
recognizing its power to help them age in place.
• More than six in ten (63%) are using one or more smart home devices to add ease and functionality to their
home.
• Similarly, interest and use of home safety tech has also increased with almost half (46%) using one or more
devices to help provide peace of mind and 40% expressing interest in using such tech in the future.
Health and wellness tech has the potential to meet some of the growing needs of
an aging population.
• Many adults age 50-plus (46%) recognize technology can enable a healthy life, with significant interest (47%)
expressed for brain health tech such as brain training exercises or wearables to track sleep and stress levels.
• In addition, some caregivers (33%) are beginning to embrace tech specifically designed to assist them, while
many are also leveraging a variety of digital services to aid in their responsibilities.
Older adults maintain a steady engagement with a variety of digital services.
• Two-thirds (66%) see technology as a means for enriching their lives by making daily life and aging easier.
• Adults age 50-plus currently use more than a dozen digital services to help them manage their home,
finances, social lives, and personal interests.
• Some older adults are using health-related and non-health specific digital services to help them improve or
maintain their health and wellness.
• Most of the digital services older adults use are free, with more than half (60%) not willing to pay a fee for
such services in the future.
4AARP.ORG/RESEARCH | © 2025 AARP ALL RIGHTS RESERVED AARP RESEARCH
Five categories of technology were evaluated in this
study.
Today's technology is revolutionizing how older adults
maintain their independence while staying connected
to family and communities.
The future of technology looks even more promising,
with significant development focused on solutions that
empower older adults to take control of their lives while
also providing peace of mind.
Today and tomorrow’s technology includes tech
designed not only for communication, convenience,
safety, and entertainment but also for all aspects of
health – personal wellness and health, caregiving, and
brain health.
Technology of the Future
Smart Home Tech
Smart home devices that use the home Wi-Fi to add ease and
functionality to the home, most are manageable through an app
on a mobile device.
Home Safety Tech
Devices for the home that add a layer of safety and security, such
as cameras, alarms, sensors to detect if someone falls, remote
access to appliances, lights, thermostat, etc.
Mobility Tech
Technology options for getting around, whether that be in the
home or around town.
Brain Health Tech
Various technologies such as apps for brain training exercises, a
wearable device to track sleep and stress patterns, etc.
Caregiving Tech
Tech devices and services specifically designed to aid in the care
of another person, such as motion sensors, scheduling
assistants, and online support communities.
More ......
