How Modern Tech Keeps Boomers Connected
Key Takeaways
- Smartphone ownership among adults 65 and older climbed from 18% in 2013 to 78% in 2025, and 90% of adults ages 50 to 64 now own one, according to Pew Research Center.
- Nearly all adults 50 and older (99%) own at least one connected device, and 78% rely on technology to stay in touch with family and friends, according to AARP.
- The “silver tsunami” is the wave of baby boomers reaching age 65 and beyond. The U.S. had 61.2 million adults 65 and older in 2024, and more than 4.1 million Americans turn 65 each year through 2027.
- The pandemic sent many older adults online for healthcare. Among adults 70 and older, video-call telehealth use rose from 4.6% before the pandemic to 21.1% during.
- Three in five adults 50 and older report that modern tech is not designed with their age group in mind. Companies like ClearCaptions create products and services specifically with older adults in mind.
As more seniors bring digital tools into their daily routines, technology continues to evolve to meet them where they are, with major advances in accessibility. Technology today has significantly clearer displays, easy-to-tap screens, and crisp audio that continue to remove everyday friction. When technology is built around real human needs, it empowers seniors to manage their healthcare, talk with family, and live on their own terms with complete confidence.
“The Silver Tsunami” by the Numbers
People often use the phrase “silver tsunami” to describe the large wave of baby boomers reaching retirement age and beyond.
The U.S. Census Bureau counted more than 61 million Americans age 65 and older, which is nearly one out of every five people in the country. Every year through 2027, more than 4.1 million Americans turn 65. That is about 11,200 people every single day. By the year 2030, every baby boomer will be older than 65.
This generation is actively investing in tools that help them live well. Recent AARP survey data shows that 71% of adults 50 and older bought a tech product in the past year, spending an average of $756 on devices and home technology.
Why Boomers Are Embracing Technology
Much of this digital growth picked up speed in 2020. When doctor visits and family gatherings moved online, older adults quickly learned new digital tools to keep their routines going smoothly. Video visits with doctors grew from 4% before the pandemic to over 21% during it for adults 70 and older.
A University of Michigan study of Medicare beneficiaries 65 and older found that people who learned a new online technology during the pandemic were more likely to start using telehealth.
Staying close with family
Distance is one of the biggest reasons older adults pick up a phone. When grandchildren move for school or old friends retire to other states, a quick text or photo share covers the miles instantly.
Nearly 80% of adults 50 and older rely on technology to keep up with loved ones, and text messaging is their top choice. Social media is popular too, with over half of adults 65 and older using Facebook to see family photos, celebrate milestones, and stay involved in community groups. If you’re curious about social media, our beginner’s guide to social media for seniors covers simple steps to getting started.
Games are another draw. An online word game or a hand of cards with a grandchild is an easy way to spend time together across the miles, and our list of games for seniors includes simple options to start with.
Convenience, healthcare, and financial independence
Daily tasks are simpler when you can manage them right from home. Over 70% of adults 50 and older use digital banking tools to check account balances or pay bills without needing a trip to the bank, according to AARP.
Healthcare has moved online, too. Patient portals let people read test results and message a doctor, and 55% of caregivers use at least one form of technology to coordinate care, also according to AARP. If you have a video visit coming up, our phone tips for medical appointments blog provides tips on how to prepare.
Growing confidence with new tools
Like anything, confidence with new technology grows with practice. Ten years ago, only half of adults 50 and older owned a smartphone. Today, 90% do. The average household in this age group now owns seven connected tools, including helpful smart home products like video doorbells.
Older adults today are more likely than ever to try the newest of the new technology. Artificial Intelligence (AI) use among adults 50 and older rose from 18% in 2024 to 30% in 2025. While two-thirds of baby boomers agree that technology enriches life and makes aging easier, data privacy remains the top concern for people deciding whether to try something new. If you’d like a gentle start, our beginner’s guide to AI for seniors covers the basics. Caregivers can also find tips in our post on helping elderly parents with new technology.
Boomers and technology at a glance
Research numbers tell part of the story, but the real impact happens in daily routines at home:
| Device or activity | What the research shows | What is looks like at home |
|---|---|---|
| Smartphone | 90% of adults 50-64 and 78% of adults 65+ own one | Sharing a harden photo with family before breakfast. |
| Video & Stream | 85% of adults 50-64 and 64% of adults 65+ watch online videos | Watch a quick dinner recipe before cooking. |
| Social media | Nearly 9 in 10 adults 50+ use social platforms | Catching up on grandchild photos in the morning feed. |
| Smart home | 50% of older adults use smart home tech | Checking who is at the front door using a camera feed. |
| Online banking | 77% of adults 50+ manage accounts online | Checking a monthly balance from the kitchen table |
| Care coordination | 55% of caregivers use care apps or tools | Maintaining a shared family calendar for appointments |
| Emerging tools | AI usage in this group grew up to 30% in one year | Asking a digital tool to clarify confusing insurance text. |
Technology and the Accessibility Gap
As technology becomes a bigger part of daily life, having tools tailored to your exact comfort level makes all the difference. When displays are bright, text is large, and audio is crystal clear, using technology feels effortless and natural.
Hearing adjustments, in particular, can make phone conversations much more enjoyable. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders reports that one in three people ages 65 to 74 experiences hearing changes, and nearly half do after age 75.
Having clear sound and visual support removes guesswork during phone calls. Whether reviewing a prescription detail with a pharmacist or catching up on weekend stories with family, having the right setup keeps conversations smooth, relaxed, and rewarding.
Connectivity made accessible
A captioned phone gives you a second way to follow a call. The ClearCaptions Phone lets you read and hear what your caller is saying, with the words showing on a large touchscreen. When a caller talks fast or the line is noisy, the words are right there on the screen.
The phone is built for older eyes and hands. The touchscreen is large and the buttons are big, so tapping the right one takes less effort. A flashing light tells you when a call comes in, and a call log helps you keep track of your conversations. Adding a captioned phone to your home puts one more useful tool next to the smartphone you already carry.
If you’re a caregiver, this can make your Sunday call with a parent easier for both of you.
A captioned phone provides a simple, direct boost to every phone call. The ClearCaptions Phone allows users to listen to the caller while reading their exact words on a large touchscreen. When a speaker talks fast or the background is noisy, the text appears clearly on the display.
The phone is designed specifically to make daily communication simple and comfortable:
- Read and hear your conversations: Don’t let your hearing loss keep you from staying connected. With ClearCaptions, you can read along to the words your callers say.
- Add contacts and favorites: Save all your friends, family, and important contacts for fast and easy dialing.
- Review your call log: Can’t remember something your caller said (like medical instructions or an important date)? ClearCaptions saves all captions from your calls on your phone and your phone only.
- Captioned voicemail: Miss a call? A captioned voicemail will be waiting when you’re ready.
ClearCaptions provides the phone and the captioning service at no cost to qualified individuals through a federally managed program. If your hearing loss makes phone calls difficult, you live in the United States or a U.S. territory, you have internet access, and you can communicate in English, you may qualify. During setup, a specialist trains you on each feature, and the ClearCaptions Support Team answers any questions after that.
Call 866-996-1498 or fill out our short form to get started: Sign me up
Thriving in the Digital Age
Across the country, Boomers are actively using digital tools to enrich their daily routines, deepen relationships, and maintain their independence. Those who embrace technology understand that staying connected requires accessible solutions built around real lifestyle needs. Technology should never be a barrier that excludes, but rather a bridge that empowers. When tools are designed to fit the person holding them, technology brings ease, confidence, and total peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of baby boomers own a smartphone?
Data shows that 90% of adults ages 50 to 64 and 78% of adults 65 and older own a smartphone.
What does “silver tsunami” mean?
“Silver tsunami” is a term for the large number of baby boomers reaching age 65 and older. More than 61 million Americans are in this age group, and over 4.1 million people turn 65 every year. All baby boomers will be over the age of 65 by the year 2030.
Are older adults comfortable with new technology?
Yes. Two-thirds of adults 50 and older say technology makes daily life easier.. Data privacy is the top concern for people deciding whether to try something new.
What do older adults use technology for most?
Texting is the top way adults 50 and older communicate, 9 in 10 use social media, and 8 in 10 stream video each week. Many also handle banking tasks online, and 77% have checked a bank balance through an app or website.
What is a captioned phone?
A captioned phone shows the words your caller says on a screen, so you can read and hear the conversation. The ClearCaptions Phone has a large touchscreen and is provided at no cost to qualified individuals through a federally managed program.
Who qualifies for a ClearCaptions Phone?
You may qualify if you have hearing loss that makes phone calls difficult, live in the United States or a U.S. territory, have internet access, and can communicate in English.
How can I help a parent get comfortable with new technology?
Show how a device solves a problem they have, and go one step at a time. Our guide to helping elderly parents with new technology has more tips.
