With more and more people 55+ using technology, Zesters are the fastest growing segment of computer and internet users!
We silver foxes are fighting back by becoming tech savvy and proficient – maybe not as quickly as younger people, but we’re doing it none-the-less.
Zesters who are age 55+ are the fastest growing group of computer and internet users.
According to a Pew Research Centre survey today’s Zesters are moving towards more digitally connected lives. Around four-in-ten (42%) adults age 65 and older now report owning smartphones, up from just 18% in 2013. Internet use and home broadband adoption among this group has also risen substantially. Today, 67% of Zesters use the internet – a 55-percentage-point increase in just under two decades. And for the first time, half of older citizens now have high speed internet at home.
Technology can contribute to independent living well into the later years. Medical alert systems, GPS trackers, and cellular phones enable people to live without worry. When it comes to staying connected with friends and family, today’s Zesters are emailing, Facebooking and Skyping at rates that increase almost daily!
According to another Pew Research Centre survey, an overwhelming 82% of people aged 55+ described having a smartphone as “freeing” as opposed to describing it as a “leash.” Having a smartphone supplies people with ways to connect with both friends and loved ones. It also adds a layer of protection because they can take it anywhere and call for help if an emergency arises.
An article in The Economist states, “The greatest potential for improving the lives of the elderly lies in technology built for the young. Two broad developments that seem a perfect fit for the lives of millennials – the smart home and the on-demand economy – might well have an even bigger impact on older people.”
The article discusses the future of technology and its impact on 55+ Zesters.
“It does not take much to imagine a home where the occupant’s sleep is monitored via a device in his ear, his fridge suggests what he might eat, based on information from other monitoring devices, and a pill dispenser can give him tailored medication. A smart stove switches itself off if it detects a fire hazard, and smart pipes turn off a tap left running.”
So much of the technology needed to do all this already exists, at least in prototype form with more and more every day.
There are exciting times ahead!
THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT.
Technology is revolutionizing the “retirement” experience! Here are some of the apps that are helping the 55+ demographic lead safer, healthier and more meaningful lives.
FACEBOOK
Get connected and stay connected with friends, family and groups you enjoy. As the world’s leading social connector, Facebook is a must have for anyone who wants to stay in touch. Available for iPhone, Android, MAC and PC computers.
JUST EAT
Go to Just Eat Hamilton on your computer or download the app on your Smartphone or Android and choose from an incredible selection of restaurants and cuisines delivered to your door. Available for iPhone, Android, MAC and PC computers.
SKYPE
Allows people to talk to each other free in real time with full visual contact, basically free over the internet, anywhere in the world. It’s ideal for people with children living in other cities, countries, even continents! Available for iPhone, Android, MAC and PC computers.
THE WEATHER CHANNEL
Get constant updates on the day’s weather and what to expect in the forecast. Mobile alerts let you know if your forecast predicts severe weather, giving you ample time to get indoors before an approaching storm. Available for iPhone, iPad, Android, MAC and PC computers.
GOOD READS
Discover and share your favourite books on the Goodreads app. Recommended by 20 million members, this app allows users to rate their recently read books and give brief explanations of their choices. Available for iPhone, iPad and Android.
INSTANT HEART RATE
You don’t need a dedicated heart rate monitor to get your pulse. Get your heart rate in less than 10 seconds. Available for iOS and Android.
DRAGON DICTATION
This voice-recognition application allows users to dictate text or email messages and see them instantly. Users can also dictate status updates for Facebook, tweets, or send themselves notes and reminders. Available for iOS.
ROUND HEALTH MEDICINE REMINDER
Makes it easier to remember to take your medicine. This simple app organizes all of your prescriptions and vitamins in one place and provides reminders tailored to your medicine and schedule. Available for iPhone, iPad, iWatch and Android.