The presence of older adults on the Internet has experienced remarkable growth in recent decades. According to a report by the Pew Research Center in the United States, the percentage of adults over the age of 65 who use the Internet has steadily increased from 14% in 2000 to 73% in 2021, a phenomenon that was undoubtedly boosted by the restrictions on mobility and confinement inherent to the elderly.This phenomenon was undoubtedly boosted by the restrictions on mobility and confinement associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this phenomenon is not unique to U.S. society: a national study conducted in 2022 by the National Gerontological Association (AGECO) found that 86% of the older adult population in Costa Rica uses the internet and electronic devices. These increases are evidence of a clear adaptation to new technologies and greater digital integration in the daily lives of this population.
Among the social networks preferred by U.S. seniors are Facebook and YouTube. A study conducted by the University of California, Irvine, found that 68% of seniors who use the Internet are active on Facebook, while 40% use YouTube regularly. Similarly, the analysis conducted by AGECO, as part of the previously mentioned study, determined that the applications most used by Costa Rican seniors are Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. These platforms provide older adults with the opportunity to stay connected with friends and family, as well as to access diverse and entertaining multimedia content.
In terms of online reading activities, older adults show interest in a variety of topics. According to an analysis of Amazon data, the most popular e-books among this demographic include biographies, contemporary fiction and self-help books. This diversity of interests reflects the wide range of content available online and older adults' desire to continue learning and exploring new horizons.
Older adults are also diving into online learning. Educational platforms like Coursera and Khan Academy offer courses in a variety of subjects, from history to art. This constant desire to learn reflects an active and curious mindset.
Mental health is also a priority, with emotional wellness and meditation apps gaining popularity. Regular practice of guided meditation through apps such as Headspace has shown significant benefits for mental and emotional health.
When it comes to favorite devices for connecting to the Internet, older adults show a preference for tablets. A study by the U.S. organization AARP found that 60% of older adults who use the internet prefer tablets as their primary device, followed closely by smartphones at 45%. The intuitive interface and touch screen of tablets make them an accessible and easy-to-use option for this population.
Another important change is that technology is no longer a niche focused on the youngest, large streaming platforms such as Netflix have turned their attention to the youngest segment of older adults: the Baby Boomers, who constitute a growing market worldwide, evidence of this are various efforts to create user guides for older adults that this platform has been doing since 2020.
It is clear then that this growth in the use of the Internet by older adults has generated greater participation in social networks, a diversification in online reading activities and a preference for devices such as tablets to access the web. This phenomenon reflects an active adaptation to new technologies and an increasingly strong digital integration in the lives of independent older adults.
At Verdeza we have been able to witness first-hand this evolution in the use of technology and digital media by our residents, which has allowed us to adapt our services and make it easier for our senior residents to stay connected in this digital age.
