What Kind of Technology Interests Baby Boomers?

Most baby boomers want to continue living in their current homes as they get older. But a new study suggests that these aging Americans are not currently taking steps to maintain their desired lifestyle in later life.

The study comes from Philips, a LeadingAge Gold Partner with CAST support, and the Global Social Enterprise Initiative (GSEI) at Georgetown University.

Major Findings

The Philips/GSEI survey was conducted online among a nationally representative sample of 1,000 Americans aged 50-80. Major findings include:

• 96% of respondents said it’s important to be as independent as possible as they get older. 

• Only 21% of respondents planned to incorporate technology solutions, or to remodel and retrofit their homes, in order to stay in place as they age. 

• 80% of 60-80 year olds said they are not thinking about, or are not sure about, whether they will upgrade or update their homes. 

• 23% did not know how to start planning to upgrade their homes with smart technologies.

The Philips/GSEI survey quizzed respondents about their reasons for not upgrading their homes and in-home technologies. Respondents were also asked to identify technologies that interest them and the amenities they would like to see incorporated into their homes and communities.

Barriers to Making Home and Technology Upgrades

Perceived cost and disinterest topped the list of reasons respondents said they weren’t planning to upgrade their homes or their in-home technologies. Specifically:

• 59% of respondents said they are not interested in upgrading their homes.
• 33% said home upgrades are too costly.
• 42% said upgrading in-home technology is too expensive.

Willingness to Use Technologies

Almost half of respondents currently use technology to refill prescriptions (45%), access government services (45%) and connect with doctors (41%). In addition, respondents said they would be interested in these new technologies:

• Stovetops or ovens that automatically shut off (58%). 
• A single remote control to manage everything in the home (46%).
• Driverless cars (41%).

Features of Age-Friendly Homes and Communities

Respondents were interested in incorporating certain features into their homes and neighborhoods so they could more easily age in place. Regarding home design, they identified these features as being important:

• A low-maintenance exterior (58%).
• Master bedrooms and baths on the first floor (54%).
• Effective lighting throughout the house (54%). 

Neighborhoods could also benefit from a number of age-friendly features, said respondents. Top choices included:

• High-speed Internet access (87%).
• Nearby grocery stores (83%).
• Access to hospitals and medical centers (77%).

Need to Focus on the Future

Brent Shafer, chief executive officer of Philips North America, says the projected growth of the aging population illustrates the need to focus on preparing for the future today.

“Now is the time that we need to urgently and collectively shift focus to reduce the barriers and increase education on new innovations in technology that bring peace of mind, safety, and convenience to aging seniors,” he says.

For more information, read the full results of the Philips/GSEI study or visit the Philips website for insights into what baby boomers and Gen Xers think about technology and its ability to improve well-being and quality of life as they age.