Generation X and Millennials saw the rise of the cellphone (or mobile phone) during their lifetimes, and rarely has a technology been adopted so quickly. From the corded Briefcase Battery models of the ’80s Yuppies to the rise of the indestructible Nokia empire, to the tipping point of the iPhone and the mobile internet in 2007, the last forty years have seen a communication revolution. The ascent of the cellphone from Science Fiction to everyday fact is unassailable.
And while today there is increasing concern over the very young having access to iPhones and the like, there’s no doubt that keeping in touch is both easier, and more necessary than ever before.
The rise of aarp consumer cellular usage is growing as smartphones take their place as the principal method of talking with family and friends, as well as shopping, banking, leisure and so much more. In the decade between 2012 and 2022, research showed the narrowing of the difference in percentage of smartphone use between those ages 18 to 29 and those 65 and older. This will only continue as cellphones become more ubiquitous and advanced.
Seniors are also among the most likely to use all three of the most common cellphone usage points: talk, text and data. While those aged 55 and over are on their phones far less than their younger counterparts, it is common for them to spend more time talking and texting than playing games and checking the internet.
Data is, however, a key component of the rise in phone use among the over 55s. Video-calling is an incredible gift for staying close to families separated by distance, as is the sending of video clips – now easier than ever. Likewise the big apps, such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube are a big draw for all ages, with senior use growing all the time. The previous research shows the oldest generation (75 and older) have a 48% cellphone ownership, which is considerable when you consider the learning curve coupled with the overturning of a lifetime’s habits.
It’s a leap well worth making too, given that plans remain afoot, despite recent delays, to begin dismantling the landline infrastructure across the world. Having instant and ready access to a reliable phone line will become even more essential as this change is enforced. The cellphone fits the bill as a replacement, and offers a whole host more helpful quality of life advantages such as appointment reminders, staying informed and health monitoring apps.
Much of the technology of the apps and cellphones themselves has been created with life-enhancing innovations in mind. Safety features are useful to anyone, at any age, but could be a life saver for senior users. Emergency contacts and speed dial are two such elements that we may take for granted, but are in fact genuinely helpful and essential features.
As the world becomes more reliant on the digital framework, and as more and more of us find our feet in the virtual world, there has never been a better time to remember the key to the smartphone revolution: as the world shrinks we need each other more and more.
