To see the statistics on a table correctly you must open the blog.
It’s sad but true; most studies don’t include results about single Baby Boomers or singles in general. Even though singles make up about 40% of the population, we’re all clumped together as just singles. It doesn’t matter what age we are or if we’re in a relationship, we all fit into one category. Due to this fact, the use of technology by single Baby Boomers hasn’t been studied, so the facts here reflect Baby Boomers both single and coupled.
The most recent study conducted by The Pew Research Center was completed in 2012. The Pew Internet Project director, Lee Rainie, compiled a summary of Baby Boomers’ use of the abundant types of technology. He divided the results into Younger Boomers aged 47-56 and Older Boomers aged 57-65. Keep in mind this was done in 2012, so the percentage of users may have risen. The following are the results of the study:
|
Young Boomers |
Older Boomers | |
| Internet Users | 80% | 75% |
| Wireless Connectors | 54% | 44% |
| Cell Phone | 87% | 84% |
| Smart Phones | 35% | 22% |
| Desktop PC | 62% | 61% |
| Laptop | 58% | 49% |
| iPod or MP3 | 36% | 24% |
| Game Console | 38% | 19% |
| Tablet, like iPad | 14% | 8% |
| e-Book Reader | 18% | 12% |
| Download Apps | 25% | 11% |
| Social Network Users | 42% | 38% |
| Internet Activities | ||
| 91% | 89% | |
| Search Engines | 90% | 92% |
| Hobby | 89% | 82% |
| Maps/Directions | 83% | 85% |
| Health Information | 81% | 84% |
| DIY Information | 71% | 62% |
| News | 72% | 74% |
| Government Sites | 68% | 74% |
| Research Jobs | 55% | 50% |
| Wikipedia | 55% | 46% |
| Combined Young and Older Boomers | ||
| Research Products | 81% | |
| Buy Goods | 70% | |
| Travel Reservations | 68% | |
| Banking | 55% | |
| Auctions | 27% |
Since this study was published, I’ve upgraded my laptop to one with more functions and bought a Smartphone, Tablet, and a Game Console. I imagine other Baby Boomers have done the same. Smartphones have taken the place of many of the devices we use by eliminating the need for them unless they’re used for a specific purpose. Baby Boomers find larger screens more user friendly for creative pursuits such as; writing, photography, music, art, and videography. Business presentations, viewing videos, and gaming work better on a larger screen and then there’s our failing eye sight to consider.
Of course, every day a new app or program appears and we feel the need to download it to our Smartphone, tablet, or PC. We use wearable computer watches to perform many of the functions our Smartphone offers. Fitness trackers monitor our exercise, sleep, heart rate, and provide a GPS. Some are waterproof for swimming. If you’ve the cash, there’s a device to keep you in touch and in shape.
Remote patient monitoring is a booming business. Briefer hospital stays and out-patient procedures have provided a new market for monitoring devices that can be used by a patient at home. Medical Alert Systems, that allow people with medical conditions to call for help through a landline, have been around for many years. Now you can alert emergency services through a cellular network with wearable devices that can even detect a fall while you’re away from home. Another more advanced example of these innovations is being developed by Independa. An integrated system for monitoring a person in their own home can enable independent living for people with medical issues by allowing caregivers to monitor and be alerted if something appears wrong. The system monitors a patient’s activity. It gathers clinical measurements such as blood pressure and glucose and monitors motion, toilet flushing and door opening via sensors and reports data through an online app. The company currently provides tablet and television interfaces for email, video chatting, photo sharing, and medication and appointment reminders for family members who live on their own.
You can contact health professionals by phone or online for around $25 for a five minute consultation. Through this service the doctor also has the ability to provide a personal prescription. Physicians and labs now provide online patient portals where you can update your personal data, prescriptions, pay bills, get test results and answers to questions without an office visit or even a phone call. These services and other new electronic equipment assist us as caregivers and will provide assistance when we need help from others. Insurance and Medicare doesn’t always cover all of these services and devices, so it’s best to check with providers before you buy them.
Technology makes our life easier and safer. In my opinion, the most important thing to remember is technology’s just another tool you shouldn’t fear. Devices can break, but generally you can’t hurt them by pressing the wrong button. Use them and you may find they enhance your life style and make you more productive.
Continue the adventure!
Linda Lea
