Seniors slowly adopting new technology

Silver Surfers On The New Saga Facebook Style Webs
Mary Devlin uses a laptop computer on November 1, 2007 in London.
Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images

While research shows Americans ages 65 and older lag behind younger generations in the adoptions of new technology, seniors are increasingly getting online and using a variety of tech devices.

From a 2014 report by the Pew Research Center:

In April 2012 the Pew Research Center found for the first time that more than half of older adults (defined as those ages 65 or older) were internet users. Today, 59% of seniors report they go online--a six-percentage point increase in the course of a year--and 47% say they have a high-speed broadband connection at home. In addition, 77% of older adults have a cell phone, up from 69% in April 2012.

But despite these gains, seniors continue to lag behind younger Americans when it comes to tech adoption. And many seniors remain largely unattached from online and mobile life--41% do not use the internet at all, 53% do not have broadband access at home, and 23% do not use cell phones.

On The Daily Circuit, we discuss the latest research on seniors and technology. What are the major barriers for older generations and what educational programs exist to help?

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.