As they enjoy their retirement, baby boomers are turning to tech-based activities for fun, enrichment, and connectivity. Here are some of the most popular ways technology is empowering active aduls to live their best lives, and some inspiration for living a life balanced between technological and in-person experiences.
1. Video Games
Gaming isn’t just for kids. According to a 2024 report by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), 29% of video game players are age 50 and above. Most seniors play on their phones rather than on computers or video game consoles, which also indicates how well they’ve embraced mobile technology.
Why do they play? Here’s what the ESA study and other sources say:
- It’s accessible to people with varying abilities
- Multiplayer games bring people together (though seniors generally play solo)
- It provides mental stimulation and improves cognitive skills
- Video games are fun, plain and simple
There’s another stereotype we can smash: The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) reports that “more than 60% of grandparents who play at least once a month are grandmothers; grandfathers account for less than half (43%).”
2. Video Calling
Video conferencing technology, like that used in apps like Facetime, WhatsApp, Zoom, and Skype, bridges the geographic gap between seniors and their loved ones. It’s become incredibly user-friendly, and more widely-embraced in recent years. A recent study by Vanderbilt University found that video calls helped seniors feel closer to their grandchildren during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
During that time, people found creative ways to interact and be entertained through video conferencing. They threw parties, staged plays and concerts, played board games, shared photos, and held family reunions. The technology caught on, and seniors are still finding new ways to use it to stay engaged, from virtual tours to art and craft workshops to academic courses.
3. Streaming Movies and Shows
Baby boomers are throwing out their DVD players and cable boxes and embracing streaming media. Between 2022 and 2023, there was a 60% increase in U.S. consumers over age 55 subscribing to streaming services such as Hulu, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix. That’s according to data supplied by global marketing consultants Bain & Company.
Since seniors tend to stick with only one or two paid streaming services that have an expansive variety of content, streaming is a more cost-effective alternative to traditional, hard-wired cable service. They can also watch their movies and shows on mobile devices and multiple screens. While people 55 and older are the least likely to use their phones and tablets for streaming—they prefer watching on their big-screen TVs—they’re beginning to catch on.
4. Streaming Music and Podcasts
Everyone should have a soundtrack for their life, and user-generated playlists are the way to create them. Using music apps such as Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music, seniors can search for their favorite tunes, create and share personal playlists, and get music recommended to them by the apps based on their preferences. The same goes for podcasts, which are the contemporary answer to radio talk and storytelling shows.
Right now, only about one in four Americans age 55 and older subscribe to an audio streaming service, but that number’s on the increase as platforms become easier to use and boomers become more comfortable with mobile technology.
5. Social Media
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X, Bluesky Social, and Reddit still hold our society enthrallws. Seniors’ use has increased in recent years, largely to compensate for the lack of face-to-face interactions in their daily lives. A 2021 Pew Research Center study found that baby boomers are still the least inclined generation to use social media, but since 2010, the presence of people aged 65 and older on social media has quadrupled.
YouTube is one of the most-used platforms for that demographic. It’s not surprising, as it’s an excellent resource for visual entertainment, music, and tutorials to help people with new hobbies or even household repairs.
6. Smart Watches
Many people get smartwatches for health-related purposes, but there’s more to just tracking steps and detecting health emergencies like heart attacks and falls. Setting goals and achieving them releases the “feel-good” hormone dopamine. Beyond that, tech-savvy seniors just enjoy interacting with them. From checking the weather and texts, fiddling with apps, playing games, and customizing the screens, smartwatches are fun gadgets.
7. Audiobooks
Remember books on tape? Seniors have ditched those in favor of downloaded audiobooks, usually read by professional voice actors or the authors themselves. Audiobooks are perfect for people on the move, and they’re available through Amazon’s Audible app, or—as a free alternative—Libby, offered by participating public libraries. Listening to audiobooks has been found to alleviate stress and depression in baby boomers, which is reason enough for them to start “reading” with their ears.
8. E-Readers
There’s little formal research about e-readers’ growing popularity among the 55+ set, but from what we’ve heard from members of our favorite communities, they’re catching on. E-readers like Kindle and Nook are lightweight with easy-to-adjust font sizes and screen brightness. Some models even have text-to-speech capability. Also, e-readers are perfect for those who are downsizing as they can store hundreds—if not thousands—of volumes. E-books are available through Amazon, Libby, and other online marketplaces.
9. Online Dating and Community-Building Apps
For single seniors who find everything to be more fun when it’s a shared experience, online dating is a potential adventure. In addition to senior-specific apps like SilverSingles, OurTime, and DateMyAge, there’s another app seniors are using to broaden their social horizons: Meetup, intended for all ages and relationship statuses, is a means for people to find new friends with common interests at safe, user-planned events. It’s easy and free to use and is wildly popular for those who otherwise find it difficult to make new friends.
Boomers Still Prefer Traditional Interaction and Recreation
As much as baby boomers are gravitating toward technology, they’re still holding onto more traditional means of entertainment. Overall, they prefer lifestyles in which they can experience “real world” relationships and activities. That’s why 55+ active adult communities are such an exciting option.
Socializing and recreation are always accessible in these communities. Social events, speakers, organized outings, and sports like pickleball and golf keep residents connected with one another and the world around them. Property maintenance is usually handled by the homeowner’s association (HOA), freeing up time for seniors to pursue other interests—which are often enhanced by hobby clubs and workshop facilities. And homes in these communities tend to hold their value as they continue to attract new residents.
Get Connected With 55+ Communities… With 55places!
Are you planning a well-rounded lifestyle that embraces all the best ways to stay engaged with the world? The finest 55+ developments offer a variety of enriching experiences for their residents. To get in touch with a real estate specialist for practical insights into this exciting niche market, contact 55places today. Our experienced pros know the 55+ community market better than anyone and are hand-picked for their expertise. Let us help you find your next home!
