Internet access was the technology most frequently possessed by the older adults who participated in the 2016 Link∙age Technology Survey.
Link∙age, based in Mason, Ohio, surveyed more than 401 adults aged 59 to more than 85 years about their ownership, usage and interest in technology. More than 40% reported living in some kind of seniors housing.
Internet access among older adults has increased since the last survey was conducted in 2011, according to Link∙age. As might be expected, use was highest among those in their 60s, followed by those in their 70s. The most popular uses of internet access, with more than 50% of survey-takers using it in a certain way, were:
- Reading and sending email messages
- Finding news, entertainment and information
- Calling or video chatting with family members
- Viewing and sending photographs
- Managing financial or retail accounts
After internet access, the technology most frequently possessed by survey-takers was wireless networks, then personal computers and laptop computers.