New study reveals Aussies seniors ‘just as savvy’ with technology as teens

Aussie seniors like Richard Conibear, a grandfather of five, challenging the stereotype of a generational digital divide and catching up to teenagers in their tech skills, but there’s one key difference.

Forget the stereotype of seniors struggling with technology.

A new study reveals that Australians aged 65 to 85 are just as digitally adept as younger generations, but with a crucial difference: they’ve mastered the art of using technology to enhance their lives, not consume them.

The second Ageing Australia Study, commissioned by Aveo, found that a staggering 94 per cent of Baby Boomers own a smartphone, a figure that rivals the 98 per cent ownership among Gen Z.

This digital fluency is particularly pronounced in areas like the Gold Coast and Sydney. However, unlike younger cohorts who can sometimes become isolated by their devices, older Australians are maintaining well-rounded lives.

More than half exercise three to five times a week, with 86 per cent walking frequently to stay active.

A third walk more than 4,000 steps daily, demonstrating a clear commitment to physical wellbeing alongside their digital engagement.

Take Richard Conibear, 76, a former navy man living in a Sydney Northern Beaches retirement village. This grandfather of five is active on social media, but not in a way that leads to “bed-rotting.”

Instead, he uses it to foster connection and pursue his interests.

“There’s a group on Facebook about ‘Royal navy dits’ – naval terms for funny stories – which I look at,” Mr Conibear said.

Richard Conibear uses social media to foster connection and pursue his interests. Picture: Tim Hunter.

While he’s selective about his online content, he’s a big fan of platforms like YouTube for practical knowledge.

“If you want to know how to change the spark plug on a lawnmower, look at YouTube.”

Despite his tech proficiency, Mr Conibear maintains a consistent exercise routine, whether it’s walking or using the village gym.

His approach highlights how technology can be integrated into a healthy, active lifestyle.

Aveo chief executive Tony Randello believes this balanced approach stems from how Boomers adopted technology.

“Technology has been an enablement for them, but it hasn’t defined their lifestyle, and I don’t think it ever will,” Mr Randello says.

“Whereas when you look at Gen Z, in many instances, it defines how they live.”

This insight is already reshaping the aged-care community’s perceptions and future designs for retirement villages.

“We’ve always been hesitant around introducing too much technology to retirees,” Mr Randello admits, “but this new research is really suggesting that we truly need to embrace and enable them with technology.”

Mr Conibear likes to maintain a consistent exercise routine, while Ella Cardiff, who works at the retirement, says that seniors use devices to connect with family. Picture: Tim Hunter.

Ella Cardiff, 20, who has worked at the retirement village for four years, sees this first-hand.

“They’ll come in and show us videos they’ve found or posts they’ve interacted with,” she says, noting how residents use devices to connect with family, often FaceTiming grandchildren who live far away.

“It just brings people together. It’s like a nice community.”

Clinical psychologist Amanda Gordon reinforces this, emphasising that technology is “essential for older generations to stay in touch with their community.”

She says that Boomers’ “thoughtful” uptake of technology, in contrast to younger generations “born into it,” has fostered more mindful and less damaging habits.

Originally published as New study reveals Aussies seniors ‘just as savvy’ with technology as teens