The Rise of Digital Confidence: Seniors Embracing Technology to Stay Connected
By 2030, older individuals are expected to outnumber younger generations globally, with the fastest growth happening in developing countries. As older Australians continue to build their digital skills, this shift is an opportunity to leverage seniors’ growing comfort with technology to create stronger and more connected land lease, senior living and retirement communities.
The digital opportunity
Australians aged 65 and over are more connected than ever before, increasingly embracing technology to stay in touch. The recent Benetas Digital Inclusion and Cyber Safety Among Australian Seniors Research Study, which surveyed over 1,000 seniors, found that more than 80% consider technology important for keeping in contact with family and friends. Of those, 41% rated it as ‘very important.’
More older adults are now turning to digital tools to join events and stay socially engaged, with technology helping them feel more included in the world around them.
Pairing technology with the design of living spaces
While digital tools help seniors stay connected, meaningful relationships aren’t built online alone. The design of our living spaces matters, and when combined with technology, it can create environments that foster stronger social ties. The focus on living spaces is increasingly recognised as essential to the quality of life for older adults. As Dr Ye Ng, associate principal at Architectus, explains:
“Research indicates that older adults face unique challenges shaped by cultural, social, and physical factors, heightening their vulnerability to isolation. These insights underscore the urgent need to address a sense of social connection, particularly in urban settings.
“There is a growing recognition that the built environment must evolve to foster social connections and encourage community engagement among older Australians through the creation of spaces that combat loneliness and enhance the quality of life.”
Tools like the Generator app can give residents greater visibility into available shared spaces, ensuring they’re used more fully and effectively. Across the country, retirement and senior living communities are leveraging technology to help older Australians stay active and socially supported where they live.
Looking ahead
As our population ages, the future of senior living will rely on how effectively technology and design are integrated to create inclusive and connected environments. Operators who embrace both will be better positioned to support seniors and enhance their quality of life.
At Generator, we’re proud to support this future for land lease and retirement living communities. As more seniors embrace digital tools and gain confidence with tech, new possibilities for supporting a richer community life are emerging.
Sources
- Digital habits of older Australians, Benetas.com.au
- The future of senior living: Design to empower older Australians, australiandesignreview.com
- Mental health of older adults, who.int
- Elderly population worldwide to surpass youth by 2030, Ecem Sahinli Oguc, aa.com.tr
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