Smartphone sales boom with older people

A new study has shown that older people are becoming more tech savvy as smartphone sales have been booming with older customers in the UK.

Although there are certain modern technologies like stair lifts for the elderly that are commonly used by older people it has now been revealed that smartphone sales are booming with over-55s.

Research by Deloitte has revealed 71% of 55-to-75 year-olds now own a mobile phone that is app-capable. Over the past five years the study found that the age group has seen a faster adoption rate than any other.

The study did find that although more over 55s are buying smartphones the age group are not using them as regularly as younger people. Around 20% of older adults check their phones every 15 minutes, while the national average is 56%.

The survey, which asked 1,163 people, also highlighted that 50% of older people had Facebook installed compared to 70% for all adults.

Some older people felt they had to buy a smartphone

The research by Deloitte also suggests that some people felt they had to buy a smartphone.

Talking to the BBC, Deloitte said, “A growing number of parking meters may encourage payment via mobile phone, for example with a smartphone app offering the greatest convenience.

“It may [also] become increasingly difficult to order a taxi in cities without using an app.”

New smartphones are very suitable for older people as the big screens have proven to be easier to read for those with poor eye sight and the loudness of the speakers have helped older people who are hard of hearing.

Modern smartphones are now much easier to use as android manufacturers even offer streamlined versions of their app specifically to make it easier for older people to use.

Facial recognition has also attracted older users to buy smartphones. Dave Birch from Consult Hyperion, adds, “Research suggests older people like the idea of being able to just pick up a phone and look at it, rather than having to fiddle about with buttons to press or having to put on their glasses to type in a password.”