Retired Americans Increasingly Embrace Digital Life and Advanced Technology
Older Americans are spending a significant portion of their retirement years online, engaging with advanced technology and artificial intelligence, a departure from traditional leisure activities. This trend sees retirees immersed in chatbots, app development, and learning new digital tools. While providing new forms of engagement and assistance, this shift also raises concerns about screen time and potential over-reliance on technology.
A growing number of retired Americans are dedicating their post-career years to digital pursuits, with many adopting advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).
Brian Rezendes, a 64-year-old former pool business owner, now spends much of his retirement building apps and engaging with AI agents, algorithms, and APIs. Despite initially envisioning a retirement filled with travel and relaxation, Rezendes has become deeply immersed in technology, often to the point where his wife notes his extensive computer use.
This shift is evident in various contexts. Fifteen retired Americans interviewed indicated that they and their peers are increasingly attached to their screens, with time often spent learning new AI tools. Some expat communities report that technology is a prominent interest, and retirement communities are beginning to offer AI education in place of more traditional activities. For example, 73-year-old Dee Humphrey from Schenectady, New York, has used a companion robot called ElliQ for over three years and expressed withdrawal symptoms while awaiting a new version.
Technology is also providing practical benefits. Edward Perry, 72, of Austin, used AI after a terminal cancer diagnosis to help manage his health and improve his quality of life. However, alongside these benefits, concerns have been noted regarding screen addiction, the potential loss of agency, the risk of receiving faulty information, and reduced physical activity.
Research from AARP further illustrates this trend. Their Tech Trends survey found that smartphone ownership among adults aged 50 and older surged from 55% in 2016 to 90% in 2025. AI usage among adults 65 and over nearly doubled between 2024 and 2025, rising from 18% to 30%. Additionally, older Americans spend over four hours daily in front of screens, and YouTube consumption on TV among adults 65 and over almost doubled from 2023 to 2025.
According to Business Insider, many older tech users expressed surprise at how integrated these tools have become into their retirements.
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