August 22, 2023

These applications are next-level and have been able to add value to the older generation.
Today, technological evolution has opened doors for all sectors of the economy globally. Easy access and the prevalent use of devices, web application, and gadgets have increased the market demand for such products. It has become the need of the hour.

In the tech hub, there’s something in store for everyone. whether they are baby boomers, Gen X, Gen Y, or Gen Z. When we talk about tech products, transformative projects today like ElliQ Robot, an assistive robot for the elderly, Noomi (a wristband that monitors the activities of the aged unattended people), and Alexa voice-activated assistants come to mind. Some best web application developers in US have designed applications like Papa-grand kids that allow older people to hire young adults for chit-chat when they feel they need somebody to talk to. These applications are next-level and have been able to add value to the older generation.

How Do Baby Boomers Really Feel About Technology?

Now the question arises how do baby boomers feel about technology? Well, the answer is simple. They are generally accepting the tech advancements and adapting to the new world with apps and digitalization. This is evident by the statistical data collected by Pew that reveals that about 68% of the baby boomers own a smartphone. Moreover, 12% are reliant on their phones to go online, regardless of the availability of laptops and other devices.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a great increase in the number of online buyers out of which most are elderly who feel more vulnerable and unsafe outdoors with the covid19 virus. Studies show that people belonging to this age bracket are easier to convince over online insurance and healthcare policies and have become a popular target demographic for such businesses. They can often be seen in the comment sections of online vlogs, implying that online viewership is also high.

Why Are Baby Boomers Underestimated When It Comes To Technology?

Baby Boomers constitute individuals born after WWII. To simplify, the age bracket falls between 58-76 years. They are more energetic than given credit for and exhibit high levels of adaptability in terms of technical learning, and bridging the cultural gap between themselves and younger generations.

Baby boomers are interested in learning technology and using gadgets compared to Gen X and Y. Majorly because they belong to the times where things were simplistic and minds could nurture and grow without stress and mental chaos that has been served to the later generations. The blend of art, science, analytical thinking, and logical reasoning are more deep-rooted in this generation.

Baby boomers constitute 22% of the total population of the US, which depicts that they have a significant role in all spheres of the American economy. From entrepreneurs to executives, this generation does not sit idle.

Baby Boomers & The Pandemic

Boomers have a completely different attitude towards technologies than their younger peers, with the oldest group being the least likely to claim they acquire new technological goods as soon as they’re available. This is funny and interesting at the same time. This generation is done and dusted with their bread-earning and utilizing their savings to acquire the best old age leisure. Majorly that is why they have a greater purchasing power than the other generations that followed.

The Covid upsurge has shunned the economy and shifted the market to an online mode of selling thus, accommodating more buyers. This has shown how baby boomers have adopted the shift and shown a rise in the acquisition of techno-stuff. Due to being a more vulnerable age range and avoiding physical shopping.

Boomers are not techno phobic. With the passage of time increased excitement for digital entertainment, along with a desire to socialize through video-conferencing technologies. Swiftly converted into a demand for more accommodative equipment, resulting in a significant increase in smartphone ownership, as well as smart TVs and streaming sticks.

Big Brands Accommodating Boomers

Big tech is fast addressing this, emphasizing privacy and online security regulations as selling points. These themes are already a staple of Apple’s advertising campaigns, for instance, and have spurred Google to fall into line.

A web application development company in US is expanding its horizons to settle the needs of such users. Research shows that 48% of baby boomers have a fear of losing their information online. Or face a threat that the government might use their private data to trace them for XYZ purposes. More companies are simplifying their usability to the demands of boomer age range.

Tech Usage By Baby Boomers

There is a spike in pickup service usage since 2020 and is projected to gain popularity with customers in the following years. While not all stores and restaurants offered this service before COVID-19. Those that did saw significant benefits early in the epidemic. Walmart, for example, saw a 97 % boost in e-commerce sales in the United States when it started its curbside service in early 2020. Walmart also stated that since the epidemic began. They have had to raise the number of time slots they provide by 30% to meet increased demand web application. This change can be accredited to the boomers who have been a vulnerable group amidst the pandemic, as they choose to avail themselves of such services.

Digitization Of Healthcare

With the pandemic putting baby boomers at risk, the transition to digital treatment has been rapid. The sector where boomers modified their behavior the most was attending telemedicine visits. Only 10% of people utilized telemedicine before COVID-19. But that number rose to 469 percent when the pandemic began, a study revealed. Many of the attendees showed an interest in using telemedicine in the future. This is a positive change in the healthcare sector as it involves less risks for boomers.

Usage Of Digital Banking Services

Research reveals that before Covid, boomers were less inclined to use online technologies to make choices and resolve difficulties. But once the epidemic began, they were more likely to connect technologically with sites, chat bots, and applications to perform these tasks. Online banking, transactions, customer feedback, and other features have been increasingly used by the boomers lately.

A set of data collected by Statistics shows that the number of online banking users was the same for both generations i.e., Gen Z and baby boomers as of 2021. This showed that 90% of the digital banking services were availed by baby boomers which is a remarkable change.

Digital Literacy For Boomers: A Way Forward

The Baby Boomer generation is reaching retirement age at a pace of 7,000 to 10,000 people every day. While the Information age’s technical advancements are ushering in a digital economy. Recent research by the AARP depicts that baby boomers hold 70% of the US disposable income. Which means they have the purchasing power as well as the equipment to add to the economy. Moreover, half of them use smartphones to play games and stay connected. To engage in this new economy, new literacies are required—literacies for the efficient and productive use of digital technologies. That enable involvement in this modern electronic society. Baby Boomers have not been examined as a unique cohort to see how successfully they interact in this digitization culture web application. Therefore, more awareness must be built to match the daily needs of such users.

They constitute a major part of the economic growth and require further awareness of digital literacy. Even though several firms are molding themselves to the needs of this generation, the transparency of digital information, improved T&Cs and simplistic modes of transferring tech know-how are vital.