25+ statistics on smartphone use by older adults — ownership rates, most-used features, accessibility settings adoption, and what makes smartphones work better for people 60+.
The smartphone has become the most important technology device for older adults — connecting them to family, healthcare, and services. These statistics reveal how adults 60+ actually use their phones and what features matter most.
76%of adults 65+ own a smartphone
— Pew Research, 2024
89%of adults 60–64 own a smartphone
— Pew Research, 2024
58%of adults 75+ own a smartphone — the fastest-growing adoption segment
— Pew Research, 2024
$500–$800average price range for smartphones purchased by adults 65+ (favor larger screens and simplicity)
— Consumer Reports, 2024
67%of senior smartphone users have increased text size above default
— AARP Tech Survey, 2024
43%use voice input (Siri, Google Assistant) regularly
— AARP, 2024
31%use screen magnification or zoom features
— AARP, 2024
22%use hearing accessibility features (vibration alerts, captioning)
— AARP, 2024
62%of senior smartphone owners say 'small text' is their biggest frustration
— AARP, 2024
47%cite accidental touches or unintended actions
— AARP, 2024
38%cite confusion about app updates changing familiar interfaces
— AARP, 2024
29%cite battery life concerns — especially for seniors who rely on phones for safety
— Consumer Reports, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
How many older adults use smartphones?
76% of adults 65+ own a smartphone (Pew, 2024). 89% of 60–64 year-olds own one. The fastest-growing segment is adults 75+, now at 58% ownership. Older adults skew toward larger screens (iPhone Plus, Samsung Ultra) and simpler interfaces.
What do seniors use their smartphones for most?
Voice/video calls are #1 (91%), followed by text messaging (78%), health apps (54%), and navigation (49%). Health app adoption is particularly notable — seniors use medication reminders, fitness trackers, and telehealth apps at high rates once they have the device and basic skills.
What smartphone features help older adults most?
Large text (67% increase it above default), voice input (43% use regularly), screen magnification (31%), and hearing aids connectivity (22%). The accessibility features built into iOS and Android are highly used by seniors who discover them. Small text is the #1 frustration (62%), suggesting font size and screen size are the most important purchase decisions.