Silver Surge: The Rise of Texting Among Seniors

Summary:

• Technology adoption rates for seniors over 65 continue to rapidly increase

• Rural cell and internet access continue to expand

• Healthcare organizations who respond to seniors demands for convenience also realize staff satisfaction, operational efficiencies and increased revenu

Smartphone and texting adoption among people over 65 have grown steadily in recent years. Here's an overview of trends and factors:

Senior Smartphone Adoption is Rising Sharply

According to the Pew Research Center, “adoption of key technologies by those in the oldest age group has grown markedly since about a decade ago, and the gap between the oldest and youngest adults has narrowed”.  The trend has been steadily increasing, driven by more accessible, affordable smartphones and a growing need to stay connected.  

Statista reports that in 2023, 76% of adults over 65 own a smart phone.

Source: Statista Share of adults in the United States who owned a smartphone from 2015 to 2023, by age group

Modern smartphones, especially with features like large icons, voice assistants (e.g., Siri, Google Assistant), and health apps, have made it easier for older adults to use smartphones.

The need for digital connectivity to access services like telehealth, video calls with family, and social media has pushed more seniors to adopt smartphones.

Seniors are Texting More Every Year

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, texting increased by 37%.  Texting has also become more common among older adults. According to studies, about 75% of adults aged 65 and older now use texting.  

Texting is becoming increasingly popular for its convenience and speed, especially for keeping in touch with family members. In fact, one third of seniors prefer texting to phone calls.  AARP studies show that 56% of seniors text with family members daily.  Grandparents often text with their grandchildren who also prefer texting to phone calls.

Staying connected is the top motivator for texting. Per the AARP, drivers of seniors use of technology use include:

• 66% to connect with others

• 59% for entertainment

• 43% use it to learn to stay healthy

• 38% to learn a new skill

Additionally, barriers to rural adoption continue to go down with the big three cellular carriers adding thousands of additional cell towers each year. Wireless Internet Service Providers have also been active in rural areas.

Progressive Healthcare Organizations are Responding

By responding to the demand for the convenience of secure texting, providers are influencing patient behavior and driving loyalty and engagement in ways not feasible with telephonic outreach or reliance on patient-initiated appointments. Here are examples of what QliqSOFT clients are seeing engaging their elderly patients.

As participation in value-based arrangements increase, it is important to proactively reach out to patients to increase preventive health practices.

Engaging patients to complete Health Risk Assessments, sign consents, and verify insurance information prior to the visit, enables more time spent on the patient – a huge satisfier for both patients and staff.

First Choice Neurology population is largely over 55 years of age. They started out just wanting to communicate with patients and they got so much more then highly satisfied patients:

- a 22% reduction in staff overtime
- a 24% increase in revenue

Our clients experience is that patients do want to securely text with their provider and that doing so provides benefits for the patient, the staff and the organization. Let us show you how.