Modern Australian
The Times Real Estate

.

What younger people can learn from older people about using technology

  • Written by Bernardo Figueiredo, Senior Lecturer in Marketing, RMIT University
What younger people can learn from older people about using technology

Older people are often portrayed in the media as being technically challenged. Jokes are often shared on social media about older people taking photos on their phones with their thumb covering the lens, or accidentally installing viruses on computers.

Some of these damaging stereotypes impact upon how ordinary Australians interact with older age cohorts. A study published by the Australian Human Rights commission found 20% of Australians avoid conversations about technology with older people as they feel explanations will take a long time and a lot of effort.

But older people can and do use technology – and younger generations could learn a thing or two from them about how to have a healthier relationship with digital technologies like social media.

Read more: Online dating could have been made for older adults – they love it

How older Australians use social media

The 2018 YellowSocial Media Report confirms that around two thirds of Australians over 65 (67%) use social media, and almost a quarter (24%) use it at least once a day. While this is much less than the overall population (where 88% use social media, and 62% are daily users), it shows that seniors are engaged.

Older Australians also use social media differently compared to others. Australians aged over 65 are much less likely to check their accounts when commuting, during lunch time, at breaks and before going to bed, compared to younger users who tend to take advantage of any opportunity to engage with social media.

So, older people are social, but on their own terms rather than those dictated by the capabilities of the technology or the device.

Older Australians also prefer to access social media at home more than younger generations, and access it less outside the home. They have the highest preference for desktop access (51%) and the lowest preference for smartphone access to social media.

In the home, they prefer to use a study more than any other generation, and they never access social media in the bathroom or on the toilet (which almost 40% of 18-29 year olds do).

Multitasking isn’t popular among older Australians. Compared with the rest of the population, only 25% of Australians over 65 years of age use social media while watching TV. They are also much less likely to use social media on their commute, when working, during breaks, at lunchtime, in the evening or before bed.

Read more: Connecting online can help prevent social isolation in older people

Developing healthier habits

These behaviours may have health benefits. For example, research has shown that the blue light on our mobile phone screens suppresses production of brain chemicals that make us sleepy, so reducing phone use before bed could lead to a better sleep.

The way older Australians use social media may have other positive attributes. They upload less content, consume less news and video content, and follow fewer brands and celebrities than the rest of the population.

This may explain why they are less anxious about being unable to check social media, and less worried their activities on social media will come back to haunt them. In younger cohorts, “fear of missing out” drives social media addiction.

Australians over 65 feel their social media usage is “about right”, and they are the least likely age group to feel they spend too much time on social media.

Technology as a means to an end

Older people apply workarounds that fit tech into their lives, rather than adapting their lives to suit the latest tech trends. These are patterns found in digital immigrants – those who had to adjust to technology at some point later in their lives. This is markedly different from younger digital natives, who grew up with social media and smartphones.

Seniors tend to use technology for a narrower range of purposes than others. Only 36% of older Australians use phones to access social media. This is a sharp contrast to the national average of 74%. They also prefer traditional ways of listening to music and watching videos over online entertainment.

Digital natives have created their social networks through technology and therefore have more “friends” on social media than digital immigrants. Studies show the average Australian has 239 friends on Facebook, compared with 68 for those above 65 years.

For digital natives, online contacts are as real to them as their face-to-face ones. But for the goal-oriented digital immigrants, technology may merely be a means to reach their existing networks, rather than a place to hang out. Seniors normally report higher levels of satisfaction with their social relationships than younger adults. Their relationships are intimate, supportive, rewarding, even if facilitated by technology.

Read more: The digital divide: small, social programs can help get seniors online

Ensuring learning goes both ways

Older people have something to teach younger generations about the healthy and safe use of social technologies.

Retroactive socialisation, which happens when younger generations transfer knowledge acquired in the marketplace to older generations, may be how older people learn, but we should recognise that older consumers are solving their problems in innovative and unexpected ways.

In an environment where primary socialisation about technology is being driven by the tech industry, there may be space for learning from older people about social participation that is driven by deep and meaningful personal relationships facilitated by technology and devices.

Authors: Bernardo Figueiredo, Senior Lecturer in Marketing, RMIT University

Read more http://theconversation.com/what-younger-people-can-learn-from-older-people-about-using-technology-107607

The Best Nail Art for Short Nails

Short nails often get overlooked in the world of nail art, but they’re actually the perfect canvas for stylish, sophisticated designs. Whether you...

How Much Does a Skip Bin Cost? Skip Bin Prices, Sizes & What Influences the Price

Regardless of whether you're renovating a house. You are tidying up your backyard, or running a construction site. Chances are you'll require a skip...

Panoramic Elevators: Combining Functionality with Aesthetic Appeal

In the evolving world of building design, the demand for architectural features that are both practical and visually striking continues to rise. One...

No Dig, No Drama: Sydney Pipe Relining Explained

You know that feeling when water starts pooling where it shouldn't? Or received a quote for pipe repairs that made your eyes water? Let's chat about...

The SEO Benefits of AI-Optimized Landing Pages: Smarter Metadata, Faster Load Times

Landing pages are integral to the conversion funnel in digital marketing. Yet, when SEO works well to drive traffic to the landing page, it's just a...

How to Reduce Turbo Lag with an Upgraded Mazda BT-50 Exhaust System

Are you struggling with turbo lag affecting your driving experience?  Did you know upgrading your Mazda BT-50 exhaust system could be the key to u...

How to Segment Email Lists Based on Content Engagement (Not Just Demographics)

Email segmentation generally refers to age, location, gender demographic, and conventional elements. While this could be helpful information, it doe...

6 Qualities to Look for in Local Caravan Dealers

If you're searching for reliable caravan dealers in Campbellfield, it's essential to choose a dealer that offers quality products, excellent custome...

How to Repair a Faema Coffee Machine: A Practical Guide for Coffee Lovers

Introduction If you’re the proud owner of a Faema coffee machine, you already know that it’s more than just a kitchen appliance — it’s a vi...

Smart Health Decisions in Your 30s, 40s, and 50s: The Ultimate Prevention Guide

Making informed health decisions becomes increasingly important as we navigate through different life stages. What may have seemed unimportant in our ...

Sydney’s Electricians Helping Cut Business Costs

Running a business in Sydney isn’t cheap. Between rent, wages, equipment, insurance, and endless operational costs, it’s no wonder business owne...

Can Air Conditioning Help with Allergies and Asthma?

Living with allergies or asthma can make everyday environments feel challenging—especially during certain seasons or in homes where dust, pollen, ...

A Fast Charging Power Bank and Wireless Power Bank: The Future of Power Bank Technology

As the use of mobile devices grows, so does the demand for better, more efficient, faster, and more imaginative methods to power them. Previously re...

How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Power Bank: An Overview

Power banks are vital for ensuring your devices are powered while on the go, especially when on the move, outdoors, or during emergencies. They prov...

What is a Power Bank and How To Choose One

In a world filled with gadgets running out of battery is a real issue. This is where power banks can come in useful. They're portable, they hold pow...

Portable Chargers: How They Work & Essential Tips to Extend Battery Life

Portable chargers (also known as power banks) are essential accessories that keep your devices powered up while on the go — be it outdoor activiti...

How Artificial Tulip Displays Enhance Your Home’s Aesthetic

Artificial tulip displays have grown to be a common option for improving interior decor because of their exquisite look and long-lasting quality. Th...

The Psychology of Relationships: How Therapy Can Strengthen Bonds

Relationships require effort, understanding and communication. Couples and individuals can have better relationships with the assistance of therap...