Older adults are using technology at home to stay connected, healthy and safe.gettyWhen you think of technology, you probably have an image in your mind of a 20-something giving his thumbs a workout. That’s not an incorrect impression, but it’s hardly complete. According to AARP’s 2025 Tech Trends report, adults age 50 and older use tech products at the same rate as younger adults. Nearly all older adults (99%) own at least one device, with ownership averaging seven per person. “Most older adults (66%) view technology positively, seeing it as enriching their lives, helping them age in their home, and making both daily tasks and aging easier,” the report shared. Technology adoption includes octogenarians, the advocacy nonprofit shares: “An increasing number of adults 80-plus are more likely to view technology as an ally in healthy aging; the share of those agreeing that it enables a healthy life rose from 39% in 2024 to 46% in 2025.” I saw that firsthand with my 88-year-old father. He enjoyed using his iPad daily for news and search. In the last weeks of his life, his hospice-at-home care included his favorite songs via Alexa on his sound speaker. What are the older adults in your life using? Does that include you? Here are five top tech trends for the fast-growing 50 and older crowd. 1. Security“Smart-home technology, including security cameras and lighting systems, has also become increasingly commonplace, with half using at least one,” the report revealed. “The use of home safety tech such as cameras and alarms increased from 34% and 19% in 2024, respectively,” AARP added. More than a third of 50 and older adults (38%) use a device that lets you see who’s at your front door or in your driveway” and 30% have security systems. (I’m in my mid-60s and fit into both categories.)The increased use of social media by older adults (90% as of 2025), which frequently uses fear to drive engagement, may contribute to the home security trend, but it really accelerated during the 2020 Covid pandemic. “One of the most significant underlying fears today is the perception that police departments are underfunded and understaffed. This leads to concerns that if homeowners call the police in an emergency, they may not arrive in time to provide assistance,” observed David Vranicar, managing director with FBS Fortified and Ballistic Security in the Ft. Lauderdale area. While he shared this insight for a May 2024 article, recent police department officer shortages across the country are likely contributing to the growth of home security system sales by older adults (who may feel more vulnerable). One helpful add-on to a home security system — especially for those living alone — is a smart lock. If your caregiver, a handyman or friend is at the door, being able to let them in without having to get up can be extremely helpful. Smart locks can also let you provide access to pet sitters or plant waterers while you’re out of town. I purchased a smart lock in 2024 and have found it incredibly useful, especially while traveling. According to Coherent Market Insights, I’m not alone. The market is estimated at $3.29 billion this year and is expected to reach $7.41 billion by 2033, the firm reported. MORE FOR YOU2. Health“Most notably, the use of medical services (e.g., GoodRX, LifeAlert, health records) has significantly increased in the past year, up from 35% in 2024 to 46% in 2025,” AARP noted. The report also mentioned, “There are numerous health-related technologies now available to help people stay healthy, such as devices that track fitness goals or monitor glucose levels, or digital services offering mental health assistance through online therapy and stress management tools. The oldest adults — those aged 80-plus — have become more likely to view technology as an ally in healthy aging, with agreement that it enables a healthy life, rising from 39% in 2024 to 46% in 2025.” 3. CaregivingMillions of older adults live far from their adult children, making remote caregiving necessary. Technology is helping these caregivers navigate the complexity of providing support, managing routines and tracking the health of their loved ones. “Today, half of all caregivers (55%) use one or more forms of tech to coordinate caregiving responsibilities,” the AARP report mentioned. Telemedicine is useful for consulting with an older relative’s care team. Location detectors are popular for monitoring family members who may be prone to wandering off. Both technologies are used by more than a quarter of all 50 and older caregivers, the report revealed. The tech adoption trend has included artificial intelligence. Though somewhat skeptical and concerned about privacy issues, the 50-plus crowd is warming to its potential. “Already AI usage has nearly doubled, rising from 18% in 2024 to 30% in 2025. AI-health monitoring devices and using AI tools to answer health questions or provide nutritional guidance are of particular interest among older adults,” according to AARP. 5. Device TypesWhile those who responded are interested in tracking their health through technology, their most common devices are smartphones (90% own one), so helpful tech should definitely be phone friendly. The 50-plus set also uses smart TVs (77%), laptops (70%), tablets (58%), wearables (36%), home assistants (35%) and smart home technology/security (27%). Conclusions“Over the last decade, technology has evolved from being just a helpful add-on to being an embedded tool that makes life easier,” AARP observed. The organization used an online survey of adults 18 and older in both English and Spanish to determine its latest findings. It kept the 22-minute questionnaire available from September to October of 2025. The total sample size was 3838, with 3083 being 50-plus.“It is proving to help older adults stay socially connected, age in place and live better lives,” the report concluded about technology for the 50 and older crowd. “Many are now integrating smart home, health, and digital services into their daily lives to support independence, connection, and safety.” I’m certainly one of them. Are you?