Older Adult Safety Statistics
Older adults & technology
Older Adults & Technology Statistics
Current U.S. statistics on how older adults use smartphones and AI, with figures from Pew Research, AARP, and the University of Michigan. Every chart is free to cite and embed.
Key statistics
55%
of adults 50+ have used AI tools — but only half can spot incorrect AI info
Smartphone ownership rose across survey years
Smartphone ownership among adults 65+ rose from 18% to 78%
% of U.S. adults 65+ who own a smartphone, selected survey years 2013–2025
View chart data
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 18% |
| 2016 | 42% |
| 2019 | 53% |
| 2021 | 61% |
| 2023 | 76% |
| 2025 | 78% |
About this data. Selected results from Pew Research Center surveys of U.S. adults: 2013 (18%), 2016 (42%), 2019 (53%), 2021 (61%), 2023 (76%), and 2025 (78%). Pew changed its survey collection mode after 2021, so comparisons across that break should be read with care.
Ownership drops with age
Smartphone ownership drops with age
% of U.S. adults who own a smartphone, by age
View chart data
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| 18–29 | 98% |
| 30–49 | 97% |
| 50–64 | 90% |
| 65+ | 78% |
About this data. Pew Research Center, Mobile Fact Sheet (2025). Share of U.S. adults who own a smartphone, by age group.
Using AI — but wary of it
Older adults use AI — but can’t always spot bad info
Adults 50+, on AI tools and AI-generated information
View chart data
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Have used AI tools | 55% |
| Confident spotting bad AI info | 50% |
| Little/no trust in AI info | 46% |
About this data. University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging (2025), adults 50+, on use of and trust in AI tools and AI-generated information.
Sources
- Pew Research Center, smartphone ownership among adults 65+: 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2023, and 2025
- AARP — 2026 Tech Trends and Adults 50-Plus
- U-M National Poll on Healthy Aging — Older Adults and AI (2025)
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