There are a lot of stereotypes about older consumers, especially with regard to their resistance to innovations and new technology.
But, according to a recent study by the Harris Poll, this stereotype is greatly overstated. As reported by eMarketer:
“It isn’t safe to assume smart-home devices only appeal to always-connected millennials. Early adopters of devices may commonly be young (and frequently male), but the wide variety of items that can make up a smart home mean senior Internet users are just as likely to have them as their younger counterparts. Senior Internet users are just as likely as Gen Xers, and more likely than baby boomers, to have at least one smart-home device. Millennials are a few points ahead by this measure.”
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I actually agree–although technology is more popular with younger clients, a lot of older persons find it very intriguing to conserve energy with the new smart homes. Tesla’s home battery has proven to be very popular, because people like the fact that they save money on electric bills because it works with solar panels to generate energy for the time we need it most based off of the times during the day that we don’t really use it. Of course there is a growing trend between younger people and energy conservation, but potential customers that may be a little older shouldn’t be discriminated against–you never know.
I really like it ! It will bring us more comfortable!
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I read this article and tried to think about how many of these items were in my grandparents home. It’s interesting how the times have changed and the older people in our population are becoming more connected with smart technology within the home. One thing to note is that the items that the seniors are using are more of necessities, rather than luxuries. For example, seniors scored high in both smart thermostat and smart home security wireless system. Both of these are more efficient and practical for seniors, rather than something like smart water detectors.
Although the stats in this article say seniors have almost as many smart items in their homes as millennials, I don’t think they use them to the extent that younger people do. I think seniors more so have these items because its more convenient and easier for them to use, while millennials have them since its the next best thing that is nicer to have. Also, I think many of these young people are the ones who give many seniors these smart items, coming from having a grandma who was given an iPad two years ago and still doesn’t know how to use it.
I find this article to be very interesting. I do agree that older generations are becoming more and more familiarized with new technologies that are coming out for homes and other things. It is very easy for younger generations to be up to date with technologies because that is all that they know and the only thing that they grew up with. I also believe that our world is turning into a “smart” world and that if the older generations do not get on board with the new technologies that they will be left behind.
I feel that older consumers are not resistance to technological devices. They just need more time to accept them and learn the usages. Young people are curious about new things, they buy new tech devices to show their differences. While I think older consumers are the real users of those devices. They are experts in doing houseworks. They will trying their best to do housework with less time and money. Only if a high tech home devices are gradually accepted by older consumers, it could have been thought as a successful product. Because they are actually useful.
I found the article to be eye-opening! I do believe that older generations are becoming more accustomed with technology. However, I feel as if people forget to have a bit of patience for them figuring these devices out. The elder generations have witnessed it all–ranging from when a gum ball was just a cent to the idea of a personal computer and phone. They just need time to adjust, as advanced technology we have nowadays was not present when they were children as it is today. This current generation of youths have smartphones midway through elementary school! I see toddlers before they can even talk, playing games on their parents iPads! These children are practically growing up with them! Thus, it is becoming more innate for the easy operation and utilization of technologies of these types for the younger generations!
The data presented were unexpected to me, since I was under the general impression that older generations are not very interested in technology. I was positive that the younger generations were significantly more interested in new technology and innovations that make daily activities simpler and saving money easier. However, the data does make some sense as being interested in newer technology can lead to lower monthly bills, regardless of age. For example, the smart thermostat could save any homeowner a lot of money by adapting to the needs of the homeowner without significant effort. So it makes sense that people of any age try to keep up with technology, since keeping up with technology can save a lot of money.
I agree that a lot of people assume that the older generations are “technologically illiterate.” Although I believe that the younger generations are more involved with technology since they grew up with it, I don’t believe it’s impossible for older generations to use “smart” products in their daily lives. My best friend’s grandparents have smart phones, tablets, multiple computers, and a smart TV. Honestly, I think they’re more tech savvy than I am!