Big news from AARP’s 2026 Tech Trends report: older adults spent an estimated $94.5 billion on technology last year, with 71% making at least one tech purchase. And they’re not done yet—2 in 5 plan to buy more tech in 2026.

Even better? 92% of adults 50+ now own smartphones, averaging seven devices per person. That’s nearly double from 2016.[linkedin +1]

The biggest shift? Texting is now the #1 way older adults communicate, surpassing email for the first time. And 30% are now using generative AI—up from just 18% last year—for everything from health guidance to travel planning.

The bottom line: seniors aren’t “catching up” with technology anymore. They’re redefining how it’s used. Two-thirds say tech enriches their lives and makes aging easier, while half use smart home tech for safety, lighting, or cleaning.

Want to stay ahead of the curve? Subscribe to TheSeniorTechie for practical tech tips, honest reviews, and news you can actually use—written by someone who gets it.