An AARP survey found cell phones are the preferred handheld mobile technology among people 50 and older. The survey asked about ownership, usage and interest in this technology and focused on whether this age group takes mobile devices with them when they leave home, and their current usage or interest in using mobile devices to manage their health or the health of someone 50 and older they assist.
While cell phones were the most popular mobile device used, there were mixed findings about how they are used. Only a small percentage of the group surveyed currently use mobile technology to track their health, but a considerable number are somewhat interested in doing so in the future.
Other key findings are:
Eighty-nine percent of people age 50 and older own some type of mobile technology, and 79 percent report owning a cell phone. Forty-two percent report using a laptop or tablet computer, followed by 16 percent who say they used portable media players. Fifteen percent use handheld GPS, 7 percent use a smart phone and just 3 percent say they use portable electronic book readers.
