The Canadian 50+ Tech Market: Trends and Opportunities in Innovation (Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation)

Summary

• CABHI surveyed 1,947 Canadians aged 50 and over about their technology habits, trends and preferences.p.6
• 100% of respondents use a smartphone, computer or tablet, and 99% use them daily.p.8
• Respondents prioritise ease of use (81%), cost and affordability (74%), and safety, security and privacy (56%).p.13
• 42% agree they would integrate technology more into daily life if they knew how to use it.p.13
• 44% are most interested in memory and brain training games, activities and programs.p.11
• 88% use technology to stay in touch with friends and family, and 81% cite social connection as their main motivation.p.19
• 39% had not bought any technology product in the past year.p.14

Key insights

1. In 2023, nearly one in five Canadians, about 7.6 million people, were aged 65 or older.p.5
2. 41% of respondents use home assistants or smart-home technology and 39% use wearable devices.p.8
3. Among wearable device users, 84% use them daily.p.8
4. 21% of respondents use home health and safety devices, and 53% of them use them daily.p.9
5. 14% of respondents find adapting to technology frustrating or difficult.p.15
6. 33% are drawn to tools that promote a healthy lifestyle and reduce dementia risk, 28% to financial wellness tools and 27% to assistive devices.p.16
7. 89% use smartphones, computers and tablets for banking and 78% to acquire new skills.p.17
8. 53% of South Asian respondents use a wearable device.p.20