Key facts
- Retirees are spending significant time learning AI tools and engaging with technology.
- Smartphone ownership among adults aged 50-plus has risen dramatically.
- AI usage among older adults has nearly doubled in recent years.
- Retirees are using AI for diverse purposes, from business to health management.
- Concerns about AI's potential downsides, such as misinformation and loss of agency, are acknowledged.
The traditional image of retirement, often associated with golf courses and leisurely travel, is rapidly evolving as older Americans increasingly embrace technology and artificial intelligence. Many retirees are dedicating significant time to learning AI tools, developing apps, creating content, and even starting online businesses, viewing these digital pursuits as central to their post-work lives.
Surveys indicate a substantial rise in smartphone ownership among those aged 50 and older, with AI experimentation nearly doubling between 2024 and 2025. Retirees are utilizing AI for a variety of purposes, including managing health conditions, researching information, planning activities, and seeking companionship through AI agents and robots. For some, like Brian Rezendes, technology has become a primary focus, even leading to a perceived "jealousy" from spouses due to the amount of time spent online.
While the integration of technology offers new avenues for engagement and personal growth, concerns about over-reliance, potential misinformation from AI, and the erosion of human interaction are also present. Many older adults are consciously trying to balance their digital engagement with physical activity and real-world connections. Despite these concerns, the trend suggests that baby boomers are becoming the first generation to fully retire online, adapting to a digital-first world in their later years.