Silver Surfers 2.0: How AI is Reshaping Retirement in America
Retirees in the United States are increasingly integrating AI and other advanced technologies into their daily lives, according to interviews with 15 retired Americans. Many report spending significant time on apps, chatbots, and building AI-powered projects, sometimes at the expense of offline activities.
"Smartphone ownership among those aged 50+ rose from 55% in 2016 to 90% in 2025."
The New Frontier of Retirement
For many retirees, technology is no longer just a convenience—it's a lifestyle. Brian Rezendes, 64, retired from a retail job in North Dakota. He now spends most of his time building apps and learning AI tools, turning his golden years into a period of digital creativity.
Dee Humphrey, 73, uses the companion robot ElliQ and reported feeling withdrawal when the robot was being upgraded, highlighting the emotional bonds being formed with AI companions.
For others, the technology serves a more critical purpose. Edward Perry, 72, uses AI to manage his health after a terminal cancer diagnosis, leveraging artificial intelligence to navigate his medical journey with greater precision and insight.
Teaching and Sharing Knowledge
The AI revolution is also being driven by retirees themselves. Jan Friedlander, 81, and Pat Smith, 73, teach AI classes for people aged 50 and over in Denver, helping their peers navigate the digital landscape with confidence.
Marcia Sweet, 72, runs a tech support business and uses AI to expand her services, demonstrating that retirement can be a time of entrepreneurial reinvention.
Michelle Murphy, 64, is pursuing an MBA with a concentration in AI and uses smart home devices to integrate technology into her daily routine.
Marvin Honig, 88, takes AI courses and uses tech to manage trust accounts, proving that learning has no age limit.
"AI use among adults aged 50+ nearly doubled from 18% in 2024 to 30% in 2025."
The Data Behind the Trend
Surveys indicate a dramatic shift in how older Americans engage with technology:
- Adults aged 65 and older nearly doubled their YouTube consumption on TV from 2023 to 2025
- This age group now spends over four hours daily in front of screens
- Smartphone ownership among those 50+ surged from 55% in 2016 to 90% in 2025
Brittne Kakulla, AARP Research senior research advisor, notes that Tech Trends survey data shows increased smartphone ownership and AI interest among older adults.
The Balance Sheet: Opportunity vs. Risk
While the technological revolution offers unprecedented opportunities, it also presents challenges. Several retirees noted risks of tech overuse, including reduced physical activity and potential misinformation.
Diane Ty, Milken Institute Future of Aging managing director, adds an important context: 63 million family caregivers exist, most in paid jobs, and elder care is not well understood—a gap that technology may help bridge.
A Growing Market
The industry is taking notice. Investment in age tech is growing, with products like smart home devices, companion robots, and motion sensors entering the mainstream. AARP predicts the age-tech market will reach $120 billion by 2030, signaling that the intersection of aging and technology is not just a cultural shift, but a major economic force.