by Ellen Blake
What do today’s older adults look like? What are the cool new senior trends? Life looks different for us than it did for our parents and grandparents. Boomers are changing things up! We are a dynamic and new generation of older adults who don’t sit around pining for years gone by. Most of us work hard to live our best lives and make the most out of every day. So what are seniors doing? Below are some senior trends we see with today’s older adults.
Reinventing Ourselves
A great many of us still have a lot of life left in us after we retire or our kids leave the nest. Who wants to sit around the house? Most of us don’t want to sit still. We all need a purpose to fill our days, one that provides joy and meaning. Often this next phase takes us in a completely different direction than we pursued earlier in life. This might mean returning to work part-time in a different capacity or pursuing a hobby or passion we didn’t have time for earlier. For example, some take up painting, gardening, exercise, or volunteer work. Others start a business or purchase a franchise, drawing from their years of life and work experience. Still others decide to go back to school for an advanced degree. This new trend works our minds and bodies, keeping us engaged, healthy, and happy.
Marijuana for Seniors for Medicinal Purposes
Whether reuniting with a drug they used recreationally in years past or trying it for the first time, the use of marijuana by older adults for medicinal purposes is a growing trend. Most use it to help treat chronic pain, insomnia, or anxiety, and researchers found that 61% of people using marijuana, also referred to as cannabis, started after age 60. As the number of states legalizing medical marijuana grows, there is increased accessibility and less stigma connected with its use which makes it more acceptable for older adults to consider trying it.
Senior Travel
We are traveling the world more now than ever! It’s not just younger folks with fewer responsibilities who are crisscrossing the world these days. According to the health insurance marketplace, Squaremouth, adults aged 60 and above accounted for nearly 37 percent of travelers in 2023. And 52% of survey participants in this study ranked travel and vacation as their number one priority for discretionary income. We are not quite back to the pre-pandemic levels (46.3 percent), but the numbers are climbing steadily.
While we enjoy travel every bit as much as younger individuals, our motivations, preferences, and desired experiences often differ significantly. My children prefer to travel like locals, not as tourists, and do not prioritize comfort as much as I do. When I was younger, I stayed in hostels, but I simply don’t want to travel that way anymore to save a few bucks. I also prefer a well-planned itinerary to winging it as they do and generally use a travel agent these days to handle complex arrangements. Health concerns and accessibility considerations also factor into my travel choices at this point in my life.
Aging in Place
Aging in place is one of the most popular senior trends we see today, which means we want to age in our homes as we age. A familiar home provides a sense of independence, comfort, and security, and allows us to maintain our social connections and relationships. Technological advancements, such as home automation and telemedicine, make it easier than ever for older adults to remain in their homes long-term today. For those who want to stay in their homes, we recommend starting to plan early; unfortunately, many people wait until it’s too late instead of preparing their homes so that the option is available.
Coupling Up Without Thinking of Marriage Later in Life
Finding true love can happen more than once, but even the most traditional of seniors no longer believe that necessarily must result in a walk down the aisle. For example, some older couples choose to cohabitate without marrying, while others choose a LAT (Living Apart Together) type of relationship. Happiness in a relationship at age 50Plus can come in many forms.
Cohabitation
Many seniors who are widowed, single, or divorced live together without tying the knot. In fact, according to the NIH, cohabitation is growing more rapidly among older (age 50 and above) than younger adults. Various factors influencing this trend include changes in societal attitudes, financial considerations, and a desire for companionship without the legal complexities of marriage.
LAT (Living Apart together)
The LAT (Living Alone Together) movement is increasingly popular these days. Many older adults want companionship and love at age 50plus but do not want to marry (or remarry), or even live together. Some of us are simply not interested at this stage of the game, preferring not to sacrifice our independence. Those who successfully live apart together with a significant other often say it’s like having your cake and eating it too!
Seniors and Exercise Benefits
Embracing Technology
A lot of people believe seniors are not tech-savvy. This is simply not true. According to an AARP Study, 86% own a smartphone, 70% have a smart TV, 59% use a tablet, 31% have a home assistant, 28% own a wearable device, and 24% have a smart home tech device. In addition, 94% text, 88% email, 74% are on social media, and 67% video chat to stay in touch with loved ones. The most popular social media platforms among adults 50 and over are Facebook and YouTube. We use Instagram and TikTok less, but the numbers are rising. We are also streaming regularly. This study shows that more than 80% engage in at least some form of streaming for entertainment, and 65% do so on a smart TV.
While many of us love our technology to stay connected, shop, and consume entertainment, it seems most of us are also open to using it to support our well-being as we age. One in five older adults say they use health apps for meditation, sleep issues, and eliminating bad habits. Caregivers also see the benefits of tech, according to the survey. More than half say they are interested in tech to help them take care of their loved one or patient. Home-tech devices encourage independence and safety. for example, doorbell cameras, home alarms, smart alarms, and online games and music programs are very helpful for many.
The Bottom Line
Today’s older adults are breaking the mold. These are just a few of the senior trends growing in popularity these days. What are you doing to make your life easier, healthier, and more fun? We’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.
FAQs
Below are some common questions about how older adults today differ from previous generations and current senior trends.
How do older adults today view work and retirement compared to previous generations?
In today’s world, we are redefining retirement, often choosing to change fields, work part-time, or engage in volunteer opportunities instead of fully retiring. This reflects a desire for continued contribution and purpose, though for some it is a financial necessity. In the past, seniors typically viewed retirement as a complete withdrawal from the workforce.
How has the financial landscape for seniors changed?
We face different financial challenges than previous generations. The once common pension many seniors received in previous generations is no longer offered by most companies. The shift toward defined contribution plans like 401(k)s has placed more responsibility on individuals for retirement savings. We also have to deal withlonger lifespans and higher costs for healthcare and housing. These factors strongly impact our financial stability. Many Americans do not have sufficient savings to support themselves comfortably as they age.
How do social attitudes toward aging differ now?
Previous generations often emphasized decline, but many current attitudes celebrate aging as an opportunity for continued growth, learning and social engagement. Contributions of the potential and contributions of older adults are increasingly recognized these days.
Are seniors more educated now than in the past?
Yes, older adults today are generally more educated now, especially women. This educational background influences perspectives and their desire for lifelong learning.
What are the differences in caregiving among older adults today?
This generation of older adults expects more support from technology in caregiving, such as remote monitoring devices and health apps. In addition, we tend to be more involved in our own care decisions than seniors in the past. We research our conditions and advocate for our needs. In contrast, previous generations were often more passive and did not question healthcare professionals.
Leslie Farin is the Publisher and Founder of 50PlusToday. She is an experienced communications and marketing professional passionate about working with older adults and their families. She works with a team of writers to provide essential and cutting-edge information related to the 50Plus community.
