Where is Technology Taking Boomers and Gen Xers as They Enter Their Later Stages?

Shortly after my 50th birthday, I found myself unpacking a few boxes that had been tucked away in the corner of the garage for at least a decade. Buried inside one of them was my mother’s old Dell computer—a relic of the past that immediately transported me back in time. It brought with it the nostalgia of teaching her the basics of using a mouse, mastering the elusive double-click, connecting to the Internet, and even discovering the joys of Skype and Solitaire.

That moment got me thinking: where are we taking technology as it relates to Boomers and Gen Xers as we approach our senior years? This question isn’t solely about eldercare, though that's an essential component. Instead, it’s about how the evolution of technology can and will shape the everyday lives of older generations beyond just solving critical health or safety issues.

The shift we’re seeing now, as people age into their 60s, 70s, and beyond, is going to fundamentally influence how we design user interfaces, devices, and entire ecosystems. We are entering a phase where technology’s biggest challenge may not be in innovation for innovation's sake, but in making that innovation accessible, intuitive, and inclusive for all age groups.

A Growing Financial Force

It’s worth considering the demographic shift that is on the horizon. AARP data shows that individuals aged 50 and older in the U.S. contribute a staggering $7.6 trillion to the economy. By 2050, more than 20% of the population will be over 65, creating a substantial financial force that tech companies cannot afford to overlook. This isn’t just a niche group; this is a major market that is demanding more of our attention.

The reality of this hit me and my team at Mercatus Technologies Inc hard during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the grocery retail industry scrambled to meet the needs of consumers, we saw a wave of seniors who were buying groceries online for the first time. For many, this was also their first online transaction using a credit card. Our call center was overwhelmed with seniors seeking reassurance—not only on how to input their card details but also on the safety of online shopping. It was a wake-up call, illustrating how much work is left to be done to make technology truly accessible for all.

The Tech Ecosystem of Tomorrow’s Seniors

As I approach my own later years, I find myself with more questions than answers. My eyesight isn’t what it used to be, and I often wonder what my tech ecosystem will look like when I’m 70. Will I be able to adapt as rapidly as technology evolves? Will my devices adapt to me, or will I need to conform to them?

One of the more fascinating possibilities is the convergence of technology sectors. Imagine a world where Apple, big pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare providers work seamlessly together within a personal ecosystem tailored to each individual. It’s not far-fetched—it's entirely conceivable.

But what about beyond the obvious? We’ve already solved issues like connecting with loved ones across the world, detecting falls, and providing endless forms of entertainment. Those hurdles have been cleared. The next frontier will be something deeper, something more human.

Humanizing Technology for Aging Users

For the generations that grew up seeing the rise of personal computing, the Internet, and smartphones, the future will be about the further humanization of technology. How do we create solutions for those who can no longer do what they used to? This isn’t just about bigger buttons and simplified interfaces—it’s about fundamentally rethinking ergonomics and accessibility.

Ergonomics, especially, is an area ripe for disruption as we age. The challenge will be designing systems that don’t just work but work seamlessly for those whose physical abilities may have changed. It will be the final battleground for dominant ecosystems, with companies vying to be the platform that Boomers and Gen Xers gravitate toward in their later years.

The Future We Build Together

We stand at a pivotal moment in technological history. We’ve become so accustomed to the rapid pace of innovation that we often don’t stop to ask whether everyone is coming along for the ride. It’s time to slow down and think more inclusively. How can we bring our aging population into the fold, not just as users, but as active participants in shaping the future of technology?

That old Dell computer in my garage may be obsolete, but it’s a reminder of where we’ve been and, more importantly, of the work we still need to do. Technology’s next leap won’t just be about the next big thing; it will be about making sure the next big thing works for everyone—no matter their age.