Switched-on seniors aged 65 to 85 are as likely to be glued to their mobile phones and on social media as younger generations, a new study has found.
The second landmark Ageing Australia Study, commissioned by Aveo, has revealed some surprising habits of techsavvy and digitally reliant older Australians.
The recently released 2025 study gathered insights from 1,260 respondents representing a cross-section of the socio-economic and geographic population, largely representing the Baby Boomer generation.
Of the respondents, 94% said they own a smartphone with even higher levels in Sydney and on the Gold Coast. This compares with the 98% ownership rate among Gen Z, aged 13-28.
Two out of three retirees embrace social media with 93% on Facebook, Instagram 33% and WhatsApp 22%.
Aveo’s Chief Executive Officer Tony Randello said the current generation of retirees was adventurous, highly educated, health conscious and challenging the traditional stereotypes of ageing.
“The results of the Ageing Australia Study were revealing but not unexpected for the generation born during the 1940s to the 1960s. They have witnessed incredible technological change from the arrival of television to a phone in their pocket,’’ Mr Randello said.
“To support retirees and their digitally empowered lifestyles, the retirement living sector must rise to the challenge by creating modern and forward-thinking communities where residents can age in place – supported by quality wellness and social facilities, and innovation in technology.’’
The study found more than half of older Australians are exercising three to five times a week, with walking the most popular choice at 86%, followed by swimming and the gym.
Fran Taber, a resident of Aveo’s Bayview Gardens community on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, says her smartphone is a “very necessary tool’’ and uses social media to message family and loves playing word games with friends overseas, but maintains a healthy lifestyle that includes 10,000 daily steps.
“I walk every day from home down to the water that takes me about an hour and I get in 6,000 steps then and I have a healthy diet of home cooked proteins and vegetables,’’ she said.
Fellow Bayview Gardens retiree Richard Conibear says he is selective in his use of social media but uses it to connect with family, friends and former colleagues.
“I also use my smartphone for online banking, email and to monitor my investments on the share market. YouTube comes in handy for entertainment and practical research when I want to know how to change a spark plug!’’
Craig Hunter, Managing Director of Blacksheep Strategic Group, who compiled the report, said the level of gaming across the 65-85 demographic had surprised him.
“I had not expected one in ten would be regular gamers with Minecraft the leading game of choice, followed by League of Legends, Call of Duty and Fortnite,’’ Mr Hunter said. “I suspect it might be the influence of grandchildren and a way to connect with them.’’
Online word, quiz or puzzle games were most popular with 30% playing regularly. Solitaire was the firm favourite followed by Wordle, crosswords and Sudoku.
The majority 87% eat a healthy diet for physical and mental health benefits, with only 15% admitting to following fad diets.
“They prefer to eat at home using fresh ingredients over processed food, almost all try to reduce food waste but are willing to spend more for quality, locally sourced produce. They are a surprisingly healthy bunch and ‘environmental foodies’,’’ Mr Hunter said.
“More than a third never order takeaway food and only one in 10 eat out weekly at restaurants or pubs.’’
The survey’s respondents live in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour.
Key study findings:
- 70% of respondents were aged 65-75; 30% 76-85
- 933 were retired; 105 work full time, 185 work part time or casual, 37 volunteer
- 329 were self-funded retirees, 458 full pension, 225 part-pension
- 87% eat a healthy diet for physical and mental health
- 70% prefer free-to-air TV, with 32% using streaming platforms
- 8% live or are moving to retirement communities and 29% are considering the idea
- 10% smoke or vape
- 16% use Uber on average 1.3 times a month
Aveo is Australia’s leading retirement living provider, owning and operating a diverse portfolio of communities for every stage of the later life journey for Australians. For more information about Aveo communities, go to aveo.com.au
About Aveo
As Australia’s leading and most innovative retirement living provider Aveo owns and manages a diverse portfolio of communities. For over 40 years, Aveo has been dedicated to helping retired Australians be their best selves across every stage of their later life journey. Aveo is committed to delivering the best retirement living options, continually listening and learning about what our customers want so that we can provide and foster communities where you can truly live well.
