Older Americans and Their Screen Time: A Surprising Look at Tech Habits

In a digital age where concerns about excessive screen time often target younger generations, a fascinating new survey reveals that older Americans are just as engaged with technology as their children and grandchildren. Commissioned by Centrum Silver, a multivitamin supplement for cognitive support, the research surveyed 2,000 Americans aged 50 and older to understand their relationship with technology and concerns about cognitive aging. The results paint a picture of a generation that has embraced screens as part of daily life, despite some lingering concerns about potential negative effects. The average respondent spends approximately 22 hours per week in front of screens, with most of this time dedicated to watching television, followed by internet browsing, playing games, and working on computers. Daily activities also include video chatting, scrolling through social media, and reading on e-readers or tablets – habits that mirror those of much younger demographics.

Interestingly, this tech-savvy behavior exists alongside significant concern about the potential downsides of screen time. Many older adults have heard warnings that excessive screen time could be “addictive” (39%) or might be “rotting the brain” (23%). These concerns connect to a broader anxiety about cognitive decline – a worry shared by 78% of respondents. Almost all participants (96%) expressed that maintaining their cognitive abilities and memory as they age is important to them. This creates an apparent contradiction: older Americans are simultaneously embracing technology while harboring concerns about its effects on their mental acuity. The tension between these perspectives reveals the complex relationship many older adults have with modern technology – seeing it as both potentially harmful yet increasingly necessary in today’s interconnected world.

Despite these concerns, most older Americans recognize significant benefits from their screen time. A majority report that technology has helped them feel more connected to others (58%) and more up-to-date with current events and trends (54%). Additionally, many noted that screen time makes them feel more educated (39%) or improves their overall mood (36%). Perhaps most importantly, 34% of respondents believe that screen time has actively helped keep them mentally sharp. This positive perspective is further supported by the finding that nearly three-quarters (73%) of adults over 50 believe it’s important to actively engage with new technology. More than half (54%) believe that such engagement has actually improved their memory, suggesting that rather than viewing screens as passive entertainment, many older adults see technology as a tool for mental stimulation and growth.

When asked specifically about activities they pursue to support cognitive health, older Americans reported a diverse range of approaches. The most popular strategies include doing puzzles or playing games (67%) and reading (59%), traditional activities long associated with mental stimulation. However, many also cited staying up-to-date on current events (47%), watching television shows and movies (45%), and taking multivitamins (45%) as part of their cognitive maintenance routine. Other common approaches include trying new activities (36%), learning about new things like viral trends or new technology (35%), generally using technology (34%), and taking supplements specifically for brain or memory support (26%). This multifaceted approach suggests that older adults aren’t simply passive consumers of media but are intentionally incorporating various activities – including screen time – into routines designed to keep their minds active and engaged.

“The survey findings reveal a real tension: many older adults see screen time as a daily part of life, even as they worry it could be harmful,” said Josh Gabriele, Brand Director at Centrum. “Yet when used actively with intention – like reading, learning, playing certain games or connecting with others – recent research shows that screen time can actually help keep the mind engaged and resilient.” This perspective highlights an important distinction between passive and active engagement with screens. While mindlessly watching content might provide little cognitive benefit, purposefully using technology to learn, connect, and challenge oneself may actually support brain health. As Gabriele further noted, “These findings reinforce a broader truth: older adults aren’t just consuming content — they’re actively building routines that help keep their minds sharp. And whether through games, learning new skills, or incorporating a trusted daily multivitamin, they’re proving that ‘screen time’ can also be ‘brain time.'”

The survey ultimately challenges stereotypes about older adults and technology, suggesting that far from being technologically resistant or naive, many Americans over 50 have developed nuanced relationships with digital tools. They recognize both potential pitfalls and benefits, and many are intentionally incorporating screen time into broader strategies for maintaining cognitive health. Rather than seeing technology as the enemy of mental acuity, many older Americans view it as one tool among many for staying sharp, connected, and engaged. As our population continues to age, this balanced approach to technology use may become increasingly important – neither rejecting digital innovations outright nor embracing them uncritically, but thoughtfully integrating them into holistic routines that support cognitive health throughout the lifespan. The picture that emerges is not of seniors who are “too online,” but of a generation actively engaging with technology on their own terms.