The Use (and Disuse) of Mobile Phones by Baby Boomers

Abstract

Baby boomers are characterised as being technophobes who are slow to adopt new technology and when they do, they struggle to understand how to use it. This paper aimed to
uncover whether baby boomers have embraced mobile phone technology and, if not, their reasons why. It sought to provide an understanding of mobile phone use among Australia’s ageing population, and the ways they are using and interpreting this technology. The research was conducted using a combination of face-to-face interviews and an online survey. The results indicated that although baby boomers’ general uptake of mobile phone technology was high, they have a limited use and understanding of functions beyond voice calls and SMS. With baby boomer demographics and consumer spending expected to dominate in years to come, the findings support the need for further investigation into handset design, marketing approaches and sales techniques which are tailored to this lucrative market..

Keywords: Baby boomers - older people - mobile phone - research - marketing - handset design - consumers

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