Did you know that almost all of our clients are Baby Boomers? This group is defined as people born between 1946 and 1964 (I fit in to this category as do many of our employees also) has a love-hate relationship with technology. While they are the fastest growing segment of technology consumers, they are also often hesitant to adapt because of the potentially difficult learning curves associated with new technologies. They need to be convinced that adopting new technology will make their lives easier and better. Also, they are “at the top of their game” in terms of their live and career and quite honestly sometimes technology can make us seem less than brilliant!
Boomers are told by their children that learning and using new technology will make communicating with their grandchildren and keeping tabs on extended family much easier. Once they have a motivating factor such as family behind them, the idea of spending the time and money on new technology becomes more appealing.
In recent years, Baby Boomers have adopted computer, mobile and even social media technology at a rapid pace. Boomers, in fact, are spending more time online than they do watching TV. A recent Pew Research study found that Baby Boomers are spending on average of 19 hours per week online. The same study showed that 71 percent use social media every day, and that 59 percent of seniors did the same. The primary reason for this adoption was to keep in touch with family members.
Other technological advancements that are beginning to resonate among Baby Boomers and seniors involve making their home “smarter.” Once they realize that many aspects of their home lives can be made easier with these technologies, they’re much more willing to adopt them. From basic needs, such as setting up wireless internet in the home, hooking up a smart TV, or installing a smart thermostat, these products fulfill a variety of needs, and are perfect for boomers to add to their homes.
With the addition of new technologies comes lingering issues around installation, maintenance, repair and just plain learning how to use them properly. The most common source for tech support falls on the shoulders of the children and grandchildren of the Baby Boomer. But what if no one is available to help? Most of the support options for new, in-home technology are expensive, difficult to schedule and often lack the patience and instruction needed by late tech adopters.
Our company, Tech Help Boston (formerly Geek Housecalls and Boston Teks) is a local company that helps our clients address those challenges and created a service that is cost effective, easy to schedule and conscientious of the needs of our Baby Boomer customers. Not a Baby Boomer? That’s OK, too. Visit our FAQ page, Resource Center or send us a quick chat! We’re happy to help.
