It is no secret that smartphones have become a staple in daily life for Australians of all ages. While much attention has focused on young people and their scrolling habits, a growing number of families are noticing similar patterns among baby boomers, those born roughly between 1946 and 1964. Parents and grandparents who once dismissed technology as “not for them” are now spending hours on Facebook, YouTube or short videos, sometimes at the expense of family time or other activities.
Take Sarah, a Melbourne woman in her late 30s. She describes how her 70-year-old mother now spends family gatherings glued to her phone, watching reels or catching up on news feeds.
“It’s like trying to drag a teenager away from TikTok,” she says. “Even on holidays, she’d rather stay in scrolling than join us for a walk or play with the grandkids.”
This is not an isolated story. Across Australia, adult children report similar frustrations as their boomer parents become increasingly reliant on devices for entertainment and connection. What was once a tool for staying in touch has, for some, turned into a constant companion that fills retirement days. Many families describe it as chronic dependence, where phones take priority over real-world interactions, echoing concerns once reserved for younger generations.
Screen time among older Australians has risen notably since the COVID-19 pandemic pushed many online for the first time. Lockdowns encouraged the use of video calls like Zoom and FaceTime to combat isolation, and that habit stuck. Global figures suggest older adults aged 60 and above now average around 4.6 hours of mobile screen time per day, with Australian trends following suit as smartphone ownership continues to grow, projected to reach over 23 million users nationwide by 2026.
In Australia, earlier data showed averages closer to three hours daily for those born before 1965, but anecdotal evidence and family reports indicate the numbers are climbing as more boomers embrace smartphones fully. Recent studies on Australian generations confirm that while younger groups under 40 still log the highest daily usage, boomers and older cohorts are catching up, particularly in social media and entertainment apps.
Experts point out that smartphones can be highly engaging. Short-form videos and social media feeds are designed to keep users hooked, delivering quick dopamine hits through likes, comments and endless content. For retirees with more free time, this can become a default way to pass the hours, especially when combined with easier access to generative AI content and algorithm-driven recommendations.
But heavy use is not harmless. One major concern is vulnerability to online scams. In 2025, Australians reported significant losses to scams, with older groups often hit hardest. The National Anti-Scam Centre’s Scamwatch data shows shopping scams surged, contributing to nearly $260 million in total reported losses in the first nine months of the year. Remote access and investment scams disproportionately affect those over 65, with many incidents starting on social media platforms where trust is built through repeated exposure.
Psychologists also highlight risks around misinformation. Older users may be less adept at spotting AI-generated content or fake news, especially after repeated viewings. This can lead them down narrow echo chambers or conspiracy theories, shifting views in unexpected ways. Family members sometimes watch helplessly as loved ones share dubious reels or engage with questionable groups, sometimes leading to strained relationships or radicalised opinions.
There is ongoing debate about cognitive impacts too. Some neuroscientists worry that excessive passive scrolling could reduce brain stimulation, potentially contributing to faster decline in memory or executive function, following the “use it or lose it” principle. Reduced face-to-face socialising from device dependency might compound loneliness, a known risk factor for cognitive health in later life.
However, emerging research offers a more balanced view. Recent studies from 2024 and 2025, including cross-sectional analyses in China and elsewhere, suggest that non-addictive smartphone use among older adults is linked to better cognitive performance, fewer emotional symptoms and even enhanced brain activity in key regions. Active engagement, such as browsing, using apps for reminders or playing cognitive games, may build cognitive reserve and support independence. Passive use, like endless scrolling, appears more problematic, while purposeful digital activities show positive associations with memory, attention and overall function.
Technology’s benefits for older Australians should not be overlooked. For many, phones help maintain social ties, especially with distant family or friends facing mobility challenges. Video calls, messaging apps like WhatsApp and social platforms provide vital connection that might otherwise be lost. Research consistently shows that digital tools can reduce feelings of loneliness by fostering social support, enabling communication and linking users to community resources or virtual groups.
Some older adults use smartphones for practical independence too, setting medication reminders, accessing health information or managing finances. When used mindfully, these features help people stay engaged and self-reliant for longer. Studies on social internet use among older adults highlight how it mediates reduced loneliness by increasing contact with personal networks, turning potential isolation into meaningful interaction.
The key seems to be balance. Technology can enrich lives, but when it replaces real-world interactions or dominates the day, it becomes problematic. Families facing this issue might start gentle conversations about setting boundaries, perhaps phone-free meals, dedicated family time without devices or using built-in screen time limits and app blockers.
Encouraging alternative activities like walks, hobbies, community groups or in-person catch-ups can help redirect energy. For boomers open to guidance, simple training on spotting scams or verifying content could build confidence and safety online.
As Australia’s population ages and smartphones evolve, understanding boomer phone use matters more than ever. It is not about banning devices, but recognising when a helpful tool becomes a crutch and having open conversations before it strains relationships or health. With awareness, small changes and support, families can ensure technology serves rather than dominates later years, helping older Australians stay connected, sharp and engaged.
