Older generation are suprisingly mobile-savvy

Link: MediaPost Publications – Study: Mobile-Savvy Boomers The Norm, Not Exception – 09/19/2007

New research carried out in the USA reveals that the older generation aren’t far behind their younger counterparts when it comes to use of mobile features.

InsightExpress surveyed more than 2000 mobile users across the country, separating them into Gen Y (18-24), Gen X (25-44), younger Baby Boomers (45-54) and older Baby Boomers (55-64).

Mobile penetration was unsurprisingly high across all age groups, with 85% of those in Gen Y and 82% in Gen X having a mobile, with the younger boomers coming in at 80% and older boomers at 79%.

What was interesting, however, was the usage of text messaging amongst the older generation. 16% of younger boomers and 10% of older boomers sent or received text messages daily – that compares to 43% and 22% of Gen Y and Gen X.

Director of mobile research at InsightExpress Joy Liuzzo said about the results: “They realize that sending a text message is quick, they can check in with someone, make sure everything is alright and it’s done. No need for a phone call

“As more Boomers come to view text messaging as a convenience that makes communication faster and easier–adoption rates (and potential for mobile marketers) will grow. Think of a pharmaceutical company with a product that’s supposed to be taken once a month. Users could create an account on the company’s Web site and register for an SMS reminder.”