Older Australians aged 55 to 65+ years have embraced smart home devices and become more tech-savvy, according to new statistics.
But they are not the only ones taking advantage.
Australia’s largest online financial brokers, Savvy, surveyed 1000 Australians to see how they feel about using IoT (the Internet of Things) in the home.
IoT describes the network of physical objects – “things” – that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the internet.
In a nutshell:
- 48 per cent of boomers and seniors already own one or more smart home devices
- 13 per cent do not take any action to secure their devices
- Increased safety and security is a key motivator for adopting domestic smart home technology
- Only 14 per cent of seniors 65+ feel they do not need or want to invest in the IoT
- Almost half of Australians are willing to spend over $1500 on smart home devices
What do the statistics say?
Older Australians have experienced a considerable change in their digital habits.
Almost half of them (48 per cent) now own one or more smart home devices and have spent between $1000 and $2500 on IoT technology, and 41 per cent currently have 5-10 connected devices.
This suggests that generally, members of this generation can be described as ‘tech-savvy’.
They rely on IoT devices for safety and security, to manage and control their appliances remotely and to stay connected with family and friends.
Seventy-five per cent of boomers and seniors have purchased smart security devices, while home entertainment products (53 per cent) and smart hubs and assistants (47 per cent) follow closely behind.
In comparison, the adoption of smart home technology is also prevalent from the ages of 18-24 and 35-44, with 58 per cent relying on the IoT.
Connectivity, home entertainment and security make up the top IoT product groups for these respondents.
Overall, almost half (48 per cent) of Australians are willing to spend more than $1500 on smart home devices, with 42 per cent prepared to invest an extra $1500 to $5000 over the next 12 months. Yet only 14 per cent feel the Covid-19 pandemic has increased their desire to buy more devices, while 23 per cent remain unsure. Only 10 per cent plan to spend a further $5000 to $20,000 in 2022.
The data showed 33 per cent of older Australians still lack confidence and feel they are not tech-savvy enough to understand the risks of smart devices. These respondents choose not to use smart home devices because they do not believe they can protect themselves accordingly.
44 per cent of Australians across all age groups say they do not intend to invest in smart home devices because the products do not fit their needs. Privacy concerns are also a problem and deter many from buying devices for their homes. 21% of respondents are concerned smart devices are insecure.
Safety is the biggest motivator, followed by convenience and control
Forty-seven per cent of respondents said increasing their safety and security is the main reason why they have chosen to invest in domestic smart technology.
Devices such as smart locks, cameras, video doorbells and security systems are the top purchases, while 44 per cent are investing in IoT for the convenience and control of managing their devices remotely.
The ability to monitor and control appliances, white goods – and even gardening products -with the push of a remote button or a voice command, is popular across all age groups.
When ‘smart’ isn’t necessarily safe
Despite safety and security being the top motivators, 13 per cent of boomers and seniors have admitted their devices are not protected, taking no security measures or action to protect themselves from cyber-attacks.
Sixty per cent of seniors surveyed do use strong passwords, but only 8 per cent use multiple measures such as two-step verification, router protection, VPN blockers, regularly updating devices and turning devices off when they are not in use.
Smart doorbells and security systems are among the most vulnerable household items for cyber-attacks, yet 68 per cent of respondents are still unsure about whether they are comfortable or uncomfortable with these risks.
While these devices are designed to make our lives easier, they are also becoming the new weapons of choice for scammers, hackers and perpetrators of domestic and family violence, so secure devices are paramount.
Lack of user security awareness is a common exposure of smart devices to vulnerabilities and cyber-attacks. Fortunately, 14 per cent of respondents say this is not a concern for them with their IoT devices.
Cost and privacy issues remain among the respondent’s top concerns – 49 per cent say they cannot afford the investment, while 82 per cent worry about privacy and the collection of data and personal information.
Surprisingly, only 8 per cent are concerned about the mental health impact smart technology has on kids, teenagers and young adults.
As for whose responsibility it is to protect domestic IoT devices from hacks and privacy breaches, 89 per cent of boomers and seniors say it’s on everybody, including users and consumers, device manufacturers, device sellers, internet providers and the Government, while 20 per cent of all respondents feel it is only the manufactures.
Thirty-two per cent of respondents have chosen not to invest in smart home devices because they are concerned about security breaches and the possibility of being spied on, harassed or having their personal information hijacked.
Younger generations are also on IoT devices, but the highest use is from boomers and seniors
Australian children have been using smartphones more than ever in the last few years to play games, take photos, watch YouTube videos and keep in touch with their parents. But where do they sit with other connected devices in the home?
The survey shows 28 per cent of IoT users are 5 to 10 years old. Toddlers are also accessing smart devices now, with 16 per cent under the age of 5.
This suggests smart devices are playing an increasingly prominent role in the lives of preschoolers, despite the risks and digital technology being a challenging space to navigate.
Eighteen per cent of young IoT users are female, while there are more male children from 5 to 10 years old who use internet-connected devices at home (13 per cent vs 11 per cent).
The ACT (24 per cent) and Western Australia (20 per cent) have the highest number of IoT users under the age of 5, followed by South Australia (18 per cent).
Children IoT users from 5 to 10 years old are highest in the Northern Territory (20 per cent).
Twenty-two per cent of IoT users are 10 to 20 years old with 21 per cent aged 20 to 30. The 30 to 50 age bracket (31 per cent) and 50 to 60+ (40 per cent) show the highest figures.
Sixty per cent of boomers and seniors who are using smart devices live in the Northern Territory, with South Australia following at 51 per cent.
Victoria and the ACT are both 41 per cent.
Sustainability and energy management are growing motivators for IoT users, with eco-smarts on the rise
While safety, security, convenience and control top the reasons why Australians invest in smart devices, a growing number of users are also prioritising sustainability.
Twenty-three per cent of respondents adopt smart home technology to track and reduce energy usage, save money on utility bills and create a more eco-friendly household.
Products such as smart energy devices and climate appliances are popular investments – 37 per cent of users buying smart devices for sustainability are 18 to 24 years old, while 23 per cent are 35 to 44.
This could suggest a shift in consumer preferences.
As more Australians accept responsibility for sustainable living, the need for energy-efficient homes is no longer a current trend during a smart home boom, but a much larger movement towards long-term sustainability.
Smart homes are important in reducing energy use.
Collectively, consumers are visibly taking steps in the direction of home automation for a greener future.
