WASHINGTON — A new AARP study reveals that adults ages 50 and older are increasingly embracing new technology such as artificial intelligence (AI), navigation apps, and airline websites for their travel needs. Most say they value how technology can save them money (85%) and time (77%) and assist with unexpected travel changes. (77%)

Interest in learning more about travel technology is strong, with three-quarters of travelers eager to expand their knowledge. However, one-third feel overwhelmed by the number of available digital tools and 13% believe that using technology is not worth the hassle.

“As older adults prioritize travel, technology can make their trips easier and safer – but many find themselves on the ‘wrong side’ of the digital divide and are eager to learn more,” says Tom Kamber, executive director of OATS From AARP. “Our Senior Planet tech travel classes can help people enhance their trips, from booking and finding deals to assisting in navigation.”

Additional study findings:

• People who are comfortable with technology want to learn through online tutorials and videos (47%).
• Those less comfortable with tech prefer hands-on learning with a friend or family member (39%).
• Among the four in five who are familiar with AI (87%), most are aware of its use for travel (79%) but remain skeptical about data privacy (70%).
• Hotel websites (83%) and airline websites (73%) are the top digital tools used during planning, while navigation apps (77%) are used most during travel.

Older Adults Technology Services from AARP (OATS) offers both online and in-person classes to help older adults learn new skills, save money, and more through its flagship Senior Planet program.

Senior Planet’s dedicated travel page features upcoming classes, videos, and articles to help older adults plan trips online and learn hacks that can simplify their travel. Classes include: Introduction to Booking Vacation Stays Online, Online Travel Sites, Ridesharing Apps, Virtual Museum Tours and more. For more information about booking travel online, navigating online travel sites, and more, visit seniorplanet.org/travel.

About the study:
The “Travel Technology Use Among Travelers Ages 50-Plus” study was conducted via an online survey of 1,000 respondents, each 50 or older, who have traveled in the past 12 months or who plan to travel in the next 12 months. Its objective was to identify the awareness and most frequently used technologies by adults age 50-plus for travel purposes. The survey also provided an understanding of the challenges and barriers faced by older adults in using travel technology and gauge their satisfaction levels with existing digital travel tools and services.

To read the full study, visit AARP.org/traveltech50plus.

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About AARP
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.