Technology is making the world feel younger, healthier and more emotionally connected, reveals new research released today by Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY), suggesting a growing relationship between technological innovation and wellbeing.
- 40 percent of global respondents say technology makes them feel “a lot” or “somewhat” younger
- On average, people who use tech feel 11 years younger
- Over three-quarters (83 percent) of US working parents say tech helps feel confident that their kids are safe and secure while they are at work
- 57 percent in US believe devices are currently having a positive impact on the ability to improve their overall health
The research, which surveyed over 15,000 individuals from around the globe, including the US, Mexico, Brazil, China, India, Japan, UK, Germany, France and Italy, not only found 40 percent of global respondents feel “a lot” or “somewhat” more youthful thanks to technology, but on average it made them feel younger by 11 years.
This rings true in the US, where 55 percent of respondents said technology allowed them to more easily keep in touch with family and friends, which could be perhaps due to technologies ability to build connections between generations, especially those who might have once felt disconnected from tech-savvy youngsters. For example, grandparents are now able to better communicate with their grandchildren via smart technology due to its growing ubiquity and ease of use.
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The research suggests that this sentiment is felt world-over, across genders and ages. “To know how to operate newer technology makes me feel younger” a US woman respondent, said. Another woman, from France, also stated, “Compared to the younger generation who are born with all these technologies, my adaptability makes me feel younger”. On the other side of the globe, a female respondent in India cited tech as making her feel like she “can do anything with it which any youngster can do,” and a Chinese male respondent said: “It helps me catch up with the times – not only gaining more knowledge, but also feel that I’m on trend; I feel younger”.
The research generally revealed that many older generations think using technology helps them to connect better with younger people as well as feel livelier and more knowledgeable. This is especially evident when it comes to the role smart devices (from PCs, tablets to smart home assistants and more) play in terms of relationships with family and friends. When asked to compare technology today to those of 20 years ago for giving them the ability to feel connected to what is going on in the lives of the people they care about, 65 percent globally answered it’s “getting better”. While 75 percent globally also said technology is improving their ability to stay in touch with family and friends who live far away.
“Technology is powerful and with it we are more efficient, impactful, and connected than ever before. Specifically, older adults are becoming increasingly technology-savvy, developing closer connections to family and friends,” said Janae Brown, Durham Center for Senior Life MSW Program & Volunteer Coordinator. “ Lenovo’s support of Durham Center for Senior Life will allow our members to be active players in the ever-changing world of technology by strengthening their connections with people, empowering them to learn and be a part of new experiences, as well as engage with their health care providers in a more personal way.”
The global research also revealed that tech is helping people when it comes to mental health and wellbeing, offering emotional gains, particularly in parents. Over three-quarters (78 percent) of working parents globally stated the ever-connected nature of technology helps them feel more emotionally connected to their children, even when they are away from home. An even larger portion (83 percent) of US working parents agreed that emerging technologies are making it easier for them to feel confident that their kids are safe and secure while they are at work.
Over two-thirds (57 percent) of respondents in the survey stated they were optimistic about the future of technology and the role tech can play in our lives and society, especially in wellbeing, with 57 percent believing devices are currently having a positive impact on the ability to improve their overall health. And that’s hardly surprising, considering 84 percent also said tech has empowered them to make improvements in their lives overall.
Take for instance how one respondent, a 51-year-old woman from the US, highlighted how science is using technology to do great things for amputees, and enabling those suffering from mental illness to better connect with people from all over the world. “I think that the medical breakthroughs we’ve had are a tremendous statement on how we can have a positive relationship with technology,” she said.
The recognition that tech is helping to improve the quality of life could also be down to the time it saves people. Over one third (39 percent) of US respondents feel their smart devices save them 30 minutes or more a day by helping them do something faster or more efficiently. Similarly, over half (47 percent) in US agreed smart devices, such as computers and smart home devices like smart displays and smart clocks, are making them more productive and efficient.
In terms of personal health, 37 percent of US respondents said smart devices have made it easier for them to access health care providers and make doctor’s appointments, and a further 40 percent of those under 60 years of age in US stated modern tech makes it easier for seniors to contact emergency services.
Psychologist and founder of Digital Nutrition, Jocelyn Brewer, comments:
“It’s this tech knowledge that drives the perception of feeling younger, without having to revisit the angst of our adolescence!“ Staying connected to the people we care about is a wonderful feature of technology. And while it is no replacement for face-to-face connection, it is a valuable supplement to communication for those who might be geographically divided. Parents can manage a range of responsibilities and provide increasing appropriate autonomy to teenagers through a variety of communication tools, reminders and systems that can help take the struggle out of the daily juggle.”
Dilip Bhatia, Vice President of User and Customer Experience, Lenovo, commented:
“Technology has a transformational ability to unite people across generations and walks of life around the world, with the potential to help them to live healthier and more fulfilling lives. At Lenovo, we passionately believe in creating smarter technology for all, which is why we focus on making our technology accessible, blending into the everyday lives for the benefit of more people.”
About the research
Lenovo surveyed 15,226 people in seven languages across 10 global markets, including the US, Mexico, Brazil, China, India, Japan, UK, Germany, France and Italy. The respondent sample was nationally representative of the online adult population (18+) in each market.
The survey was conducted March 31st – April 27th, 2019 and the overall margin of error is +/- 1 percentage point (at a 95 percent confidence level); the margin of error within each country is +/- 3 percentage points (at a 95 percent confidence level). The survey probed respondents on how they view the role of technology in their lives and in society, both today and in the future.
About Lenovo
Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is a US$50 billion Fortune Global 500 company, with 57,000 employees and operating in 180 markets around the world. Focused on a bold vision to deliver smarter technology for all, we are developing world-changing technologies that create a more inclusive, trustworthy and sustainable digital society. By designing, engineering and building the world’s most complete portfolio of smart devices and infrastructure, we’re also leading an Intelligent Transformation to create better experiences and opportunities for millions of customers around the world. To find out more, visit https://www.lenovo.com