AI, privacy, and attitudes ... Smartphones continue to be the most common purchase, made by 26 percent of respondents, with most ( The age divide in how Americans think about news

A growing cultural shift in 2026 sees some older adults leading a move toward "analog moments," prioritizing tactile experiences like physical books, journals, and board games over excessive screen time. The Representation Gap

On streaming platforms, crime dramas and procedurals (e.g., Reacher , NCIS ) are highly favored.

While they remain the "most committed" TV watchers—66% watch 3+ hours daily—this viewing is shifting from live TV to streaming and digital news.

Facebook remains the "clear favorite" for 72% of the demographic, followed by YouTube (53%) and Instagram (34%).