A 2026 survey reveals how seniors are embracing streaming, AI and digital connectivity — helping reshape expectations for the modern resident experience.
Today’s independent living residents are more digitally connected, entertainment-focused and technologically engaged than ever before. New research° commissioned by DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS® reveals a shift in how independent senior living residents age 64+ use internet services, consume entertainment and adopt emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI).
The findings challenge outdated assumptions about senior technology adoption and highlight a growing expectation for robust connectivity, entertainment and digital tools that support both convenience and wellbeing. The results paint a clear picture: connectivity is no longer optional — it is foundational to resident quality of life.
Download the full trend report here.
Today’s independent living resident is digitally active
The survey population represented a highly engaged demographic:
- 68% female and 32% male
- 50% married and 32% widowed
- All respondents were age 64+, with half of those surveyed between 80–89 years old
Despite assumptions that older generations are less connected and technically challenged, residents reported internet usage for everyday tasks and communication.
Top online activities among seniors
- 98% use email
- 90% conduct web searches
- 79% shop online
- 73% manage finances digitally
- 63% stream content — up 5% since 2024
These findings reinforce that internet access has become an essential tool within independent living communities. Residents are relying on connectivity not only for entertainment, but also for communication, commerce and financial management.
Faster internet is becoming a competitive amenity
While 45% of residents still use the basic internet service provided by their communities, demand for higher speeds is increasing:
- 18% currently pay to upgrade to faster internet service
- Communities offering internet as a fully included amenity have declined 38% since 2022
This trend creates an important opportunity for community owners and operators. As residents become increasingly reliant on streaming, online shopping, video communication and AI-powered tools, bandwidth expectations are rising accordingly.
Communities that invest in reliable, high-speed internet infrastructure can help communities align with evolving resident expectations while helping to differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive market.
Streaming continues to surge among seniors
Streaming adoption among independent senior living residents continues to grow. According to the survey:
- 70% of residents now use streaming services
- Streaming usage increased 5% since 2024
Younger segments of the independent living population are driving particularly strong adoption:
- Ages 70–74: 81%
- Ages 75–79: 72%
- Ages 80–84: 62%
When asked which streaming platforms they “couldn’t live without,” residents identified these in order of importance:
- Netflix
- YouTube
- Amazon Prime
These preferences reflect a broader shift toward on-demand entertainment experiences that mirror what residents already enjoy at home before transitioning into independent living communities.
Residents are willing to pay for better entertainment
Entertainment remains a high-value priority for seniors, and many are willing to pay more for expanded access and premium content.
The study found:
- 37% receive only basic TV service through their community
- 44% pay extra for additional channels or programming
- Average monthly entertainment spend reached $42 — a 20% increase since 2024
The most valued programming categories in order of importance include:
- News
- Movies
- Sports
This growing investment demonstrates that residents are actively seeking personalized, robust entertainment options rather than settling for limited, one-size-fits-all packages.
Entertainment plays a meaningful role in wellbeing
Residents engage with content for more than entertainment value alone. For many seniors, programming contributes directly to emotional wellbeing, engagement and lifelong learning.
According to the survey, 57% believe the content they consume is important to their personal wellbeing.
The following entertainment genres were ranked by survey respondents as contributing most significantly to overall wellbeing:
- News
- Documentaries
- Movies
- Historical programming
- Nature and wildlife content
These findings reinforce the importance of providing diverse, high-quality programming experiences that support both enrichment and engagement within senior living environments.
AI adoption among seniors
One of the most surprising findings from the 2026 study was the level of AI adoption among independent living residents.
- 57% report actively using AI tools
- 27% use AI multiple times per day
- 37% use AI a few times per week
- 14% use AI a few times per month
Residents reported using AI primarily for:
- Voice assistants
- Chatbots
- Writing assistance for emails and documents
The strongest area of future interest centers around technical support:
- 65% want AI tools to help answer technology questions or problems
However, residents also expressed thoughtful concerns surrounding AI adoption:
- 73% cited privacy and data security concerns
- 60% questioned accuracy and reliability of information
- 30% worried about losing human connection
These insights suggest seniors are approaching AI with both curiosity and caution — embracing practical value while remaining mindful of trust and transparency.
What this means for independent living communities
The modern independent living resident is digitally engaged, entertainment-driven and increasingly comfortable with emerging technology. Communities that continue to view connectivity and entertainment as secondary amenities risk falling behind evolving resident expectations.
Key takeaways for community owners and operators include:
- High-speed internet is a core resident expectation
- Streaming access and content matter more than ever
- Entertainment contributes to resident wellbeing
- Seniors are demonstrating meaningful adoption of AI tools
- Technology offerings can play a major role in resident satisfaction and differentiation, and potentially attract new residents
As digital behaviors continue to evolve, independent living communities have an opportunity to create more connected, engaging and future-ready resident experiences through thoughtful investment in entertainment and connectivity infrastructure.
Consider DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS® entertainment for independent senior living communities
Independent living senior communities have access to multiple DIRECTV entertainment solutions, including DIRECTV’s Bulk Stream product and the DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS® Advanced Entertainment Platform, which integrates live TV, on demand content and access to popular streaming apps. Visit us online for more information.
