20 Apr Boomers as Tech-Savvy as Millennials? For Realz?

Boomers may not be the first group to run out and buy the latest Netbook or iPad, they ARE as likely as our young Millennials to own computers, access the Web on a daily basis, and own gadgets like the latest mobile phones.

According to Ad Age, 46- to 64-year-olds spend an average of $650 on online shopping over a three month period, versus $581 for Gen X and $429 for Gen Y. Even more interesting: 50- to 64-year-olds had an 88 percent increase in social media usage from April 2009 to May 2010. Think your mother-in-law doesn’t tweet? Ha! Think again!

The latest research shows that Boomers and Millennials actually have a lot in common, as they both grew up during prosperous and robust economic times.

The stats are overwhelming:

Email usage                        91% Boomers             94% Millennials

Search Engines                 88% Boomers             89% Millennials

Use online ratings            30% Boomers             31% Millennials

Get news                             74% Boomers             83% Millennials

What are your thoughts? Do you see the tie between Boomers and Millennials? Does it change the way you’re marketing your product or service?