Three quarters of people aged over 60 now use their mobile phones every day to connect to the internet, according to French news channel TF1info.
The report, released on 10 September 2026, shows that high screen usage is becoming generalized among senior citizens, who increasingly use mobile devices as their primary tool for news and entertainment.
Among those incorporating smartphones into their morning routines is Henri, a 71 year old retiree. He records nearly five hours of daily phone use, making the device a central part of his everyday life.
Henri often begins his morning with his eyes fixed on his screen, browsing online classified advertising sites. He then transitions to social media and streaming services, spending time on Instagram and YouTube.
Senior screen time and digital habits
The data underscores a broader societal transition toward daily mobile internet consumption among older demographics. Three out of four adults over the age of 60 now log on through their phones daily, reflecting how handheld technology has penetrated older age groups.
For many retirees, the smartphone serves dual purposes as both a portal for information and a source of personal amusement, filling leisure hours with online browsing and digital media.
Broadcasting digital trends in France
The findings were presented by the video editorial team of TF1info, the online news outlet associated with Television Francaise 1. TF1 is France's leading private national television broadcaster, established in 1975 following the restructuring of public broadcasting. Its flagship 1pm weekday news bulletin, known as the 13H, frequently explores everyday societal topics, consumer affairs, and technological shifts in French society.
Online classified portals allow users to buy, sell, or trade second hand goods and local services directly from mobile devices. Meanwhile, platforms like Instagram, the photo and video sharing network owned by Meta Platforms, and YouTube, the global video sharing service owned by Alphabet Inc., have seen expanding usage among older adults seeking specialized video channels, hobbyist content, and community updates.
As smartphone adoption continues across Europe, older generations are spending more time connected to digital networks, adopting online habits that mirror those of younger users.
