This Christmas season, the average grandparent is estimated to spend 27 hours on their smartphone. According to a survey of 2,000 smartphone users who celebrate Christmas, grandparents expect to be on their devices almost three hours each day from Christmas Eve through New Year's Day. Their usage falls just short of the digitally savvy millennials, who plan to be on their devices for four hours daily during the same period.

The study, sponsored by Motorola, revealed that for grandparents, smartphones serve as a bridge for reconnecting with family and loved ones during the holiday season. Nearly half of them 49% utilize messenger apps to chat with family, while 31% use them for video calls. Along with these, 30% are likely to take photos and videos of holiday celebrations, and 28% browse their favorite social media platforms.

The increased use of technology has led 58% of grandparents to feel more connected with their loved ones. In fact, 12% have a smartphone on their Christmas wishlist this year, outdoing the desire for scarves and gloves 8% or gardening tools 7%.

Miles Norman, general manager at Motorola, states that older generations are increasingly adopting smartphone and tablet use. Embracing the digital era has empowered this demographic, allowing them to strengthen existing relationships and forge new connections.

Those who maintain contact with their grandparents average six catch-up sessions each month. One fourth communicate through mobile calls while around 38% use WhatsApp group chats. As a result, 40% of grandchildren feel closer to their grandparents, thanks to technology, and 39% recognize that their elderly family members are adept with their devices.

Interestingly, grandparents are becoming active contributors to online content. Approximately 18% post on Instagram, 11% make YouTube videos, and a surprising 6% generate content on TikTok, narrating a tale of modern grandparenting.

The survey also discovered that for smartphone users, cost is the top consideration 63%, followed by battery life 53%. Being able to connect with friends and family in diverse ways is a significant advantage, as per 45% of the respondents, while 34% of grandparents cherish receiving up-to-date photos of their grandchildren.