Exploring Intergenerational Communication: Jiffcy's Survey on Gen Z and Seniors

Exploring Intergenerational Communication: Jiffcy's Latest Survey

In celebration of Respect for the Aged Day, Jiffcy conducted an insightful survey aimed at understanding the dynamics of communication between Generation Z and seniors. Jiffcy, a communication-focused app dedicated to bridging generational gaps, implemented this survey to analyze how younger people interact with the elderly, in a society increasingly marked by demographic shifts, including a growing aging population and declining birth rates.

Introduction of Jiffcy and Survey Context

Founded in Tokyo by CEO Seikyo Nishimura, Jiffcy's mission is to 'unlock the potential of communication'. As we mark the third Monday of September, a day dedicated to honoring our senior citizens, the company took the opportunity to engage Z generation individuals—those aged 15 to 29—in a study examining their communication preferences and perceptions concerning older adults. Given Japan's current socioeconomic challenges, including rising social security costs and labor shortages, understanding these dynamics is crucial.

The survey was conducted among 300 young individuals within the Z generation, aiming to uncover their attitudes towards older individuals, recent perceptions about aging, and their preferred means of communication with seniors. This exploration is vital as Japan's elderly population is projected to comprise nearly 40% of the total by 2070, with production-age individuals dwindling to just 1.3 per senior citizen.

Survey Results: Communication Preferences

The survey results revealed several fascinating insights about how Z generation individuals communicate with seniors:

1. Key Areas of Focus: The top three considerations for Zs when communicating with seniors include:
- Word Choice (62.5%)
- Speaking Slowly (47.8%)
- Active Responses (42.7%)

These findings indicate that Z generation individuals prioritize considerate communication, aiming to be mindful of their language and engagement when speaking with seniors. Participants reflected a desire to connect on a deeper emotional level, with many mentioning the importance of maintaining eye contact and responding appropriately during conversations.

2. Positive Perceptions of Seniors: When asked about their impressions of older adults, Z generation respondents predominantly associated seniors with positive traits:
- Enjoying Hobbies (44.0%)
- Health-Conscious (39.9%)
- Energetic (39.6%)

This suggests that the younger generation harbors a favorable view of seniors, viewing them as active and engaged individuals rather than succumbing to stereotypes of complacency or inactivity, which is commonly represented in societal narratives.

3. Preferred Communication Methods: Regarding modalities for interaction, participants cited various platforms:
- Telephone Calls (56.0%)
- LINE (43.3%)
- Video Calls (20.8%)
- Jiffcy (17.1%)

Notably, the study highlighted a marked decline in the use of emails, with virtually no respondents employing this method to communicate with seniors, showcasing a shift towards instant messaging and video interactions driven by technological advancements.

4. Telephone Interaction High Points: About 30% of respondents indicated that while they do not often call seniors, they receive calls from them. This statistic reflects an interesting power dynamic in communication strategies, with younger individuals often serving as recipients rather than initiators of these exchanges.

5. Utilization of Jiffcy: Surprisingly, 74.1% of Z generation respondents affirmed that they occasionally call seniors using Jiffcy or receive calls from them. This points to the app's growing acceptance among older users, debunking the stereotype that it is solely a tool for the youth.

6. Reasons for Jiffcy Usage: The key reasons for using Jiffcy with seniors include:
- Family Usage (37.7%)
- Senior Proficiency in IT (35.8%)
- Convenience (32.1%)

Such responses imply that Jiffcy not only facilitates communication but also relates to the family dynamics, with many young people using the platform due to its familiarity with family members.

Conclusion and Future Directions

CEO Seikyo Nishimura stated that the survey brought to light the significant, dynamic relationship between Z generation and older adults. The results indicate that seniors are largely seen as vibrant, aspirational figures with whom the youth wish to connect. In a nation grappling with an increasing elderly demographic, it is crucial that these individuals are respected and valued, showcasing their interests and active lifestyles.

Jiffcy aims to foster a world where communication thrives across generations, offering tools that bring people together, irrespective of age. By addressing communicative challenges, Jiffcy is dedicated to providing a platform that enhances interactions between younger and older generations, pushing towards an inclusive communication future.

Survey Methodology

The research on intergenerational communication was conducted from September 5 to September 15, 2025, through internet surveys targeted at Generation Z participants, with a total of 300 valid responses collected. Note that percentages are approximations based on rounded values.

About Jiffcy

Jiffcy is a unique app that allows users to communicate through text while experiencing a phone-like interaction. With its real-time text feature, users can communicate without speaking, engaging in meaningful conversations in a novel way. Established in January 2018, Jiffcy has become increasingly popular among students and families alike, being recognized with prestigious awards in recent years.