Friday, 16 March 2007

The elderly and the internet!

Men are from Mars, women are from Venus - and when it comes to computers, this theory certainly appears to hold true. A new survey published today by Age Concern and Barclays reveals that men aged 55+ mostly use the internet for pursuing hobbies and finding information (78%) while women in this age group use it more as an alternative to the telephone for chatting with friends and family here and abroad (86%).

  • According to Age Concern 44% of over 50's have no access to a computer.
  • 89% of over 60's have never used the internet.
  • 83% surf on a regular basis according to a survey by BTopenworld.
  • 35% say it has offered them a wider circle of friends after retirement.
  • According to NAO 17% of over 65's have logged on the the internet, compared with 94% of 16-24 year olds.
  • By 2025 23 million adults could be missing out on what the internet has to offer.Anecdotes:
  1. The 75-year-old would only be allowed to sign the forms for the Carphone Warehouse's TalkTalk phone and broadband package if she was accompanied by a younger member of her family who could explain the small print to her.
  2. "I love playing poker and bingo online with people all over the world. I find websites are a great way to meet new friends. My grandchildren call me 'cybergran'!" said Bradford surfer, Elizabeth Sheridan, 73.

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