Over 55s Benefit From Going Online

The organisation Digital Unite has recently conducted research in which over 55s were interviewed about their online activities and how their lives have improved since they began to explore computers and the internet.

The results of the survey show that eight of ten internet users over 55 said that they shop online and save money. 71 per cent said they benefit from the convenience afforded by banking and conducting other transactions online. Over half of the respondents reported enhanced social interactions online such as emails and Facebook, keeping them in touch with friends and family. Two out of five respondents reported finding new hobbies and interests. Just one in five said being online helped them keep up with their grandchildren.

Generally, over 55s said that being online enabled them to feel connected and thus experience feelings of well-being. Five out of ten people reported feeling more connected. One in six older people said it made them feel happier and more "with it". Being online is reported to make one in six feel younger. An overwhelming 72 per cent said that being online enabled them to feel less isolated, while nearly two thirds said it made them feel less lonely. 81 per cent said being online helped them to feel part of modern society.

Research has also been conducted by Sky Broadband and YouGov to determine the extent of over 55s' online activities. One in three British over 55s use the internet at least once a week. The figure for the West Midlands was 46 per cent. 61 per cent enjoy reading the news online - (This is 74 per cent in the south west). 18 per cent book tickets online once a month or more, For over 55s Londoners this rises to 25 per cent.

Although these figures do look promising at first glance it still means that large percentages of over 55s are not digitally aware and may need much encouragement and motivation to enter the computer and online world.

Large numbers of older people are naturally suspicious of joining the online community, thinking that they will be conned and ripped off and that they might have to start learning foreign languages in order to communicate!

Many older people need to be convinced that there are security measures and well tried and tested advice for staying safe and secure on the internet, such as taking care about divulging personal details.

There is still much to do to encourage more older people to acquire computer skills and get online.

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