More than a third of over-65s are online
Published on 09 August 2013 02:00 PM
Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have shown that 37% of over-65s regularly access the internet.
According to data from the ONS, the number of older people going online has shown a positive increase, with over a third of over-65s using the internet on a daily basis.
Sending and receiving emails and finding information about goods and services were shown as the most popular activities among those aged 65 and over, while only 1% used the internet to take online courses.
Although internet use via mobile phone has increased in the past three years, access to the internet 'on the go' using mobile phones and/or portable computers was just 17% for the 65+ age group. The statistics also showed that internet use differed by gender. For example, whereas 29% of males aged 65 to 74 years had never used the internet, the corresponding total for females was 38%.
On-going training and support still needed
Commenting on new data about Internet Access from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), Michelle Mitchell, Age UK Charity Director General, said:
'It is positive news that over a third (37%) of people aged 65 and over use the internet on a daily basis as the internet can offer a myriad of benefits. However, we know that there are still millions of older people, particularly those aged 75 and over, who have never used the internet.
'Whilst more people in later life are getting online even those who do use the internet remain reluctant to undertake activities such as internet banking with less than a quarter (23%) having done so and only 36% having purchased items online. Older people are also less likely to use government websites than younger people.
'In the context of the government and businesses directing people to use their services online, it is important that on-going training and support are available for the five million people aged 65 and over who have never been online, as well as for those who are online but who may need additional help to undertake certain activities.'