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Research finds internet habits of those over 65 years old

MORE and more tech-savvy grandparents are joining the rest of the world online. Here are some of the surprising things they’re looking at.

Mature Caucasian couple looking at laptop.
Mature Caucasian couple looking at laptop.

OLDER people are embracing the internet, with most willing to give up TV, radio and newspapers before going offline.

And many of them are spending their time looking at Google Earth.

A British survey of 1000 people over the age of 65 shows that two thirds believed internet and computers had moved past television, radio and nuclear power to be “the most revolutionary inventions of their lifetime”.

But other than exploring the world through their screen, just what are older people doing with their hours of screen time?

The first discovery was a tenth of the sample group admitted they were considering joining dating apps or websites so they could swipe right for love.

Researchers suggest by doing so they would join the likes of 520,000 other elderly folk who have found companionship online.

As well as looking for love online, over half of the participants said they used the internet to keep in contact with their families and friends.

However, the most astounding finding of the report was the priority the older generation put on using the internet to source news and information.

Of those interviewed, 98 per cent said they would give up television, radio and newspapers, before the internet.

While the oldies have been embracing the new technology, Chief Corporate and Strategy Officer at EE Stephen Harris said they still have a ways to go.

“It’s encouraging to see the internet and technology playing such an important role in keeping families connected and ensuring older generations don’t feel isolated from society,” he said.

“The research tells us that the over 65s are using the internet at least once a day, but not everyone feels confident in their online skills.”

Top ten uses of the internet for over 65’s:

1. Email

2. Online shopping

3. Researching local services and products

4. Internet banking

5. Reading news online

6. Looking up places they have never been on Google Earth

7. Social Media

8. Looking up places from their past on Google Earth

9. Property searches

10. Connecting with old friends

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Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/technology/online/social/research-finds-internet-habits-of-those-over-65-years-old/news-story/0093d26c118a6c4f99394ba3d5509320