Silver surfers warned to take precautions online

This week Saga announced the launch of a social networking site for the over 50s. Steve Weller, Head of Communications Services at independent price comparison and switching service, uSwitch.com, comments: “It’s great news that the power of the silver surfers is finally being tapped into. Over half (52%) of over 45s have internet access at home and nearly a third (30%) of over 65s are hooked up to the net, so this market has enormous potential.

“The over-50s spend more time online than 18 – 29 year olds, devoting a total of almost 34 days a year or 15 hrs 34 minutes a week to internet activities. An hour and a half of this time is already devoted to social networking. The fact that the older generation also spends more time emailing than younger people (3 hours 35 minutes a week compared to 3 hours 1 minute) is a sure sign that they are already using the internet to keep in touch.

“In general, the older generation enjoys ‘safe surfing’ and use more to protect themselves from internet viruses. 87% of over 55’s have spam filters in place, compared to 79% of 18 – 24 year olds. However it is still very important that Saga Zone’s users take care when disclosing personal details online, to avoid inadvertently exposing themselves to the risk of identity theft or phishing. One third (32%) of over 55s open unsolicited emails before they delete them, which gives a clear signal to spammers that the email address is live and the spam filter hasn’t worked.”

Weller continues: “Socialising is incredibly important to the older generation. They usually have more time on their hands, especially once they retire, and may not be able to get out and about as much as they would like to. We are sure that they will grasp this opportunity to socialise in style from the comfort of their own homes.”