Want to speak to Granny? Poke her

Renowned for not being able to set a video recorder, it seems pensioners are more tech savvy than we give them credit for. New research revealed highlights that nearly two thirds of the over 55s use social networks to keep in touch, 94 per cent use email as their preferred method of communication and one in ten has a Twitter account.

The findings, commissioned by retirement village specialist Audley, found that the older generation are increasingly using new technology to communicate. With family and friends spread all over the world, email, Facebook and Twitter are just some of the channels used to keep in touch.

Networking Nans
Communicating with friends and family through social networks is popular (63 per cent) and more than a third of over 55s use them regularly. Friends Reunited was voted the most popular with 56 per cent of over 55s using it (compared to 40 per cent of under 55s).

Emails are sent everyday by 80 per cent of those questioned, however, a third of over 55s said they still liked to write letters, compared to just 16 per cent of those under 55.

Gadget Gurus
The research also revealed that grandparents are keen to have the latest gadgets. 40 per cent of the over 55s have Sky+ to make sure they don’t miss out on their favourite TV, over a third (38 per cent) have satellite navigation and 96 per cent are always contactable on their mobile phone.

Silver Surfers
99 per cent of over 55s own or use a computer and over a fifth said they regularly use a games console, either independently or with grandchildren, a figure on the increase due to brain training games marketed specifically at the mature.

Time online is spent doing a variety of activities with 97 per cent indulging in retail therapy and 80 per cent managing finances through online banking. Although TV news was cited as the most popular way of getting the latest information, online news channels are increasingly popular with over half (52 per cent) accessing headlines every day.

Nick Sanderson, Chief Executive of Audley commented: “Some may be surprised at the findings, but the generation gap is getting narrower as those reaching retirement are familiar with modern technology and continuing to keep up to speed as they enter the latter stages of life.

“By 2020, half the population of the UK will be aged 50 and over. The mature market demands to be treated equally and this means taking a new approach to retirement living. Keeping in touch with family and friends, sorting out bills and finances and even looking for companionship via online dating – there are no bounds to how the web can fulfil our lives. We actively encourage our residents to use the internet, offering free access in our communal areas, as just one of the many facilities on offer in our villages.”

For more information on Audley retirement villages, please visit audleyretirement.co.uk.