Web benefits failing to click with over 60s

80 per cent of over 60s who are offline have a lack of awareness of the benefits of the internet, according to a new survey from the Post Office to mark the run-up to ‘Get Online Week’ which aims to show people across the UK how simple it is to reap the benefits that access to the internet can bring.

Of the over 60s who are not online, less than one in ten (nine per cent) were aware that they could save money through online deals and almost one in five (18 per cent) over 60s thought there would be no benefit at all in being a silver surfer. Only 17 per cent thought that access to the internet would make shopping easier and just six per cent were aware they could manage their money online.

When asked why they have remained ‘non-line’ the top five reasons cited were:
I don’t have access to a computer
I don’t see how it would benefit me
I don’t know how to use a computer or get online
I’m too old to start learning about computers
It’s too expensive

Other barriers cited by older women included being scared of technology (19 per cent) and the internet being ‘too complicated’ (10 per cent). Nine per cent of men over 60 said they were concerned about security.

However, more than a third of non-internet users remain open-minded, with 38 per cent claiming that someone showing them what to do would encourage them to get online. A quarter said the availability of cheap training and access to online facilities locally would encourage them to learn to use the internet. Men appear to be more influenced by cost with 31 per cent saying a cheap internet connection would encourage them to get online.

For the over 60s who had already become part of the ‘silver surfer’ network, 44 per cent said that the internet was making their life better through of the ease of online shopping, whilst 42 per cent use it to manage their finances.

A case in point is TV presenter and former ‘Wish You Were Here’ host Judith Chalmers, who first started using the internet eight years ago. Famed for her love of international travel and exploring new places, Judith now regularly uses the internet to book flights and holidays for herself and her family.

Judith Chalmers said: "Whatever your age, being online opens up a wealth of opportunities - whether you’re pursuing hobbies, ordering birthday presents or searching for the best deals on holidays, it really does place the world at your fingertips. It really isn’t as hard as it looks and the great news is that you are never too old to get started! Take that first step to getting online by picking up a special information leaflet at your local Post Office branch today."

Hugh Stacey, Head of Post Office Telecoms, said: "Our research shows that four in five (80 per cent) digitally excluded people over sixty have little interest in or awareness of the internet. Consequently, we are keen to help these people share the benefits already enjoyed by other over 60 year old ‘silver surfers’ who say that saving money and keeping in touch with their families is easier with the internet.

"The Post Office is supporting ‘Get Online Week’ as we want to encourage people to get connected - pop into your local Post Office and pick up a leaflet to find out more about getting online and any local events that are taking place near you."

Pick up a leaflet at any of the 12,000 Post Office branches now to find out more about how and where to get help with getting on the internet for the first time. ‘Get Online Week’, which is supported by the Post Office, UK Online Centres and the BBC, runs from 18 to 24 October and is aimed at getting as many of the digitally excluded onto the internet as possible.