Press & PR

The internet is no longer a playground for youngsters as over 50s are increasingly plugging into the world wide web, it has been suggested.

So-called 'silver-surfers' are riding the wave of broadband internet adoption, which was highlighted by a recent Ofcom report finding that they make up a quarter of all web users.

While older people may have been slow to pick up on the benefits of the internet, it was suggested by Lisa Harris, group communications manager for Saga Group, that they are catching up fast.

"The biggest increase in the number of internet users is amongst the over 50s", she said.

"They are rapidly turning to not just researching online but also online shopping and even social networking."

Ms Harris added that older net users are "more thoughtful" when using the web – a view that is backed up by Ofcom research which shows silver surfers spend 42 hours a month on the net compared to 37.9 hours among 18 to 24-year-olds.



With greater numbers of older people getting online, there are increasing opportunities to keep in contact with them and make sure they are doing well.

Internet telephone services, such as those on offer by Vonage, allow unlimited calls across the UK and Ireland for a flat fee of £5.99 a month – meaning checking up on gran has never been cheaper.