Year Published: 2018
Date Published: 05/11/2018
Author/s: Susan Davidson (AgeUK)
Research Link: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/globalassets/age-uk/documents/reports-and-publications/age_uk_digital_inclusion_evidence_review_2018.pdf
Key Takeaways:
Susan Davidson (AgeUK)
The trend over the last decade has been for increasing internet use among the older population. However, a substantial group – including the majority of those age 75 and over – are not online.
Over 79% of all digital exclusion is among those aged 65 and over. Also worrying is that there is a group of lapsed users who have used the internet in the past but no longer do, and we do not know why.
Factors that most strongly explain the likelihood of an individual aged 65+ not using the internet are:
- Lower income
- Older age
- Living alone
- Mobility challenges
- Problems with memory or ability to concentrate (self-rated)
Older people are not only less likely than younger people to go online, but those who use the internet are more like to be ‘narrower’ users, carrying out fewer activities. The most popular online activities among people aged 65+ are emails and finding information about goods and services. However, only around a quarter (27%) of this age group use social networking, compared to nearly all (96%) internet users age 16 – 24.
The benefits of being online include accessing services and information, for example public services and utilities. There is mixed evidence for reducing loneliness and improving quality of life.