Growth in number of pensioners using social media

Figures released by the Office for National Statistics have shown a growth in the number of older people using social media. One in seven people over the age of 65 use Twitter or Facebook, while the number of over 55s using social media has doubled since 2012.

To put this into perspective, 92 per cent of people under the age of 25 use social media, showing that older people are not too far behind, which many may automatically assume. Social networks such as Facebook can be a very useful lifeline for people such as stairlift users, as they are able to communicate to the wider world without leaving the home.

Lisa Harris, a spokesperson for Saga, told the Courier: “Social media use amongst over-55s is seeing huge growth as more people see it as a way to keep in touch with friends and family, or to rekindle old friendships – borders are simply no longer a barrier.”

New figures show a large proportion of older people are using social media daily

Saga also conducted their own research, which revealed that 60 per cent of older people stated that they relied on the internet, and could not manage without it, while 40 per cent use it regularly to manage their day-to-day life. Aside from social media, many older people are also using the internet to use video calling software, such as Skype, to connect with children and grandchildren.

Many older people are beginning to use technology such as tablets to access the internet, which can be easier to use than a laptop or computer, due to their touch screen features. They are also easy to transport and can be used while in an arm chair, or from the comfort of a bed.

If you would like to find out more about how you can get online, read our quick start guide to the internet for older people for some tips and tricks.

Image Credit: Roy Blumenthal (flickr.com)

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