Increased Internet and Tablet Use from Older Adults, Study Says

Increased Internet and Tablet Use from Older Adults

A new study from Ofcom Adults’ Media Use and Attitudes Report 2014 indicates that adults, specifically people aged 65 and older, are accessing the internet now more than ever. Increased access is thanks mostly in part to tablets. The number of older people aged 65-74 using tablets using tablets online increased from 5 percent in 2012 to 17 percent in 2013.

The study also states that tablets alone aren’t the only reason for the increase in internet usage with older adults. More places around the globe are now becoming connected to the internet. Due to faster internet speeds and devices, as well as the ease of access to social media platforms via apps, people aged 65 and older are on the internet more than they were even two years ago. Forty-two percent of people aged 65 or older accessed the internet in 2013, an increase to 33 percent in 2012. Overall internet usage for all adults rose from 79 percent in 2012 to 83 percent in 2013.

Despite the increase in older adults being online, they still spend less of their time online than younger people. Their activities online also markedly vary.

• Young people aged 16-24 spend an average of 24 hours and 12 minutes online per week. Adults over 65 spend an average of nine hours and 12 minutes online per week.
• Sixty-eight percent of adult users regularly access social media

As far as social networking sites go, Facebook remains the primary service for many. Other social networking sites, such as Twitter and YouTube, are less popular.

• Sixty-six percent of adults said they have a current social networking site profile unchanged since 2012
• Of those 66 percent, 96 percent have a Facebook profile
• Three out of ten social networkers have a Twitter profile
• Only 22 percent are signed up on YouTube
• Twenty percent have a WhatsApp profile

In recent history, mobile activities have increased exponentially. Fifty-five percent of mobile users, no matter their age, use their devices to send email, receive email, and visit social networking sites or apps.

Source: “Adults’ Media Use and Attitudes Report 2014.” 2014. https://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/

“Tablets are helping to drive more older people online: stats.” 2014. https://econsultancy.com

“Tablets drive over-65s' web use rise.” 2014. www.bbc.com

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