1 in 5 people over 60 struggle to adapt to an online world

By Alice Hughes, 72Point via SWNS

Nearly one in five people over 60 are still struggling to adapt to an online world.

The survey of 1,500 adults, who have reached their seventh decade, found 39 percent feel they are anything but ‘tech savvy.'

And 18 percent find it difficult to get to grips with the online tasks they now have to do day-to-day.

But six in 10 think there's more pressure on older generations to adapt to using technology as they've been familiar with life without it, compared to the younger generations.

As a result, almost half (49 percent) want to learn more digital skills, as 46 percent feel they have to rely on gadgets and technology on a daily basis.

It also emerged the typical over 60 has learnt 12 new tech-related skills in the last 10 years, including making video calls (47 percent), online shopping (42 percent) and how to use QR codes (32 percent).

Ordering prescriptions (29 percent), selling things online (22 percent) and streaming films and TV shows (18 percent) also featured in the list of modern skills older adults have grown used to.

The research, commissioned by BT Group, found one in 10 use these skills to feel less lonely.

And 65 percent believe you are never too old to learn new things.

Victoria Johnson, social impact director at BT Group, said: “It’s brilliant to see through this research just how much over 60s have learnt in a short space of time and that they’re keen to keep learning.

"To date, we’ve helped more than 14.7 million people across the UK make the most of life in the digital world thanks to our resources."

The study also found seven in 10 of those polled had to use technology in their most recent job, including emails (69 percent), spreadsheets (41 percent) and group chats (19 percent).

But many felt they needed to adapt to an online world in order to complete life admin (37 percent) and stay connected with others (34 percent).

For 37 percent, doing so has made their life easier, while 18 percent said using technology has helped them feel less isolated and lonely.

The typical day sees the older age group spend an average of four hours online, online shopping (67 percent), paying bills (62 percent) and keeping up to date with news (53 percent).

While 58 percent of those, polled via OnePoll, taught themselves how to use various devices, 17 percent took an in-person class and 29 percent learnt via their child.

Victoria Johnson added: “Our purpose is to connect for good, and one of the ways we do this is by helping older people boost their confidence and understanding of digital tools and technology.

"To work towards an inclusive digital future, we need to ensure that everyone is getting the benefits that technology offers.”

TOP 40 TECH SKILLS OVER 60S HAVE LEARNT IN THE PAST 10 YEARS:

1. Making video calls

2. Sending emails

3. Online shopping

4. Online banking

5. Using Google Maps (or similar)

6. Sending messages in a group chat on apps like WhatsApp and Messenger

7. Taking a photo on a mobile phone

8. Using QR codes

9. Setting up group chats

10. How to connect to WiFi

11. Using a USB stick

12. Ordering online prescriptions

13. Booking holidays online

14. Comparing insurance quotes

15. Editing photos on a phone or computer

16. Using Bluetooth

17. Posting content on social media

18. Setting up social media accounts

19. Making an online reservation

20. Selling things online

21. Downloading a covid ‘pass’

22. Listening to the radio

23. Storing things on the cloud

24. Filming a video on a mobile phone

25. Choosing a restaurant

26. Streaming films/TV shows

27. Setting up home tech

28. Using a smart speaker

29. Using spreadsheets

30. Streaming music

31. Ordering food on an app

32. Setting up hands-free in the car

33. Listening to a podcast

34. Applying for jobs online

35. Setting up /using a fitness tracker

36. Setting up a VPN

37. Creating a reel

38. Using hashtags on social media

39. Using a games console

40. Setting up a YouTube channel