Nearly one in five over-60s are still struggling to adapt to an online world, according to research from BT Group.
The survey of 1,500 older adults found 39 per cent feel they are anything but ‘tech savvy’, with 18 per cent finding it difficult to get to grips with the online tasks they now have to do day-to-day.
Six in 10 think there’s more pressure on older generations to adapt to using technology because they’ve been familiar with life without it, compared to the younger generations.
As a result, almost half want to learn more tech skills, as 46 per cent feel they have to rely on gadgets and technology on a daily basis.
In the last 10 years, the typical over-60 has learnt 12 new tech related skills including making video calls (47 per cent), online shopping (42 per cent) and how to use QR codes (32 per cent). With one in 10 using tech skills in order to feel less lonely, this festive season is a great time to encourage the older people in your life to learn new things.
Ordering prescriptions (29 per cent), selling things online (22 per cent) and streaming films and TV shows (18 per cent) also featured in the list of modern skills older adults have grown used to.
And 65 per cent 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 over 14.7 million people across the UK make the most of life in the digital world thanks to our resources.
“BT Group’s 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 for the UK, we need to ensure that everyone is getting the benefits that technology offers.”
The study also found seven in 10 of those polled had to use technology in their most recent job, including emails (69 per cent), spreadsheets (41 per cent) and group chats (19 per cent).
Many felt they have needed to adapt to an online world in order to complete life admin (37 per cent) and stay connected with others (34 per cent).
Of those surveyed 37 per cent said doing so has made their life easier, while 18 per cent 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, by online shopping (67 per cent), paying bills (62 per cent) and keeping up to date with news (53 per cent).
Whilst 58 per cent taught themselves how to use various devices, 17 per cent took an in-person class and 29 per cent learnt via their child.
More on how BT Group can help with a range of resources can be found here: Helping you learn new digital skills
TOP 40 TECH SKILLS OVER 60S HAVE LEARNT IN THE PAST 10 YEARS:
Making video calls
Sending emails
Online shopping
Online banking
Using Google Maps (or similar)
Sending messages in a group chat
Taking a photo on a mobile phone
Using QR codes
Setting up group chats on apps like WhatsApp and Messenger
How to connect to WiFi
Using a USB stick
Ordering online prescriptions
Booking holidays online
Comparing insurance quotes
Editing photos on your phone or computer
Using Bluetooth
Posting content on social media
Setting up social media accounts
Making an online reservation
Selling things online
Downloading a covid ‘pass’
Listening to the radio
Storing things on the cloud
Filming a video on a mobile phone
Choosing a restaurant
Streaming films/TV shows
Setting up home tech
Using a smart speaker
Using spreadsheets
Streaming music
Ordering food on an app
Setting up hands free in the car
Listening to a podcast
Applying for jobs online
Setting up /using a fitness tracker
Setting up a VPN
Creating a reel
Using hashtags on social media
Using a games console
Setting up a YouTube channel
