Gender Division in Internet Usage among Silver Surfers

A survey published by Age Concern and Barclays reveals that men aged 55+ mostly use the internet for pursuing hobbies and finding information (78%) while women in this age group use it more as an alternative to the telephone for chatting with friends and family here and abroad (86%).

The survey, conducted by ICM, also shows that most of those who try ICTs like them. Two-thirds of IT users in the 55+ age group agreed that the internet has had a positive impact on their lives. However, there are still many people aged 55+ who have never tried the Internet. 66% of these people say they have no intention of ever taking part in the IT revolution.

The research is the second project resulting from Web Aware, a three-year partnership between the charity Age Concern and Barclays.

Age Concern gives the following example of the split in uses: Tony Frances, 65, took part in an IT course after retiring from HGV driving and bought a computer to use as a joint hobby for himself and his wife, Val, also 65. Together they also run a website on orchids.

Mr Frances says his wife is better at picking things up than he is. 'She emails people all the time. I tend to search around looking up history and geography sites and spend hours restoring family photographs.'

Mrs Frances says she spends more time on the internet than my husband. 'I have to ration myself or I'll get addicted. I email people from all over the world, answering queries from our website on orchids, and keeping in touch with my grandkids. I think absolutely all retired people should have a PC simply because it gives you knowledge and knowledge is power.'

Trends indicate that the increase in the number of families with friends or relatives overseas will impact on internet use between the generations and email will become a serious competitor to the telephone, which is still the preferred method of contact (79%).

In fact, the respondents revealed that they are more likely to own a mobile phone if they already own a PC (77% compared to 68% of non users). They are also twice as likely to use SMS.

The survey showed a north/south divide: surveyed people in Manchester are likely to use the internet for hobbies (78% in Manchester compared with 69% in London). However, those in London are more likely to keep one eye on their savings by banking online (38% in London compared with 32% in Manchester).

The next phase of Web Aware will deliver internet taster sessions within day centres and residential homes, starting with projects in Devon, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Enfield.

Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern England, said: 'Our findings show that older people in the UK are starting to realise the relevance of IT and the internet for their own generation. The challenge for Age Concern and Barclays is to give even more older people the confidence to use their new skills in work, for pleasure and for gaining access to online services. By providing innovative IT training and outreach projects we are working to break down the barriers and make access to IT and the Internet a reality for more older people.'

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