London - Not so long ago, it was a world thought to be the preserve of the younger generation.
But the image of grandma puzzling over search engine tools, avatars and right-click menus is fast becoming a false stereotype.
Not only are the over-65s no longer daunted by the internet, they say using it is “like an anti-ageing cream” which keeps them feeling young, a study has found.
Research into the technology habits of the older generation has revealed a rise of the web-savvy “silver-surfer”.
It found that more pensioners than ever are turning to the internet to keep in contact with friends and family, seek out bargains and learn skills or information.
Research by ICM for O2 found that 77 percent of over-65s have their own computer, iPad, or laptop.
A majority of them said modern gadgets improved their life.
The proliferation of e-mail, social networking sites, and video-calling technology such as Skype means the elderly are trying out a wider range of options to keep in touch.
They are no longer relying on occasional phone calls or cards and are instead joining websites to get in touch with old friends, and even turning to online dating.
Two fifths of those surveyed described the effect of using the internet and gadgets as “like using an anti-ageing cream”.
Verity Gill, founding director of Grannynet, a website aimed at grandparents, said: “Many people from an older generation can use technology just as well as their juniors. It’s time people’s perceptions caught up with reality.”
She said: “Nonetheless, many are still being left behind, creating a digital divide between those with the confidence to use technology and those without it.”
Three-quarters of those polled said they would like more assistance as technology changes rapidly.
Many felt they were patronised by shop assistants who used too much jargon when explaining how to use new tools.
Almost 60 percent preferred to seek advice from their peers because they would feel more comfortable and be able to communicate better with people closer to their own age.
O2’s Gurus For Life campaign is searching for the country’s most technologically savvy grandparents to work in stores or online and offer free help to other older people.
A spokesman said: “There are no age limits when it comes to using technology. But while many older people are embracing the digital world, there are many who can feel alienated.” – Daily Mail