Retired people 'take advantage' of the internet

4th December 2007

Many older people are putting the internet to good use, according to the British Computer Society (BCS).

It claimed that surfing the web has become a "popular activity" among the retired population.

David Evans, government relations manager for the BCS said:**INSERT SPACE**"It's very important that people of all ages have the opportunity and support in moving online, should they choose to do so."

He explained that it was vital people were not excluded from the internet revolution as that could lead to a "disenfranchised segment of society".

Training, education and access were more important factors than age when it came to adjusting to the internet, added Mr Evans

Ofcom recently claimed that the over 50s account for one-quarter of total internet users, spending 42 hours per month online, compared to 37.9 hours spent by 18 to 24-year-olds.

Lloyds TSB also found that 68 per cent of the older population were banking online during 2006, compared to 18 per cent the previous year.