Internet broadband take-up soars amongst the over 50s

John Hillman looks at the surge in Internet use amongst the over 50s and what could be behind this most recent Internet growth trend.

New research into broadband Internet usage shows that the over 50s are racing ahead of the younger generations when it comes to getting connected.

More and more over 50s are taking advantage of the increase in broadband connectivity around the UK, and now make up more than 50% of new users.

This trend also appears to be fuelled by the growth of cheap netbooks, which make accessing the Internet now more affordable than ever before. More than 85 million netbooks have been sold worldwide in the last three years alone.

Relevant online content is another reason why over 50s are flocking to the Internet. Tracking down old acquaintances and keeping in touch with friends and family, thanks to Facebook, is the most popular online activity.

“The Internet is getting older in more ways than one. Not only is the medium itself maturing but the audience is shifting towards older age groups.” Says UKOM spokesperson Alex Burmaster

“This growth is a reminder, if one was still needed, that it is very much a form of media utilised by all age groups. The fact that one in four Britons who use the Internet today are 50 to 64 years old proves it is no longer the sole preserve of the young and technical literati.”

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