Ofcom research reveals over-65’s internet boom

Pensioners are spending more time online than any other group of users according to research from broadcaster watchdog Ofcom. The UK Communications Market Report, released today (August 23) found that over-50s now account for 30% of all time spend online.

The “Silver surfers” – aged 65 and over – spend an average of 42 hours per month on the internet, compared with 37.9 hours among 18 to 24-year-olds.

The report also shows that internet is also becoming more popular with women, with females between the ages of 25 and 49 years old accounting for more than half the time spent online in that age group.

Figures show the internet saw a 158% increase in average daily use between 2002 and 2006, while television dipped by 4% and radio by 2% for the same period. The increase in internet use is reflected in advertising spend; online advertising revenue leapt by 47% from 2005 to 2006, to exceed £2bn.

Television advertising dropped from £4.82bn in 2005 to £4.59bn in 200 and radio advertising revenue continued to decline, falling from £485m to £437m. In the past five years, radio advertising spend in the UK has dropped by more than 14%.