Nearly half (49%) of over-60s are eager to learn more digital skills – as 47% have learned to make video calls, and 22% now know how to sell things online, within the last ten years.
More than a third (37%) of adults who have entered their seventh decade feel that keeping up to date with the latest tech has made their lives easier.
And 65%, of the 1,500 older adults polled, feel you are never too old to learn new things – with the average over-60 having picked up 12 new digital skills in the last decade.
These include how to use how to use QR codes (32%), streaming TV shows and films (18%), and online shopping (42%).
But 39% feel they are far from “tech savvy” – as almost a fifth (18%) are still struggling to get to grips with the daily tasks they now have to do online.
And with almost half (46%) feeling as if they rely on gadgets and technology on a daily basis, six in ten feel there is more pressure on older generations to adapt to using technology as they've been familiar with life without it, compared to the younger generations.
The research, commissioned by BT Group, found one in ten use these skills to feel less lonely.
Victoria Johnson, social impact director at BT Group, said: “It’s brilliant to see through this research just how much over-60s have learnt in a short space of time, and that they’re keen to keep learning.
“To date, we’ve helped more than 14.7 million people across the UK make the most of life in the digital world thanks to our resources.”
The study also found seven in ten of those polled had to use technology in their most recent job, including emails (69%), spreadsheets (41%), and group chats (19%).
But many felt they needed to adapt to an online world simply in order to complete life admin (37%) and stay connected with others (34%).
For almost one in five (18%), using technology has helped them feel less isolated and lonely.
The typical day sees the older age group spend an average of four hours online, spending this time online shopping (67%), paying bills (62%), and keeping up to date with the news (53%).
And while 58% of those polled, via OnePoll, taught themselves how to use various devices, 17% took an in-person class, and 29% learnt via their child.
Victoria Johnson added: “Our purpose is to connect for good, and one of the ways we do this is by helping older people boost their confidence and understanding of digital tools and technology.
“To work towards an inclusive digital future for the UK, we need to ensure that everyone is getting the benefits that technology offers.”
TOP 40 TECH SKILLS OVER 60S HAVE LEARNT IN THE PAST 10 YEARS:
- Making video calls
- Sending emails
- Online shopping
- Online banking
- Using Google Maps (or similar)
- Sending messages in a group chat on apps like WhatsApp and Messenger
- Taking a photo on a mobile phone
- Using QR codes
- Setting up group chats
- How to connect to Wi-Fi
- Using a USB stick
- Ordering online prescriptions
- Booking holidays online
- Comparing insurance quotes
- Editing photos on a phone or computer
- Using Bluetooth
- Posting content on social media
- Setting up social media accounts
- Making an online reservation
- Selling things online
- Downloading a Covid “pass”
- Listening to the radio
- Storing things on the Cloud
- Filming a video on a mobile phone
- Choosing a restaurant
- Streaming films/TV shows
- Setting up home tech
- Using a smart speaker
- Using spreadsheets
- Streaming music
- Ordering food on an app
- Setting up hands-free in the car
- Listening to a podcast
- Applying for jobs online
- Setting up/using a fitness tracker
- Setting up a VPN
- Creating a Reel
- Using hashtags on social media
- Using a games console
- Setting up a YouTube channel
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